Abstract
Turkey ranks second in watermelon (Citrullus lunatus L.) production globally and the highest production is witnessed for Çukurova plains the country. Although watermelon is extensively cultivated in the Çukurova region, studies on optimum nitrogen (N) and boron (B) doses for watermelon cultivation are quite limited. This study, evaluated the impact of increasing N (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg ha-1) and B (0 and 2 kg ha-1 B) doses on nutrient uptake in rind (exocarp) and flesh (endocarp) of watermelon fruit. Grafted watermelon variety ‘Starburst’, widely cultivated in the region was used as experimental material. The concentrations of different macro and micronutrients were analyzed from fruit rind and flesh. Individual and interactive effect of N and B doses significantly altered macro and micronutrients’ uptake in rind and flesh. Higher amounts of macro and micronutrients were accumulated in rind than flesh. Nutrients’ uptake was increased with increasing N doses, whereas B had limited impact. The accumulated nutrients were within the safe limits for human consumption. The N concentrations of rind and flesh increased with increasing N dose. Similarly, B concentration in rind and flesh and N concentration in rind significantly increased, while N concentration in flesh decreased with B application. It was concluded that 270 kg ha-1 N and 2 kg ha-1 B are optimum for better nutrient uptake in watermelon fruit. Thus, these doses must be used for watermelon cultivation in Çukurova plains of the country.
Highlights
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) is globally important fruit vegetable cultivated on commercial level
Watermelon is extensively cultivated in Turkey and the country follows China with 10% share in global watermelon production
Watermelon production is adversely affected by numerous factors and mineral nutrition is among the major reasons of low yield [1,2]
Summary
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) is globally important fruit vegetable cultivated on commercial level. Nitrogen (N) and boron (B) are critical nutrients required for optimum watermelon production [1,2,3,4,5]. Plant architecture, photosynthesis, flowering and fruit development are positively influenced by optimum N availability resulting in higher yields [6,12,13]. Nitrogen is the most deficient nutrient in plant production and important for increasing yield. Boron deficiency symptoms gradually increase and become fully visible during flowering phase in watermelon [20] It is well-known that B plays a critical role during reproductive phase compared to vegetative period of plants [21]. The optimized doses would help to improve nutrient uptake and productivity of watermelon in the region
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
