Greenhouse Vertical Cultivation to Improve Production Earliness and Fruit Yield and Quality of Melon

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a major horticultural crop cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions, with increasing importance due to its nutritional value and consumer demand. Currently, melon is grown both in the open field and greenhouse, which differ significantly in agronomic practices, production cost, environmental impact, and fruit yield. Recently, vertical cultivation in greenhouses has been tested as an alternative to traditional trailing systems. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of four melon hybrids, named 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2008, in two soil-based cultivation systems, the traditional trailing growth habit in the open field, and vertical cultivation in the greenhouse. Results revealed significant differences between cultivation systems in fruit yield and quality. Vertical cultivation resulted in a higher yield compared to the open field (7.8 vs. 6.6 kg m^-2). Fruits harvested from vertically grown plants showed higher levels of total phenolic compounds, enhancing their nutraceutical value. Among the tested hybrids, 2008 reached the highest yield (8.7 kg m^-2) along with notable nutritional and nutraceutical properties, while 2001 and 2003 showed a superior quality profile, with higher concentrations of K, P, and phenolic compounds. Overall, hybrid 2008 exhibited the best agronomic response across both cultivation systems, combining higher productivity and fruit quality, and can therefore be considered the most suitable genotype for both open-field and vertical farming conditions. The observed genetic variability among the hybrids underscores the importance of selecting the plant genotype best adapted to the chosen cultivation system.