Responses of forage watermelon genotypes submitted to different water supply

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate yield and physiological traits of plants and bromatological and morphological responses of fruits of forage watermelon genotypes under different water supply. Seven genotypes were used (BGCIA 228; BGCIA 239; Jojoba; BGCIA 228 x BGCIA239; BGCIA 228 x Jojoba; BGCIA 239 x Jojoba and BGCIA 991) and four water supplies (470; 370; 270 and 170 mm) during the crop cycle. The experimental design was a complete randomized blocks organized in split plots and in a 7 × 4 factorial arrangement with three replications. The photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and leaf temperature were not affected by genotypes. Applying 170 mm of WS promoted lower photosynthesis (p = 0.0001), stomatal conductance (p = 0.0001), transpiration (p = 0.0001) and greater leaf temperature (p = 0.0084). Jojoba presented greater fruit weight (p = 0.03), plant yield (p = 0.02), fruit length (p = 0.01) and longitudinal diameter (p = 0.01) in comparison to BGCIA 228. Applying 270 mm of WS decreased DM (p < 0.0001) and 170 mm of WS increased ADF (p = 0.01). Genotype BGCIA 228 presented greater total carbohydrates (p = 0.03) and total soluble solids contents (p = 0.01), lower ether extract (p < 0.0001) and ADF (p = 0.006) compared to BGCIA 239. Water supply affects physiological and bromatological responses, and the genotypes promote differences in yield, bromatogical and morphological characteristics of forage watermelon.