ISHS Acta Horticulturae 318: II International Symposium on Specialty and Exotic Vegetable Crops
TRIPLOID WATERMELON PRODUCTION PRACTICES AND VARIETIES |
| Authors: | D.N. Maynard, G.W. Elmstrom |
| Keywords: | Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai, seedless watermelon, pollination, postharvest storage |
| Abstract:
Triploid (seedless) watermelons provide an attractive specialty crop alternative for vegetable growers. Production practices for triploid watermelons are similar to those for standard watermelons, but differ in certain respects: Containerized transplants are essential because of relatively high seed costs and a germination temperature requirement of 26–29°C. Seed should be oriented with the radicle end up at 45° or 90° to prevent seed coat adherence to cotyledons. A diploid pollenizer variety that is easily distinguishable must be interplanted to provide pollen because triploid varieties are sparse pollen producers and an adequate bee population must be available for transfer of the pollen. 'Millionaire', 'Ssupersweet 5032', 'Tiffany', 'Ssupersweet 5344', and 'Ssupersweet 5244' were the outstanding varieties in trials at Bradenton and Leesburg, FL during 1988–91. Triploid watermelon fruit may be stored for 2 weeks at 10°C. | |
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