ADAPTATIONS
Cantaloupe lives in many areas and has adapted to obtain the
most nutrients and surface area possible to maximize growth. It
must be able to deal with changes in the Ph level and when there
is too much water.
Vines
Cantaloupe's main structure are vines which do not grow
vertically but spread out to cover the maximum amount of surface
area. Once it has grown somewhat, it can usually outcompete
weeds and other plants attempting to grow. Vines also have an
advantage over trees because they do not have to focus on
support tissue and can put more energy into leaves, fruit, and flowers.
But this can lead to problems in relation to such as harsh
weather which can destroy a whole group of cantaloupe and less
protection than trees.
pH level
Cantaloupe has adapted to a variety of soils between the pHs of
5 to 6.8. While it favors a more base soil concentration, it can
handle lower amounts with reduced growth.
General Environment:
Different subspecies of Cantaloupe grow according to
the different environmental stimuli such as temperature, amount
of rainfall, and different pests. Since Cantaloupes have been
introduced to a variety of environments, many variants are seen,
such a muskmelon. While being slightly genetically different,
they can still interbreed and hybridize with each other.
Fungus:
Some subspecies of Cucumis melo can resist a type of
fungus called powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually starts on
older leaves and spreads to the rest of the plant.
these varieties are able to resist it and not be consumed by the
fungus. Click here for more
information on powdery mildew.
Root System:
Cucumis melo has an extensive root system consisting of
a taproot and numerous horizontal roots. In relation to the vine growth, the taproot length is slightly lower in size(about 4 inches). The horizontal roots
though can extend to a foot or more than the vine length, covering a large
surface area
underground. This allows the plant to have a enormous absorption area, to give
ample amounts of water and nutrients to the nutrient hungry above ground system.
by Weaver J and Bruner W, root system of cantaloupe