Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an important
cucurbitaceous vegetable. Its fruit, which is also called watermelon, is an especial
kind referred to by botanists as a pepo; a berry which has a thick rind
(exocarp) and fleshy center (mesocarpaud eudocarp). Pepos are derived from an inferior
ovary, and are characteristic of the cucurbitaceous
Watermelon can be
grown in garden land, though it is a major river-bed crop as it is a common
summer season crop.
The fruit contain 92%
water 0.2% protein, 0.3% minerals, 7.0% carbohydrates in a 100g edible flesh.
ORIGIN
OF WATERMELON
Watermelon is thought
to have originated in southern Africa where it is found growing wild. It
however reaches maximum genetic diversity there, with sweet, bland and bitter
forms in the 19th century.
BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom - plantae
Phylum - Embryophyta
Class - Dicotyledoneae
Order - Cucurbitales
Family - Cucurbitaceae
Genus - Citrullus
Species - C. lanatus
Varieties
of watermelon
A number of
selections, varieties and hybrids are recommended for commercial cultivation.
These are given below.
1. Arkra
Jyotic It is a mid – season f1 hybrid. The plants bear round fruits weighing 6
– 8kg each, light green skin with regular dark green stripes, sweet flesh
(11-12%TSS) with crimson – red colour.
2. Arkra
Manik
Its fruits are some
what round (ovary) and weigh about 6. Kg each, skin colour is light green with
dull green stripes the flesh is deep red arrangement is such that its removal
is easier.
3. Improved
shipper
This is an
introduction from America having small fruits weighing 8-10kg each. It has dark
green, red flesh with moderate sweetness
4. New Hampshire midget: this is also an
America introduction, having small fruits weighing 1.5 – 2-0 kg each. The
fruits have light green skin with black stripes, red flesh, suited for home
gardens.
Uses and Importance of Watermelon
1. Watermelon contains high levels of
lycopene, an antioxidant that may help the body fight cancer and prevent other
disease
2. Watermelon is a good source of vitamin A
and C, and provides potassium and fiber
3. It is an excellent food for weight loss
4. It is also effective in promoting
intestinal domination thereby keeping the body free from toxic wastes.
Climatic requirements
Watermelon requires
hot dry climate and along growing season preferably with warmer days and cooler
nights. It cannot withstand frost or very low temperature.
For seed germination, an optimum moisture and
soil temperature between 25o-30oC while fruiting is
better at 240-270C.
Soil
requirement of watermelon
Watermelon may be grown on a variety of
soils.
CULTURAL
PRACTICES
Ground
Mulches and Row Cover
The use of black plastic mulches is recommended.
Black plastic mulches control weeds, may increase soil temperature, conserves
moisture, and protects fruits from ground roots.
IRRIGATION
Water melons are deep rooted in sandy soil
when growth is vigorous. They require uniform irrigation for optimum growth and
yield. Reduce irrigation as fruit reaches harvest stage.
Weeding
It is of utmost paramount to get rid of every
unwanted plant competing with watermelon.
FERTILIZER
APPLICATIONS
There are several types of inorganic and
organic fertilizers that can be effective in growing large and healthy watermelon.
However,
the rate of inorganic fertilizer application depends on the nutrient deficiency
of the plot or land.
PEST
AND DISEASES OF WATERMELON
A good number of insect pest species affect
watermelon some includes beetles, cater pillars, miles and thrips.
Some of the diseases tat affect watermelon
includes:
1. Mosaic
viruses, mosaic pattern on leaf and fruits of watermelon
2. Powdery
mildew symptoms
Include green patches on older leaves.
3. Fusarium wilt: Symptoms includes
following wilting and stinting of the leaves.
CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT
1. Crop
rotation and planting of resistant varieties.
2. Applications
of fungicides and crop hygiene
HARVESTING
Harvesting of watermelon should be harvested
at proper stage of maturity.
REFERRENCE
New
Delhi. (2009), Hand book of Horticulture.
Brajeul,
E. Letard, M. (1998), La filierwe experimentation concombre.
Dr.
BS Tomar. (1999), watermelon and Hybrid seed production techniques
Oregon
state investing.(2004) watermelon, commercial vegetable guides.