Response of watermelon growth, yield, and quality to plant density and variety in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted with irrigation in 2018 and 2019 at three locations to identify the optimum plant density and adaptive variety for better watermelon yield and quality. It consisted of five densities (24,690, 13,888, 8,888, 6,172, and 4,535 plant ha−1) and two varieties (Crimson Sweet and Sugar Baby) with factorial combination in randomized complete block design with three replications. Plant density and variety were not affected by location and season. The response of watermelon in yield, quality, and growth was influenced by plant density and variety. The highest fruit yield of 32.1 t ha−1 was obtained from the highest plant density, which was statistically similar with the yield of 31.9 t ha−1 obtained with the second highest plant density. However, about 71% of the fruits produced with the highest plant density were mini-sized in the fruit size category, whereas only about 59% were mini-sized with the second highest plant density. Any addition of plant density beyond 13,888 ha−1 did not gain additional yield but reduced in quality attributes. Better fruit physical attributes and total soluble solid were recorded from the lowest plant density. Therefore, Crimson Sweet variety with 120 and 60 cm inter- and intra-row spacing, respectively, which accommodates the plant density of 13,888 ha−1, is optimum for watermelon production.

Agronomic and disease responses of three watermelon (citrilus lanatus l.) varieties to fungicide spraying regimes in a tropical environment

“…The observed variations in phenology, growth, and yield characteristics among the different varieties suggest underlying genetic differences and distinct ancestry among these watermelon varieties. These findings align with prior research conducted on watermelon and related crops by earlier researchers [32][33][34][35].…”

Improvement of Glutinous Corn and Watermelon Yield by Lime and Microbial Organic Fertilizers

“…Te fruit length of the watermelon was measured as the distance in centimeters between the fruit's tendril attachment point and the blossom end. In contrast, the fruit width was recorded by measuring the largest diameter of the crosssectioned sampled fruits [13]. Fruit rind thickness was measured by cutting the cross-section of the fruit and recording the thickness in centimeters using a calliper meter.…”