Watermelon

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Cucurbitales

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Genus: Citrullus

Species: C. lanatus

ABOUT WATERMELON

Watermelon is a juicy and refreshing fruit that is commonly consumed during the summer months. Here is some general information about watermelon:

Watermelon is a fruit that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. Watermelon is made up of about 92% water and is very low in calories, making it a great snack for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. Watermelon is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium. The flesh of a watermelon can be pink, red, or yellow, and it is typically sweet in flavor. Watermelon seeds are edible and can be roasted, seasoned, or used to make oil.

Watermelon is often eaten fresh, but it can also be used in recipes like salads, smoothies, and sorbets. When selecting a watermelon, look for one that is heavy for its size, has a uniform shape, and has a dull or matte finish rather than a shiny one. Watermelons are typically grown in warm climates, with some of the top producing countries including China, Turkey, Iran, and the United States. Watermelon is a popular fruit around the world and is often eaten at picnics, BBQs, and other outdoor gatherings. Despite its name, watermelon is not a true melon, but rather a type of berry called a pepo.

GROWTH STAGES OF WATERMELON

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

Watermelon is a warm-season fruit crop that requires a long growing season with plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and adequate moisture. The ideal temperature for watermelon growth is between 25-30°C (77-86°F), and it requires a frost-free growing season of at least 70 to 90 days.

Watermelon requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. It prefers sandy loam soil but can also be grown in clay or loamy soil as long as it is well-drained. Watermelon also requires ample water during the growing season, and it is essential to ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged.

In terms of climate, watermelon thrives in warm, humid climates with moderate rainfall. It requires at least 500-600 mm of rainfall during the growing season, but irrigation is also necessary in areas with low rainfall. High temperatures and low humidity can lead to blossom drop, while excess moisture can cause fungal diseases

In summary, watermelon requires warm temperatures, ample sunlight, well-drained soil, adequate moisture, and moderate rainfall to grow and produce fruit.

SOIL

Watermelon requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. Sandy loam soil is preferred for watermelon cultivation, but it can also be grown in clay or loamy soil as long as the soil is well-drained. Soil preparation is crucial for successful watermelon cultivation. The soil should be tilled and cleared of weeds before planting, and organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or other organic materials should be added to improve soil structure and fertility. A well-prepared soil will provide good aeration, water retention, and nutrient availability to the plants.

DOWNY MILDEW

Disease Symptoms:

Yellow, angular spots restricted by veins resembling mosaic mottling appear on upper surface of leaves. The corresponding lower surface of these spots shows a purplish downy growth in moist weather. The spots turn necrotic with age. The diseased leaves become yellow and fall down. Diseased plants get stunted and die. Fruits produced may not mature and have a poor taste.

ANTHRACNOSE

Disease Symptoms:

Foliage spots are irregular and turn dark brown or black. Stem lesions can girdle the stem and cause vines to wilt. The most striking diagnostic symptoms are produced on the fruit, where circular, black, sunken cankers appear. The spots may measure 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 13 mm) in diameter and up to 1/4 in (6 mm) deep. When moisture is present, the black center of the lesion is covered with a gelatinous mass of salmon colored spores.

POWDERY MILDEW

Disease Symptoms:

Whitish powdery growth on upper foliage, stems and young growing parts. The superficial growth ultimately covers the entire leaf area. The diseased areas turn brown and dry leading to premature defoliation and death. Fruits remain underdeveloped and are deformed.