Abstract
ABSTRACT Watermelon farming has a high economic and social importance. In parallel, the consumers’ demand for distinctive products has led to niche markets, where mini watermelons stand out. This study aimed to assess the agronomic performance and fruit quality of mini watermelon grown in coconut husk fiber, as a function of number of stems per plant and plant density. The Smile hybrid was used, as well as a randomized block design, in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme, with eight repetitions, being the first factor the number of stems per plant (1 or 2) and the second the number of plants per pot (1 or 2). Characteristics related to yield, physiological parameters and fruit quality were assessed. Interaction between number of stems and plant density was only observed for leaf area, average fruit fresh weight, total yield and percentage of large fruits. The factors were evaluated separately for the remaining traits. Two-stemmed training systems, at a density of one plant per pot, produce the highest yield, without compromising the quality of the fruits, being, in these conditions, the most suitable method for farmers.
Highlights
The Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai watermelon species originated in the dry regions of tropical Africa, with secondary diversification in southern Asia
With a view of enhancing and adopting beneficial management techniques for farmers interested in offering distinctive high-quality products, this study aimed to assess the agronomic performance and fruit quality of mini watermelons grown in coconut husk fiber, as a function of number of stems per plant and plant density
The treatment with single-stemmed plants and two plants per pot obtained the highest mean for leaf area (11,295.02 cm2 plant-1), but did
Summary
The Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai watermelon species originated in the dry regions of tropical Africa, with secondary diversification in southern Asia. It was domesticated in Central Africa, where it has been grown for more than 5,000 years (Viana et al 2013). The demand for top quality in niche markets has prompted the search for new cultivars and modern production technologies, such as growing crops in protected environments and using alternative management practices. Cultivation in protected environments using substrates and fertigation increases yield and fruit quality, because, in well-managed crops, the nutrient solution provides the plants the proper amount of nutrients for optimal development (Charlo 2011).
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