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Planting density is a key determinant of horticultural productivity and fruit quality, particularly under tropical conditions where intraspecific competition can modulate the phenotypic expression of hybrids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three planting distances (15, 30, and 45 cm) on two commercial melon hybrids (Cucumis melo L.), Bobby F1 and Caribbean Gold, established in a randomized complete block design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement and three replications. The variables analyzed included number of fruits, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit weight, and yield (kg/ha). The results revealed a significant Distance × Hybrid interaction for number of fruits, diameter, length, and weight, indicating differential genotypic responses to plant population competition. The 15 cm spacing promoted higher fruit diameter and weight in Caribbean Gold, whereas Bobby F1 exhibited relatively better performance at intermediate densities for certain yield components. Yield per hectare was affected exclusively by planting distance (p ? 0.05), with the highest value recorded at 15 cm, confirming that increased plant population optimized productivity per unit area without compromising commercial fruit quality. It is concluded that yield optimization in intensive tropical production systems depends on the integration of planting density and hybrid selection. A 15 cm spacing represents the most efficient alternative to maximize yield per unit area; however, hybrid-specific morphological responses should be considered when developing technical recommendations.
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