Growers in Northwest Missouri have traditionally produced muskmelons on the loess soils in this part of the state. Sandy soils along the Missouri River are especially well-suited for muskmelon production. Markets represent a problem as the largest terminal markets are at Kansas City and Omaha. Melons imported from Texas and other southern states capture the early market in this area so commercial producers usually market their melons in northern cities. This variety trial was planted to determine which melon cultivars would produce the best in the climate of this region.

Nine muskmelon varieties were evaluated in the trial garden at Graves Research Plots, eight varieties at Hundley-Whaley Research Plots and five varieties at St Joseph. The deep loess soil was well drained and received adequate rainfall during most of the growing season. Irrigation was not used during the experiment. Seeds were placed in the field on May 21. Six hills of each variety were planted 9' apart in rows 10' apart. Plants were sprayed with Pounce on June 18 and diazinon on June 23 and June 30 to control cucumber beetles and squash bugs. Weeds were controlled by an application of Treflan preplant, then hoeing and tilling three times. All the melons were harvested , counted, and weighed on August 13, 16 and 21.

At Graves "Acaballero' produced the most melons followed by ' Athena' and 'ACX4757'. At Hundley- Whaley 'Achapparal' had the most melons followed by 'Minerva' and 'Sweet Dream'. At St Joseph 'RML8795 had the most melons followed by 'Athena'. At all locations the heaviest melons were produced by 'RML8726'.

The season began wet and cool but soon turned to very hot and dry until September. Very little rain was received in July and August and yields reflected these conditions.