Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) is  an most important summer vegetable crop cultivated worldwide. Fruits are delicious and sweet. It is a rich source of Vitamin A and minerals like calcium. Due to its versatility; rinds of watermelon is used in various processed items such as tuty fruity, candy, watermelon juices. Major watermelon  growing states in the country include Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra,  Karnataka, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab. Watermelon is affected by a number of pests and diseases, which include fungal, bacterial, viral and root knot nematodes. In India, substantial yield losses are reported due to Watermelon Bud Necrosis Virus.

WATERMELOn varieties

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  ARKA AKASH

  F₁ hybrid between IIHR-60-1 X Arka Manik, high yielding (90-100 t/ha) with high TSS (11-12⁰ Brix). Fruits oval round.  

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  Arka Muthu

  Dwarf vine and early maturing type (75-80 days). It has dark green stripes and deep red flesh. Fruit yield 85 to 90 t/ha.

Watermelons do not sweeten after they are picked, so harvest time is important. They generally ripen over two weeks. Watermelon is 90% water.Maturity in watermelon is judged from withering of tendril, change in belly colour or ground spot to yellow and thumping test (If the watermelon sounds hollow, it is ripe). A  well maintained crop can yield 400-600 q/ha. 

crop production

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  Select deep, well drained soil with sandy or sandy loam texture. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Watermelon requires hot dry climate and a long growing season preferably with warmer days and cooler nights .... Read More

   

  Optimum day temp.	Optimum night temp.	RH	Soil pH
  21-23 oC Seed germination	15-18oC	70-80%	5-5.6
  33-35 o C Plant growth & development	16oC	60-65%	6.5

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  CULTIvATION practices

  Harvest at fruit maturity stage indicated by fruit base color turning from white to pale yellow and tendrils drying up as indicated by change of colour from green to straw colour... Read More