Yield and quality of triploid miniwatermelon cultivars and experimental hybrids in diverse environments in the southeastern United States

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate miniwatermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivars/experimental hybrids (cultigens) for yield, quality, and adaptability in various growing environments. Eighteen cultigens were evaluated in field locations at southern Florida (Bradenton), northern Florida (Quincy), central South Carolina (Blackville), coastal South Carolina (Charleston), and eastern North Carolina (Kinston). Fruit at each site were harvested when watermelons in several plots were at market maturity. Fruit were categorized as marketable if they weighed between 3.0 and 9.0 lb. Fruit were categorized by size as follows: ≤3.0 lb (cull), 3.1-5.0 lb, 5.1-7.0 lb, 7.1-9.0 lb, and ≥9.1 lb (cull). Fruit were graded according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grading standards for all watermelon fruit. We found that eight cultigens (Meilhart, Petite Perfection, Precious Petite, Little Deuce Coupe, RWT 8162, Master, Bibo, and Vanessa) were consistently among the top yielding and four cultigens (HA 5138, HA 5117, Petite Treat, and Valdoria) were consistently among the lowest yielding. These had a consistent yield response regardless of location. Within the small marketable melon category (3.1-5.0 lb), 'Bibo', 'Precious Petite', and RWT 8162 produced a uniform fruit over the five locations. Within the medium marketable melon category (5.1-7.0 lb) 'Meilhart', 'Little Deuce Coupe', HA 5109, 'Xite', 'Mohican', SR 8101, and 'Vanessa' produced uniform fruit size over the five locations. HA 5117, HA 5109, 'Extazy', 'Mohican', 'Petite Treat', and 'Valdoria' produced more fruit in the larger category. Those cultigens that produced melons that were consistently >9.0 lb were HA 5138, HA 5117, Bobbie, and Valdoria. The larger USDA marketable class (7.1-9.0 lb) was considered too large to be in the miniwatermelon market. We found five cultigens that provided consistently high soluble solids readings at each location: Master, RWT 8162, Betsy, Bobbie, and Bibo. We sampled only five fruit at each location for internal quality, and found dark seeds in all of the cultigens in at least one of the locations. Rind thickness and fruit shape did not appear to be influenced by test site location.