An experimental site was selected at Yuma Agricultural Research Center, University of Arizona, to evaluate the effect of Messenger on melon plant growth and yield. Four treatments in completely randomized block design replicated four times were applied to melon planted on 84- inch beds. High Mark open pollinated melon variety was planted on 3-20-2001 using a commercial planter. Treatments included Messenger applied at 3-leaf stage on 5-4-2001 Messenger applied every 14 days starting on 5-15, 5-29, 6-13, 6-27-2001, standard management practices and control. Observations collected included plant mapping and yield. Results were variable, showed no significant effect of Messenger on plant growth and yield. However, there was indication that Messenger may have an effect on plant growth pattern and yield. Messenger applied at 3-leaf stage and repeated applications seemed to induce an early melon formation, increased number of nodes and yield. It was not possible to make recommendation based on one-year results. Further investigation is needed to verify the results obtained from this experiment.

Messenger applied at three timely applications at early runner, bloom, and fruiting stages of watermelon versus bi-weekly applications, showed no significant statistical differences for vine length, number of blooms, or harvestable yields. Visual observations for the watermelon plant health at the end of the season tended to indicate that the three timely applications resulted in slightly more vigorous plants than the bi-weekly treated watermelon plants. Cantaloupe vine growth, number of fruit set, yield weight, and fruit size were not different between Messenger treatments and were not enhanced compared to the untreated check.

Processing onions were treated with AuxiGro in spring 2001. Applications were applied at four and 7.5 weeks prior to harvest. A single application of 4 oz. product/acre at either four or 7.5 weeks prior to harvest increased yield by approximately 0.7 tons/acre. Two applications resulted in a 1.3 tons/acre yield increase. Differences noted were not statistically different, but the two application treatment provided an increased net return of approximately $95/acre.

Dry Seed+, a fertilizer/plant growth regulator, was applied to processing onions at planting in the fall of 1998 to evaluate the effect on yields. Yield data obtained June 1999 indicated no effect in this experiment, although this was dissimilar to other trial results. Salt content at the field was thought to have limited yields, and have stressed growing plants, which may have contributed to lack of yield differences noted. Further testing is necessary to further evaluate this product.