Phosphorus is used throughout the growth period, ensuring a good start and continued growth of a higher yielding crop. It also helps produce thicker skins with well-developed melon netting.
Increasing melon fruit netting
Melon netting is the waxy, raised crisscross, net-like protecting structure found on the rind of some Cantaloupe types.
Crop Nutrition and Melon Fruit Netting
Phosphorus
![Phosphorus and Yield](http://www.yara.us/images/399-12461604%20Phosphorous%20graph.png)
Calcium
![Calcium and Fruit Quality](http://www.yara.us/images/399-12461706%20Calcium%20graph.png)
By increasing calcium in the fruit, growers can ensure better melon net development and reduced chilling damage.
Boron
Like calcium, boron plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the fruit skin. Where supplies of boron are not limiting, skin is more elastic, thereby minimizing cracking and improving melon netting.