Opportunities and Challenges of water Melon...

Opportunities and Challenges of water Melon Production in Gabiley Areas


A Thesis

By

Ibrahim Yousof Aw Ali

&

Nouh Muhumed Nouh

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR DEGREE OF AGRICULTURE AND

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

GOLLIS UNIVERSITY

HARGIESA, SOMALILAND

Date

June, 2014


Scientific classification

Kingdom:

Plantae

(unranked):

Angiosperms

(unranked):

Eudicots

(unranked):

Rosids

Order:

Cucurbitales

Family:

Cucurbitaceae

Genus:

Citrullus

Species:

C. lanatus

Binomial name

Chapter One

Water melon production

1.1Introduction

Watermelon is indigenous to the dry plains of tropical and subtropical Africa, perhaps in

the general area of present day Botswana. It is one of the most widely cultivated crops in

the world.

Its global consumption is greater than that of any other cucurbit. It accounts for 6.8% of the

world area devoted to vegetable production.

Watermelons range in shape from round to oblong. Rind color of watermelons can be light

to dark green with or without stripes. Flesh color can be red, dark red or yellow. The

watermelon is often large enough that groceries often sell half or quarter melons. There are

also some smaller no more than 3 kg, spherical varieties of watermelon, both red- and

yellow-fleshed, sometimes called ’icebox melons’ or ’mini-watermelons’.


Citrullus lanatus

1.2 Nutrition

Watermelon, raw

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy

127 kJ (30 kcal)

Carbohydrates

7.55 g

- Sugars

6.2 g

- Dietary fiber

0.4 g

Fat

0.15 g

Protein

0.61 g

Water

91.45 g


1.3 Problem Statement

We want to encourage and enhance the water melon production farmers n Gabiley

Region. Because, they have poor marketing, poor storage, and improper handling of

water melon products

1.4 Scope Area

Our scope area of study is Gabiley Region. most farmers of this region are small scale farmers. The

common used crops they grow are like cereals, Maize, Sorghum, and barley, and horticultural crops such as

cabbage, onion, carrot, lettuce and tomato. In addition, they plant legume crops like beans and sesame.

Farmers are characterized by mixed farming system.

Crops are rain fed usually but, there are a few irrigated horticultural crops

1.5 Objectives

To increase water production

To improve the quality of water melon products

To support the development of the small holder farmers

To discover a high resistance variety of water melon.

1.6 Top five watermelon producers (2011, in tonnes)

China

69,139,643

Turkey

3,864,489

Iran

3,250,000

Brazil

2,198,624

United States

1,688,040


1.7 Varieties of water melon

There are over 1200 varieties of watermelons worldwide and a wide variety of

watermelons have been cultivated in Africa. Several of these varieties have been

recommended for East

African range of climate. These include:

_ "Charleston Gray" (open pollinated, matures in 55-60 days, rind color is light green with

Light stripes, deep red flesh color, fruit shape oblong, fruit weight 10-16 kg, tolerant to

Fusarium wilt and anthracnose, excellent for shipping, popular in Kenya)

_ "Congo" (matures in 90 days, round melons reach 16 kg, green stripes, sweet red flesh

and thick rinds)

_ "Crimson Sweet" (open pollinated, matures in 90-120 days, rind color light green with

broad dark green stripes, flesh color brilliant red, fruit shape blocky oval, fruit weight 7-9

kg, high yielder and good shipping qualities, resistant to extreme heat, popular in Kenya)

_ "Moon and Stars" (matures in 95 days, dark green skin with yellow spots resembling

moon and stars in the night sky, melons weigh 9-18 kg, pink to red flesh)

_ "Orangeglo" (matures" in 90 days, very sweet and crisp, oblong-shaped melons 9-14 kg,

bright orange flesh with off-white seeds)

_ "Sugar Baby" (open pollinated, matures in 60-75 days, rind color greenish black, flesh

color deep red, fruit shape round, fruit weight 7-8 kg, very popular in Kenya, suitable for

shipping and long transport)

_ "Sunday Special" (seedless variety, rind color dark green with black stripes, flesh color

red, fruit shape oval, fruit weight 6-10 kg)


1.8 Climate and soil requirements

Altitude

Watermelons can grow at altitudes of up to 1500 m above sea level. Ideal growing areas are

the lowlands with high temperatures and relatively low rainfall where irrigation may or

may not be necessary.

Temperatures

Watermelons grow best under hot temperatures. They do well at temperatures of between

22 and 280C. Stagnation of growth occurs at temperatures less than 15C.

Rainfall

Watermelon production is suited in low to medium rainfall areas with additional irrigation.

Optimum rainfall requirement per cropping season is 400 and 600 mm. Excessive humidity

may favor leaf diseases and also affect flowering.

Sites and soils

Watermelons grow best on sandy loam soils which are well drained and slightly acid. When

planted on very heavy soils, the plants develop slowly, and fruit size and quality are usually

inferior. Fine sand produces the highest quality melons when adequate fertilizer and water

are provided. Windbreaks are advisable on sandy soils to reduce ’sand blast’ damage and

stunting to young seedlings during strong winds. To reduce the risk of diseases, do not

plant on land where cucurbits have grown during the past 3 years. Well drained heavy soils

can also be used.

The soils should be rich in organic matter. Watermelon is fairly tolerant to soil pH as low as

5.5.

However, a slightly acid soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal.

Watermelon is known to be sensitive to manganese toxicity, a common problem in low pH

soils.

Seedling watermelons react to manganese toxicity with stunted growth and yellowish

crinkled leaves. Older plants generally exhibit brown spots on older leaves that may be

mistaken for symptoms of gummy stem blight. Manganese toxicity is usually associated

with soils having a pH below 5.5. However, in wet seasons the condition may occur at


higher pH levels when the soil has been saturated for a period of several days. This

condition has been noted in several watermelon fields with pH ranges at 5.8 or slightly

higher when the crop was planted flat. The best solution to manganese toxicity is to apply

lime at rates based on the results of a soil test.

1.9 Propagation of water melon

Watermelon is propagated by:

_ Seeds, directly planted in the field.

_ Transplants: there is a trend towards greater use of transplants by commercial growers

because of the precise requirements for seedless (triploid) watermelon seed germination

and the uniformity of the resulting crop. Instead of planting directly in the field and have 3

weeks of accumulated weeds germination and insect attacks to battle with, planting of

seeds in seed trays in a protected area for later transplant into the field when at least 2

permanent leaves have developed, is a very viable option. Seed trays of various design and

cost are widely available from seed merchants.

_ Watermelon is grafted in some production areas, most notably in Japan and Korea, where

nearly all of the plantings utilize this technique. Grafted watermelon also is widely used in

China,

Spain, and Italy. Grafting onto rootstocks resistant to Fusarium oxysporum and those

tolerant of cold soils are the primary reasons for grafting. Popular rootstocks for

watermelon are bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), interspecific hybrid squash (Cucurbita

maxima x C. moschata), or wild watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides). Commonly

used grafting methods for watermelon are hole insertion, tongue approach, and cleft.

Grafted watermelon plants produce fruit with firmer and redder flesh over a longer period

of time. The grafted watermelons produce more fruit per plant with better quality to justify

their higher cost. Grafted watermelon, particularly on interspecific hybrid squash

rootstock, can grow on soils with higher salt concentrations than non-grafted watermelon

can tolerate.

1.10 Planting of water melon

Watermelons are grown throughout the year in lowland areas but peaks of rainy season

should be avoided. At higher elevations cultivation should be done only during the warmer

period of the year. The seed rate is about 3 kg/ha. Watermelon seeds germinate best when

the soil is very warm (25-32°C) and the air is almost hot (28 to 33°C), as it is the case at the

end of the dry season. Mix plenty of compost or manure into each planting hole; at least 1

shovelful for each hole. Watermelons like fertile soils high in organic matter. It is

recommended that you apply animal manure (e.g. composted poultry manure or cattle

dung) up to 10 tons per ha and rock phosphate before or at planting.

The holes are dug at a distance of about 1 meter within the row and about 2 meter between

the rows. Plant 2 seeds per hill, placing them 3 to 4 cm (1.5 inches) deep into the soil.


Water the hills thoroughly if there is no rain. At 25-30 em high ear thing up around the

plant bases is recommended to prevent exposure to the sun.

1.11 Challenges

1. Poor storage, improper handling and low water melon production.


Chapter Two

Literature Review

2.1 cultivation of watermelon.

Watermelon flourishes on new, fertile sandy-loam soils with a high humus content. The soil

must be well drained. Heavy soils should be avoided. Reasonably alkaline soil is preferable.

Three watermelon pips are planted per 5 cm deep hole. They may be thinned out later. The

plant width varies between 50 and 60 cm in the row and 150 and 200 cm between rows.

Recommended watermelon cultivars are Charleston Grey, Sweet Princess, Crimson Sweet

and Congo.

In the South-Western and Western Cape, watermelon can be planted in

September/October and, in the Northern Cape, even earlier, depending on the temperature.

Planting must not take place before the soil temperature is high enough. Before planting, a

fertilizer application of 500 kg of 2:3:4 per ha is recommended, and after planting, two

applications of 100 kg of LAN; the first, two weeks after planting, and the second, two to

three weeks later. When the first female flowers appear, a calcium-nitrate leaf spray may

be applied, if it is available. Flood irrigation is preferable in order to limit leaf diseases to

the minimum. Before planting, irrigate the soil to a depth of 1,5 to 2 m, as that is the depth

to which the roots can grow. In hot and in dry areas, one thorough irrigation is necessary

every 14 days. Light irrigation at short intervals is not recommended.

Pollination is very important. When the flowers appear, beehives must be placed in the

land (if possible, up to three beehives per ha).

Fusarium is a common cause of poor harvests. Rotational cropping can prevent this; in

other words, plant watermelons on the same land only once in five years.

Weeds may not be allowed, because they compete with watermelons. Other causes of poor

yield are too little water, and cold damage, which occurs when watermelon is planted too

early.

At emergence, cutworms must be controlled with bait. Cucurbit flies are a common plague

that can be controlled by Lebay cid (fenthion). Lebay cid must be mixed with sugar and

splashed along the edge of the land. If it is sprayed, it will kill the bees.


2.2 How to Grow Watermelon

Watermelon is a favorite summer treat. Mouthwatering and thirst quenching, watermelons

are perfect for hot summer days, parties, picnics, and much more. Don't forget to have a pit

spitting contest when you serve watermelon....outdoors, please. Laugh if you will, "Pit

Spitting" is a serious business, "Watermelon Pit Spitting" contests, with prizes, are

common at summer community picnics and festivals.

The large oval watermelons that first comes to mind, requires a lot of space, and a long

growing season. That's why most home gardeners don't allot precious garden space for

them. The much smaller, but equally sweet baby or "bush" variety that requires about 1/3

of the space, is popular in home gardens.

Did you know? Growing Watermelons is serious business. Watermelon competitions or

"weigh-offs" are a common event at fall festivals. Many pumpkin weigh-offs include a giant

watermelon category, complete with prizes for the largest watermelon. Just how big can a

watermelon grow? Giant Watermelons can grow over 200 pounds!

There is also a day set aside in honor of the watermelon... August 18th is National

Watermelon Day.

Opportunities and Challenges of water Melon Production in Gabiley Areas Page 10

2.3 Watermelon Notes Common name: watermelon.

Latin name: Citrullus lanatus

Family name: Cucurbitaceae

Annual plant.

Dicotyledon.

Trailing vine.

Diploid (2n = 22) [but note that some cultivars are tetraploid, and seedless

watermelons are triploid].

Pollinated by bees.

Harvested organ: large fruits. Fruits have a hard rind and a soft, sweet-

fleshed interior when ripe.

Origin: native to Africa; introduced into N. America during the 16th century.

Warm season crop, frost susceptible.

Number of fruits per vine varies from 2 to 15.

Weight of each watermelon ranges from 3 lb to 50 lb.

Flesh color variable: red, pink, yellow, or white.

Monoecious and andromonoecious types of flowering habits; monoecious

most common.

F1 hybrid watermelons becoming increasingly popular; the production

scheme is similar to maize [plants of the maternal and paternal parents are

grown in alternate rows; male flowers in maternal rows are removed by

hand in the early morning when insects are not present; female flowers in

these rows receive only pollen from the paternal parent].

Most cultivars are diploid, but triploids and tetraploids are becoming

increasingly important.

Triploid watermelons produced from the cross of tetraploid and diploid

forms; the triploid hybrids are almost seedless.

Watermelons reach maturity approximately 45 days after blooming; highly

dependent upon cultivar.

Typically harvested when the tendril nearest the melon is wilting and the

ground spot has turned from white to yellow.

Immature watermelons have turgid tendrils; a completely wilted tendril can

be indicative of over-maturity.

Fruit is rich in sugar (soluble solids); a sugar content of 17% is considered

excellent quality.

Other indicators of ripe fruit include ridges on the rind surface, and a hollow

or dull sound when "thumped".

Fruit should be cut cleanly from the vine to avoid stem damage and prevent

stem-end rot.


Fruit is chilling sensitive and should not be stored below 7 C; optimum

storage temperatures are 7 to 10 C.

Major diseases of watermelons in the Midwest:

bacterial fruit blotch

damping off

anthracnose

downy mildew

Fusarium wilt [some watermelon varieties have resistance to this disease]

gummy stem blight

various viruses (e.g. watermelon mosaic virus) [transmitted by aphids and

cucumber beetles; effective control of these diseases involves control of the

insect populations]

as in tomato, calcium deficiency can result in a disorder called "blossom-end

rot" [21KB image]

Major insect pests of watermelons in the Midwest:

seed corn maggot

wireworm

cucumber beetle

aphids

mites

sap beetles

Cucumber beetles are of lesser concern to watermelon growers than

cucumber and muskmelon growers because watermelon is not susceptible to

bacterial wilt.

Protection of watermelons from cucumber beetles is necessary when plants

are small and high beetle populations are feeding on stems, or when beetles

are feeding on the fruit.

Careful when applying pesticides that are toxic to honey bees during

flowering; can decrease pollination and fruit set.

2.4 Cultural practices of water melon The importance of cultural activities of water melon during the field is to control insects,

diseases, and weeds. and also to increase the water melon production and quality.

The higher the activities of the farmers is, the higher the yield and the lower the activities

the less the production is. Therefore it is necessary for the farmer to keep going these

practices from the date of planting to harvesting in order to get the maximum production

from the farm.


2.5 Planting and Spacing of watermelon Watermelon seed germinates at soil temperatures of 68° to 95° F; however,

germination below 70° is very slow. At a soil temperature of 77°, watermelon plants should

emerge in about five days.

Watermelon seed should not be planted until soil temperatures are warm enough to ensure

rapid germination. Planting seed too early will delay germination, can result in uneven

stands and will increase the likelihood of crop loss. Early seeding can, however, result in an

early harvest, which generally commands better prices. These contradictory elements in

deciding when to plant watermelon seed are best resolved by successive plantings that

attempt to produce for the early market while ensuring a crop by planting when soils are

warmer.

Seed should be planted approximately 1 inch deep. The amount of seed required

(usually 1 to 2 pounds per acre) depends upon seed size, germination and plant spacing.

Correctly labeled, uniform, disease free, certified seed with 85 percent to 90 percent

germination is preferred. There are several methods of planting water melon. With the

widespread use of more expensive hybrid seed, equipment that can plant to stand or come

close to this is best. Precision seeding equipment, plug mix planting and Transplants

reduce or eliminate the need to thin stands after planting.

Plug mix planting consists of blending watermelon seeds, fertilizer and water with a

growing medium of approximately one-third vermiculite and two-thirds peat. Prepared in

cement mixers, the mix often is allowed to remain in bags for 24 to 48 hours prior to

planting to allow seed to imbibe water and begin the germination process. Precision plug

mix planters dispense the mix in the field by injecting 1/8 to ½ cup of mixture (plug) per

hill. The mix should have enough seed to dispense from three to five seeds per hill. Plug mix

planting is especially advantageous when planting watermelon seeds in plastic mulch:

These planters punch or burn holes in the plastic to insert the mix. Growers who have little

or no experience with plug mix planting should contact a county Extension office for

additional information before using this specialized procedure.

Watermelons traditionally have been spaced 6 to 8 feet between hills on bare ground

without irrigation. With irrigation, use a spacing of 5 to 6 feet between hills. With plastic

mulch and trickle irrigation, use an in-row spacing of 3 feet and between-row spacing of 6

to 8 feet. Icebox watermelons can be spaced even more closely, with in-row spacing of 2

feet and between-row spacing of 5 feet.


2.6 How To Water Watermelon Plants And When To irrigate melons.

Watermelons are a summer favorite but sometimes gardeners find that these juicy melons can

be a little tricky to grow. In particular, knowing how to water watermelon plants and when to

water watermelons can leave a home gardener feeling a little perplexed. The advice is so

varied, and myths on watering watermelons abound. But, with a little knowledge, you can

water your watermelons and know that they are getting exactly what they need.

2.7 When to Water the Watermelons

Watermelons need water throughout the season, but a particularly important time to be when

to water watermelons is while they are setting and growing fruit. The reason for this is that

watermelon fruit is made up of 92% water. This means that the plant must take up an

enormous amount of water while the fruit is developing. If this water is not available to the

plant at this time, the fruit will not be able to grow to its full potential and may stunt the fruit or

cause it to fall off the vine.

It is also important to be watering watermelons while they are establishing in the garden or

during times of drought.


2.8 Culture of planting water melon There are several methods of planting watermelon. With the widespread use of more

expensive hybrid seed, equipment that can plant to stand or come close to this is best.

Precision seeding equipment, plug mix planting and transplants reduce or eliminate the

need to thin stands after planting.

Plug mix planting consists of blending watermelon seeds, fertilizer and water with a

growing medium of approximately one-third vermiculite and two-thirds peat. Prepared in

cement mixers, the mix often is allowed to remain in bags for 24 to 48 hours prior to

planting to allow seed to imbibe water and begin the germination process. Precision plug

mix planters dispense the mix in the field by injecting 1/8 to ½ cup of mixture (plug) per

hill. The mix should have enough seed to dispense from three to five seeds per hill. Plug

mix planting is especially advantageous when planting watermelon seeds in plastic mulch:

These planters punch or burn holes in the plastic to insert the mix. Growers who have

little or no experience with plug mix planting should contact a county Extension

office for additional information before using this specialized procedure. Watermelons

traditionally have been spaced 6 to 8 feet between hills on bare ground without irrigation.

With irrigation, use a spacing of 5 to 6 feet between hills. With plastic mulch and trickle

irrigation, use an in-row spacing of 3 feet and between-row spacing of 6 to 8 feet. Ice box


watermelons can be spaced even more closely, with in-row spacing of 2 feet and between-

row spacing of 5 feet.

2.9 Pollination of water melon plants Watermelons produce two types of flowers. Most varieties generally produce imperfect

female and male flowers(Figure 1). When flowering begins in watermelon, male flowers

will be produced at every node while female flowers will be produced approximately every

seventh node. Watermelon flowers are viable for only one day; therefore, an adequate

population of pollinating insects must be available every day during the flowering period.

Even with sufficient pollinators, it is not uncommon for watermelons to abort flowers.

Under average conditions, two to three fruit should set per plant. The actual number of

fruit set will depend on variety, cultural practices, environmental conditions, irrigation and

number of pollinating insects. Watermelons require insects for proper pollination and fruit

growth. Research has shown that each female flower must be visited, on average, seven

times by a pollinating insect to ensure proper fruit set. Insufficient pollination results in

misshapen melons, which must be culled. Honey bees are not as efficient at pollinating as

wild bees, but their large numbers make them very good at ensuring proper pollination. If

an insufficient number of pollinators are present, supplement them with domestic hives.

One strong hive (30,000 bees in a two story hive) for every 1 to 2 acres is recommended.

Ideally, hives should be spaced evenly throughout the field. This, however, may be

impractical due to inaccessibility to the field. Hives should have adequate clean water.

Hives often are clustered along the edge of the field, which results in bees foraging further

into a field because of competition between the hives. Apply pesticides when bee activity is

low to minimize impact on the hives. This will occur late in the day, around dusk and on

overcast days. Check pesticide labels for additional precautions concerning bees.

Watermelon flowers are not nutritionally attractive to honeybees; therefore, blooming

weeds or other crops can out compete watermelons in attracting honeybees. Destroy

nearby flowering plants that may be attractive to honey bees. This will ensure that the bees

work the watermelon flowers exclusively. Monitor hives and honeybee activity during

flowering.

Early to mid-morning is the best time to monitor bee activity. If numerous bees are not

vigorously working watermelon flowers, corrective action must be taken


immediately to prevent poor or delayed set. Most well-drained soil, whether clayey or

sandy can be managed to produce a good crop of watermelon. The best soils, however, are

sandy loams that have not been in cucurbit (cantaloupe, cucumber, squash, etc.) production

for a minimum of five years.

Soils with a history of watermelon diseases should be avoided or fumigated to avoid

problems (please see the chapter on diseases and consult the current edition of the

Georgia Pest Control Handbook). Your local county

Extension agent can help with determining potential disease problems.

Land preparation involves one or more tillage operations performed (1) to make the soil

more suitable for seeding and seedling (or transplant) establishment, (2) to enhance

productivity by providing the best soil structure for subsequent root growth and

development, and (3) to help control some disease problems.

Several operations may be required to prepare land for planting. This is partially

determined by previous cropping history. Land that has been under cultivation for several

years may develop a hardpan several inches below the surface. This is particularly

problematic on clay soils. To penetrate and break up this hardpan, a sub soiler should be

used. Litter from previous crops should be disked and deep turned with a moldboard plow

two to four weeks prior to planting to insure its decomposition. Broadcast fertilizer should

be applied at this time (if no other soil preparation is anticipated) or just before final

bedding. Watermelons respond favorably to warm soils.

Raised beds tend to warm quickly and are particularly desirable for early season

production. Raised beds will facilitate drainage in heavy soils but are more prone to

drying; therefore, particular care should be taken with watering, especially during the first

two weeks after emergence. Root growth can be severely restricted by compacted soil.


Proper land preparation should eliminate or significantly reduce soil compaction. Recent

studies have determined that watermelon root growth is primarily confined to non

compacted soil. Disking fields after they have been plowed tends to reccompact the soil

and should be avoided.

Tillage systems utilizing the moldboard plow without subsequent recompacting operations

consistently produce the highest watermelon yields. Basically, this superior performance

results from more extensive root systems that are more efficient at extracting nutrients and

water from the soil.

2.10 Cover Crops and Green Manure Winter cover crops help protect the soil from excessive water and wind erosion. When

incorporated into the soil as green manure, cover crops add organic matter (OM)to Coastal

Plain soils, which are naturally low (often less than 1 percent) in OM.

Soil organic matter consists of plant and animal residues in various stages of decay. Adding

OM improves soil structure, which, in turn, enhances soil till (helps to reduce compaction

and crusting), increases water infiltration and decreases both water and wind erosion.

Also of importance, OM serves as a storehouse of many plant nutrients. Furthermore, OM

improves the efficiency of applied fertilizers by increasing the soil’s ability to retain plant

nutrients under leaching conditions. Georgia watermelon growers frequently plant wheat,

oats, rye or rye grasses winter cover crops. Whenever these non-nitrogen fixing cover

crops are to be incorporated as green manure, they should be provided with adequate

nutrients (especially nitrogen) during their growth. This increases the quantity

of OM produced and helps provide a carbon to nitrogen(C:N) ratio less likely to tie-up

(immobilize) nitrogen during decomposition. As a general rule, when non leguminous

OM having a C:N ratio greater than 30 to one is incorporated into the soil, it is usually

beneficial to broadcast supplemental nitrogen before incorporation. The amount of

nitrogen to add varies, depending on the C:N

ratio, soil type and amount of any residual nitrogen in the soil. Typically, green manure

crops should be plowed under as deeply as possible with a moldboard plow so that large

amounts of crop residue will not be in the immediate vicinity of germinating watermelon

seed. Lush cover crops should be turned under at least two weeks prior to planting the

succeeding crop. If small grains are grown as a cover crop, strips of

grain (2 feet to 6 feet wide) left in spray or harvest lands provide windbreaks that help

reduce damage and sand blasting of small plants during early spring. To minimize the

possibility of insect migration to the watermelon crop, grain strips should be turned under

before the onset of senescence.


2.11 Lime and Fertilizer Management The only way to accurately manage soil fertility and pH is to have the soil tested. Soil

sampling must be conducted in such a manner that it is representative of the field being

sampled. This is essential to ensure accurate results and recommendations. Your county

Extension agent can Commercial Watermelon Production.

2.12 Soils and Fertilizer Management help you with the proper method for collecting a soil sample. The University of Georgia Soil

and Plant Analysis

Laboratory can analyze your soil and make recommendations. A good fertilizer

management program for watermelon

Production answers four basic questions:1. What fertilizer materials (including lime) are to

be applied?

2. In what quantities will they be applied?3. How frequently will they be applied?

4. By which method(s) (broadcasted, banded, etc.) will they be applied? In addition, the

most successful management programs include frequent evaluations and modifications, if

needed, to deal with unanticipated problems such as

floods, droughts and other factors that affect the plants’ ability to utilize nutrients.

Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, with

values above 7 being Alkaline and values below 7 acid. Most soils in Georgia are slightly to

strongly acid. Soil pH will have a profound effect on plant growth, development and,

ultimately, yield. Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients for plant growth. A slightly acid

soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal for watermelons.

The only accurate way to determine the soil pH is to have the soil tested. This analysis can

determine if lime is required to raise the ph. Lime is relatively slow acting in raising soil

pH and is relatively immobile in soils. For this reason lime should be added two to three

months before planting and completely incorporated into the top 6 to 8 inches. Soils that

are also deficient in magnesium should receive dolomitic lime instead of calcitic lime.

For watermelon production, the maximum recommended amount of nitrogen (N),

phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K2O) is 120 pounds per acre. Watermelons area

relatively long-season crop; therefore, applying fertilizer in small amounts several times

throughout the season will maximize production. Rain and overhead irrigation can leach

nutrients from the soil, particularly N and K. All required phosphorus can be applied pre

plant and should remain available throughout the growing season, because it is relatively

immobile in the soil.

Many different methods exist for applying the recommended fertilizer. A simple method

would be to broadcast and incorporate all of the P and K and apply half the N pre plant and

half the N four to six weeks after seeding.

More complex application methods generally result in maintaining optimum nutrient

levels throughout the growing


season. In one such method, a modified broadcast concentrates the fertilizer in the area of

the roots compared

with broadcasting. With the modified broadcast method, apply the fertilizer in bands 2 to 3

feet wide in the row prior to planting. This method will also eliminate the potential for

burning emerging plants if fertilizer were banded near the emerging seedlings. In this

method, all the P is applied pre plant with any micronutrients. One-third to

half the recommended N and K are also applied in this modified broadcast. At

approximately three weeks after seedling emergence, apply one-fourth the remaining N

and K on the sides of the beds just past vine tips. At approximately

six weeks after emergence, apply the remaining N and K. Apply 1 pound of boron per acre

and 10 pounds of sulfur per acre. If the soil test zinc level is low, apply 5pounds of zinc per

acre.

Leaching rains or insufficient applications may result in nitrogen and/or magnesium

deficiencies after vines have covered the soil surface. If under center pivot, symptoms may

be alleviated by fertigatting 20 to 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre or 10 to 15 pounds

magnesium per acre. If fertigation is not practical, 10 to 15 pounds of magnesium sulfate

in approximately 100 gallons of water can be applied as a foliar spray to correct

magnesium deficiency.

To alleviate nitrogen deficiencies after full vine cover, sodium nitrate may be broadcast

over the top (when vines

are dry) at 135 to 175 (22 to 28 pounds N) pounds per acre. Granular calcium nitrate

should not be used over the top,

because it tends to result in a significant incidence of leaf burn. Any time granular fertilizer

is applied over the top,

leaf burn may be reduced by thoroughly washing the fertilizer from the leaves with

irrigation water.

Watermelon growers have occasionally experienced unsatisfactory fruit set even with

sufficient bee activity.

Two to three foliar applications of water-soluble boron (approximately 1 ounce by weight

of actual boron per

application) at weekly intervals coinciding with opening of the first female flowers can

enhance pollination and

improve fruit set. Many growers routinely use a commercial formulation that also

contains calcium (2 to 3 ounces

by weight of actual calcium per application) to help prevent blossom-end rot. A good

fertilizer management program includes frequent observations of plants for any nutrient

deficiency symptoms. Frequent (eight to 12 days) tissue analyses may be used to monitor

nutrient levels in plant tissues. These tests provide a sound basis for fertilizer applications

prior to plant stress and symptom development. For optimal yield and quality, monitor


watermelon fields frequently and apply supplemental applications of fertilizer promptly if

needed.

2.13 water melon Defects Blossom-end rot (BER) is a physiological or non parasitic disorder related to calcium

deficiency, moisture stress or both. Prevention recommendations include adequate

amounts of calcium, proper soil pH (6 to 6.5), and a uniform and sufficient supply of

moisture. The incidence of BER usually is quite variable from season to 4 Commercial

Watermelon Production season and tends to occur more readily in oblong melons.

Watermelons having BER are considered unmarketable

Hollow heart (HH) and white heart (WH) are two

Physiological disorders influenced by genetics, environment and, probably, a number of

nutritional factors.

To decrease the incidence of these two problems, only cultivars that have not shown

unusually high incidences of

HH or WH should be planted. In addition, the crop should be grown under optimal (as close

as possible) nutritional and moisture conditions. HH and WH harm watermelon quality

and may be severe enough to cause potential buyers

to reject melons (Figure 4).Sunscald is damage to the melons caused by intense sunlight.

Sunscald can be particularly severe on dark colored melons. Developing and maintaining

adequate canopy cover to afford protection (shade) to the melons may prevent sunscald.

Sunscald reduces quality by making melons less attractive and may predispose the melon

to rot. Stem splitting can occur in seedlings grown for transplanting. This problem seems

to be associated with high humidity and moisture that can occur under greenhouse

conditions. Watering evenly to maintain soil moisture, avoiding wet-dry cycles in the

media and good air circulation may help alleviate these problems (Figure 5).Sandblasting

occurs when wind and blowing sand damage seedlings when first planted. This appears

as dead or dying tissue usually on the side of the prevailing winds(Figure 6).

Transplant handling damage may result at the soil line because of handling. Tops will

flop around and may wilt more readily. In addition, brown or callused tissue may appear at

the soil line. Transplants with this damage should be planted slightly deeper to prevent

any further damage. Commercial Watermelon Production Blossom-end rot appears as

black dead tissue where the blossom was attached.

Hollow heart and white heart are generally avoided by planting appropriate varieties.

Stem splitting. Longitudinal splits can occur in green house-grown transplants.

Theses transplants are still suitable for planting. Sandblasting. White dead tissue on the

stem or leaves is usually indicative of this problem. Transplanting watermelons offers

several advantages:! Plants can be reduced under greenhouse conditions when outdoor

conditions are not conducive to plant growth.! Seed-use efficiency increases, which is

especially important with costly hybrid and triploid seed.! Soil crusting and damping off,


detrimental to seedling growth, can be eliminated or reduced.! Planting depth is more

uniform.

It usually results in earlier harvests.! It is the only cost-effective way to grow seedless

watermelons.

The disadvantages of transplanting include:! higher variable costs,! increased labor costs,!

holding plants if weather delays planting,! fragile watermelon seedlings easily broken

during transplanting,! higher cost than direct-seeded watermelons if newly transplanted

seedlings are killed by frost, and! possible increased incidence of diseases such as fruit

blotch. Purchased transplants should be inspected carefully.

Yellowed or flowering transplants should not be accepted because they may be too old to

grow properly. Transplants of standard varieties more than seven weeks old may never

perform well in the field. Purchased watermelon transplants should be pathogen and

insect free (Figure 7). If plants must be held for several days due to bad weather, they may

elongate, making transplanting difficult. Growers who raise their own transplants can

control growing conditions to produce suitable plants and to reduce the risk of importing

diseases that can be a problem with purchased transplants. Successful transplant

production depends on four basic requirements:

! a weed-, insect- and disease-free medium;! Adequate heat and moisture;! High-intensity

light of good quality for stocky plant growth (avoid yellowed fiberglass structures); and! a

hardening-off period when plants are subjected to lower temperatures and/or less water

prior to transplanting to the field. The time for watermelon transplanting will depend on

frost-free dates, but plants generally will take three to five weeks to be field ready (Table 1)

depending on variety and growing conditions. Plants grown under less than ideal

conditions will take longer to produce.

2.14 Containers Watermelons suffer transplant shock if the roots are even minimally disturbed.

Watermelons must therefore be sown directly in the container that will transfer them to

the field. Generally, the size of the transplant container is more important than the type of

container. Research has shown that 1-,

1½-, and 2-inch containers, if properly scheduled, can be used successfully without

reducing plant vigor or production. The cost of the container may determine the choice of

size. Larger containers (1½ inch) are better designed to allow continued root growth and

avoid the development of root bound transplants if the weather prevents timely planting.

Root-bound transplants may never grow properly.

2.15 Media Transplants should be grown in a commercially prepared media suitable for vegetable

plants. Many commercial mixes( Fafard Mixes, Jiffy Mix, Metro-Mix, Pro-Mix, Red -earth,


Terra-Lite, etc.) are readily available. Commercial mixes are preferred due to consistency

of performance.

2.16 Sowing of water melon

Sow one to two seeds per container for open-pollinated varieties and one seed per

container for hybrids to reduce seed costs. Pinch off or cut seedlings to avoid disturbing

the roots. Do not pull seedlings out of the container to thin.

2.17 Growing Conditions

Cultural conditions under which watermelons grow best are described in Table 1. High

temperatures and low light will produce spindly plants. Conversely, low temperatures will

delay plant development. Low temperatures can be used when trying to slow plant growth

as field planting approaches.6 commercial water melon production.

2.18 Watermelon Transplant Production

Watering Uniformly moist media will ensure good germination, but overly wet media will encourage

damping off and high seedling mortality. Established transplants should be watered only

when necessary. Excessive watering

leads to succulent plants with restricted root growth. Water should be applied only when

the surface of the media is dry to the touch. As plants grow larger, their water needs will

increase. They may need water daily when approaching transplant size. The media should


be moistened thoroughly until water drips through the container’s drain holes. Water in

the morning, when possible, to allow the foliage to dry before night. Wet foliage

encourages disease.

2.19 Fertilizer The amount, concentration and frequency of fertilizer applied can control transplant

growth. Different formulations of media contain varying amounts of fertilizer. Some media

have none, some have a small amount just to stimulate early growth of transplants, and

other media contain all the fertilizer needed to produce field-ready transplants. Many

transplant growers prefer using media that doesn’t contain fertilizer. They feel they can

manage transplant growth better using soluble fertilizer (fertigation ), because it allows

them to directly control the availability of nutrients(amount and time of application). If you

use media that contains fertilizer, monitor transplant growth and appearance closely so

that you can make timely applications of soluble fertilizer should additional fertilizer be

needed. Many soluble fertilizers are available for application through the irrigation water.

This allows adjustments in fertilizer application according to plant needs, stage of

development and environmental conditions. Fertilizer rates generally are specified on the

product label. It is very easy to over-fertilize a small area. Frequency of fertilization (daily

or weekly) depends on the program schedule. More frequent applications of smaller

amounts of fertilizer are preferable and tend to produce more even and uniform growth.

2.20 Hardening-off Watermelons need not undergo a long hardening-off period; three to four days are

sufficient. Hardening-off can be initiated by reducing greenhouse temperature and by with

holding water or limiting fertilizer. Hardened plants are more able to withstand chilling

stress, mild water stress, drying winds or high temperatures. Hardened plants generally

produce new roots more rapidly than un hardened plants. Overly hardened plants grow

slowly and in severe cases never fully recover.

2.21 Planting A watermelon transplant should be set slightly deeper than grown in the greenhouse

(Figure 8). This helps prevents damage at the root/stem interface that can occur due to

blowing winds. Peat pots should not have any portion remaining above ground because

the pot itself will act as a wick to draw moisture from the soil, often desiccating the roots

or frequently causing moisture stress. Finally, transplants should be watered as soon as

possible after transplanting to remove air pockets surrounding the roots and to ensure

sufficient soil moisture for good root establishment. Many transplanting rigs are capable

of delivering water to each transplant as it is set. Apply fertilizer solution to each

transplant, especially if fertilizer requirements during transplant production were from

the media exclusively. Use a water-soluble fertilizer such as10-34-0. Mix 1 quart of this

material in 50 gallons of water. Apply about ½ pint per transplant. For more information


on transplant production, consult Bulletin 1144,Commercial Production of Vegetable

Transplants, or your local county Extension agent.

2.22 Added Costs of production on Plastic The cost of plastic mulch can add substantially to production cost. Plastic mulch cost will

vary depending on plastic type, thickness, width and row spacing. In addition, preparing

the beds and laying the plastic requires specialized equipment. This represents a sizable

investment for growers who do not already have the equipment. For some growers, a

good alternative is to hire someone to lay the plastic customly . If non degradable plastic is

used, plastic removal and disposal result in additional costs. See this bulletin’s Production

Costs section for estimated plastic cost. Even though production costs are more on plastic,

the potential for profit is substantially greater because of historically higher prices for

early melons.

2.23 Drip Irrigation Drip irrigation is an option for watermelons grown on plastic. It helps conserve water,

provides water to the root zone without wetting the foliage and facilitates “spoon feeding”

of nutrients through drip lines. However, drip irrigation increases cost of production.

Most Georgia watermelon growers who use plastic mulch do not use drip irrigation

because they already have overhead irrigation capability (center pivot or traveling gun).

For more information on drip irrigation see the Irrigation section of this bulletin.

2.24 Types of Plastic Of the various colors and types of plastic (polyethylene)mulches, 1.25 mil black plastic is

the most popular in Georgia. Black plastic effectively warms the soil and also prevents the

growth of most weeds. Although clear plastic warms the soil, it is not recommended for

watermelon production in Georgia because it doesn’t provide weed control. The use of

degradable plastic mulches that break down over time is increasing in Georgia. If you plan

to use degradable mulch for watermelon production in Georgia, select one that is

formulated to remain intact for at least 45to 60 days. Although degradable mulches cost

more initially, they eliminate the cost of removal and disposal after the growing season.

Degradable mulches having consistent and appropriately timed degradation rates are

potentially beneficial, especially to growers who do not double-crop.

Although other vegetable crops require wider plastic, plastic mulched beds 18 to 24 inches

wide are commonly used for watermelon production in Georgia. Because 4 to6 inches are

required on each side for covering (the tuck),24- to 36-inch wide plastic is required (Figure

9).

2.25 Plant Establishment and Spacing Watermelons may be seeded or transplanted on plastic. Direct seeding of triploid seedless

watermelons is not recommended. If transplants are used, apply about ½ pint of a

transplant watering solution (containing 1 quart of 10-34-0 or similar material per 50


gallons of water) to each transplant to help get it off to a good start. Water melon spacing

on plastic varies widely depending on the variety and the desired melon size. In general,

6to 9 feet between-row spacing and 3 to 8 feet in-row spacing are used. Under good

growing conditions, 30 to 40square feet per plant is usually sufficient for production.2

2.26 Fertilizer Application and Tissue Analysis Lime and fertilizer rates should be based on soil tests. For plastic-mulched, overhead-

irrigated watermelons, all the recommended fertilizer can be incorporated into the bed.

Another popular option is to band or incorporate 25 percent to 50 percent of the

recommended fertilizer in the bed prior to mulch installation and apply the remainder in

two side-dress applications as needed. Periodic tissue analysis (approximately every seven

to 10 days) provides baseline data that can help determine when and which nutrients need

to be applied as the season progresses. Sometimes, even with adequate bee activity,

watermelon fruit set is less than satisfactory. Under these conditions, two or three foliar

applications of boron at weekly intervals (beginning with first bloom) can enhance

pollination and improve fruit set. Many growers who have melons on plastic routinely

apply a calcium-boron spray, such as CaB™, according to label directions.

2.27 Diseases of water melon crops Round, sunken spots may appear on the fruit. Spots first appear water-soaked, then turn a

dark green to brown color. The pinkish-colored ooze often noticed in the center of the

sunken spot is spores of the fungus. There are three types of the anthracnose fungus,

known as races 1, 2 and

3. In recent years, Race 2 has become widespread in Georgia. It has severely damaged

watermelon varieties that have previously shown anthracnose resistance. In areas where

all three races of the fungus are present, no variety is resistant to anthracnose

2.28 Fusarium Wilt The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. . niveum causes Fusarium wilt of watermelons.

Fusarium wilt is wide spreading many fields in Georgia. Symptoms can occur at any stage

of growth. Infected plants develop wilt symptoms on one or more runners, usually

beginning at their tips. The vascular tissue in the lower stem and roots develops a light

brown discoloration. In severe cases, the entire root may become dark brown and a soft

rot develops near the crown.

The pathogen can spread to new areas on seed or in soil transported by equipment,

drainage water and man. Several varieties are considered somewhat resistant to this

disease. However, even with resistant varieties it is desirable to use new land or have a

minimum of eight years between diseased crops on the same land. On old land, some

wilting can occur even with resistant varieties; final thinning should be delayed as long as

possible to eliminate the great number of wilt-susceptible plants before the final stand is


established. Contamination of new fields with soil from Fusarium infested fields should be

avoided.

2.29 Downy Mildew Downy mildew is caused by the fungus Pseudoperonospora cubensis. This fungus attacks

only the leaves of watermelons. Lesions first appear on the oldest crown leaves as yellow,

mottled spots with indefinite borders blending gradually into healthy portions of the leaf.

Older lesions are dark brown with a slight yellow border. As the disease progresses, brown

areas coalesce, causing leaves to curl inward toward midribs. Under favorable conditions

for disease development, downy -mildew develops rapidly, resulting in a scorched

appearance over an entire field. The pathogen is airborne and usually begins in areas south

of Georgia and moves up the coast destroying watermelons in its path. Downy mildew has

not been a problem in watermelons in the last several years; however, the potential is

there, and plantings should be observed frequently for signs of downy mildew.

2.30 Watermelon Mosaic Virus Watermelon mosaic virus I and II are now known as papaya ring spot virus—watermelon

type (PRSV-W) and watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), respectively. These are two

common viruses found on Georgia watermelons. Several other viruses affect watermelon;

all have similar symptoms. The most common symptom is mottling of the leaf. However,

mottling may be difficult to see under certain weather conditions. Some plants are stunted

with abnormal leaf shapes, shortened internodes and bushy erect growth habits of some

runner tips. The first symptom on the fruits is usually a bumpy and mottled appearance of

the fruit surface. This disease symptom is strongly expressed in periods of extended high

temperatures, which occur just before watermelon harvests in Georgia. These viruses are

spread by aphids, which can spread through an entire planting during the growing season .

2.31 Rind Necrosis The cause of rind necrosis is not known. However, it is reported in association with

bacteria such as Erwiniaspp. The symptom of this disease is the development in the rind of

light brown, dry, corky spots, which may enlarge and merge to form rather extensive

necrotic areas that rarely extend into the flesh. Although there are no external symptoms

of rind necrosis, infected fruits appear to have exceptionally tough rinds. It is not known

how this disease is transmitted, but it apparently is limited to fruit infection.

Watermelon varieties differ in the relative incidence severity of rind necrosis .

2.32 Fruit Blotch Fruit blotch is caused by the bacterium Acidovoraxavenae subsp. citrulli. The fruit blotch

bacterium can cause seedling blight, leaf lesions and fruit symptoms. First symptoms in

watermelon seedlings appear as dark water soaking of the lower surface of cotyledons and

leaves followed by necrotic lesions, which frequently have chlorotic halos. In young

seedlings, lesions can occur in the hypocotyl, resulting in collapse and death of the plant.

Leaf lesions are light brown to reddish-brown in color and often spread along the midrib of


the leaf. Leaf lesions in the field do not result in defoliation, but are important reservoirs

of bacteria for fruit infection. Symptoms on the surface of fruit begin as small, greasy

appearing water-soaked areas a few millimeters in diameter. These enlarge rapidly to

become dark-green, water-soaked lesions several centimeters in diameter with irregular

margins.

Within a few days, these lesions may rapidly expand to cover the entire surface of the

fruit, leaving only the ground spot symptomless. Initially, the lesions do not extend into

the flesh of the melon. With age, the center of the lesions may turn brown and crack, and a

fruit rot may develop. White bacterial ooze or effervescent exudate follows fruit decay.

Fruit blotch bacteria may be introduced into a field by infested seed, infected transplants,

contaminated volunteer.

2.33 Insect Management

the striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma vittata. The bandedcucumber beetle, Diabrotica

balteata, is found occasionally. Cucumber beetles sometimes are mistaken for ladybeetles,

which are beneficial predators. Cucumber beetles are more oblong than lady beetles,

which are nearly circular. The spotted cucumber beetle adult is about ¼ inch long with 11

black spots on its yellowish-green to yellow wingcovers. The banded cucumber beetle is

slightly smaller than the spotted cucumber beetle. The banded cucumber beetle is yellow

with three black stripes on the back. The larvae of the different cucumber beetles are very

similar and live underground. Larvae are creamy, yellowish white, soft-bodied worms with

three pairs of in conspicuous legs. Mature larvae of the spotted cucumber beetle may be

from ½ to ¾ inch long. The striped cucumber beetle larvae are slightly smaller. Both larvae

have a dark brown head and a dark brown plate on the last body segment. Beetles and

larvae may damage watermelon. The beetles have been responsible for most economic

damage of water melon vegetables. Beetles feed on the stems and foliage of the plant.

Beetles feed on the stems until the plants become less attractive

because of hardening, after which more foliage damage will be apparent. Feeding begins

on the undersides of the cotyledons or true leaves. If beetle populations are high during

the seedling stage, stand reductions can occur. Larvae may feed on all underground plant

parts and

usually cause insignificant amounts of damage. Occasionally, larvae cause direct damage

to the melon.

This is more likely to occur during excessive moisture conditions when the larvae feed on

that portion of the melon in direct contact with the soil surface. The damage consists of

small trail-like canals eaten into the surface of the rind. The most severe consequence of

larval damage is the introduction of secondary disease organisms. Cucumber beetles can

be controlled with foliar applications of insecticides when 10 percent or more of the


seedlings are infested. The natural feeding behavior of cucumber beetles leads to their

avoidance of insecticidal sprays, so thorough spray coverage is imperative. The

most cost-effective application method is to band over the-top and direct sprays to the

base of the plant. There areno recommendations for control of the larvae.

2.34 Aphids The melon aphid, Aphis gossy pii, and the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae are common in

Georgia melons. Aphids are soft-bodied, oblong insects that rarely exceed3/32 inch long.

Adults may be winged or wingless, most often wingless. Aphids have two exhaust-pipe-

like structures called cornicles on the rear of the abdomen. Immature aphids are wingless

and look like the adults, only smaller.

Aphids are slow-moving insects that live in colonies on the undersides of leaves. Aphids

feed on the leaves with their piercing-sucking mouthparts. As they remove plant sap, the

leaves curl downward and take on a puckered appearance. Heavy populations cause plants

to yellow and wilt. Aphids secrete a substance known as honeydew, which collects on the

surface of the lower leaves. Under favorable conditions, the honeydew provides the

sustenance for the growth of sooty mold, a fungus that blackens

the leaf surface. This reduces photosynthesis, there by reducing quality and/or yield. The

greatest damage caused by aphids is indirect. Aphids vector several viruses that can

reduce melon quality.

For this reason, aphid populations should be kept to a minimum. Winged aphids are the

primary vectors of such diseases and should be monitored two to three times per week

until melons are full size.

Several insecticides are effective on light to moderate populations of aphids. If winged

aphids are found easily(10 percent of plants infested), treatment is warranted. Thorough

coverage is essential because aphids live on the undersides of leaves .

2.35 Thrips Several species of thrips may inhabit watermelon fields, but they are not very well

understood as pests.

Trips are very small, spindle-shaped insects, 1/10 inch or less in length. Immature thrips

are wingless; the adults have wings with hair like fringe. The thrips that cause early

foliage damage often are different from those present during the period of heavy fruit set

in spring plantings. The most noticeable damage

is to the foliage. Narrow bronze lesions appear on the leaf surface. The entire field may

have a silvery appearance from heavy feeding. This damage is caused by the thrips rasping

the leaf surface before its expansion. The most severe damage occurs during the periods of

slow growth. Damage is quickly outgrown during periods of rapid growth; usually no

treatment is required. The western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis,is the

species most common during rapid fruit set.


WFT is a species two to three times larger than the common onion and tobacco thrips

often found infesting early plantings. Whether WFT or any other species causes any

significant damage to the melon is not well known. Thrips mechanically damage plants

during the feeding process. If thrips were to feed on pre-pollinated melons, the damage

would not be noticeable until the melons were larger. Physical damage of this type would

appear as cat facing, light russeting or other deformities on the rind surface.

Thrips can be controlled with foliar insecticide applications. No treatment thresholds have

been developed for thrips. As a rule of thumb, treatments generally are not necessary if

thrips are damaging only the foliage. Treatments for thrips during early fruit

development may be initiated when a majority of the blooms are infested with large

numbers of thrips—75 or more per bloom .

2.36 Cutworms The granulate cutworm, Feltia subterranea, is the predominant species in the Coastal Plain

of Georgia. The adult is a nondescript moth. Larvae are greasy-looking caterpillars that

may be 1½ to 1¾ inches long at maturity. Young larvae may be pinkish-gray; older larvae

are usually dingy gray. A series of chevrons slightly lighter gray than the body runs along

the back. Cut worms feed at night and remain inactive during the day, either on the soil

surface or below ground. Cut worms may attack all plant parts, but the most severe damage

occurs when they feed on young seedlings or developing melons. Cutworms damage young

plants by chewing on the stem slightly above or below ground. Stand reductions may

occur. Damage to the melon is often confined to the rind. Rind damage may be superficial.

Cutworm feeding results in trails or patches of tan to russet callus tissue. Cutworms can be

difficult to control, but understanding their behavior can help. Cutworms pass the winter

months in the larval stage. This means that the larvae maybe present at the time of

planting. In these cases, stand reductions will be likely. Inspect fields during land

preparation and just before and during the planting operation. If cutworms are found,

treatments should be made either by incorporation of a soil insecticide or a directed spray

if plants are already present. Foliar sprays should be made aslate in the day as possible to

coincide with the greatest larval activity.

2.37 Pickleworms and Melonworms The pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis, and melonworm,D. hyalinata, are migratory insects

that over wintering areas from southern Florida to South America. Watermelon is one of

their least preferred hosts in the cucurbit group. Plantings of watermelons that are

harvested by early July are unlikely targets. Extremely late plantings are subject to attack

and should be monitored for developing infestations.

2.38 Rind worms “Rind worm” is a term that describes any worm that may attack the rind of the melon. It

does not refer to a specific species. The most common worms that may fit this description


are cutworms, corn earworms, loopers , and beet and fall armyworms. When the rind is

attacked, the insect must be identified correctly because no one insecticide will control all

of the aforementioned species .

2.39 Miscellaneous Insect Pests Some insects become pests of watermelons only if a preferred host is not available,

populations are very high, or environmental conditions are just right for rapid

development. Flea beetles, spider mites, leaf miners, stink bugs, leafhoppers, squash bugs

and grasshoppers are just a few. These problems can be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Contact the local county Extension agent with any questions

on the treatment of these insects

2.40 Honeybees Honeybees are necessary to ensure adequate pollination. Because most insecticides are

toxic to honeybees, certain practices should be followed to prevent bee kills. Honeybees

may be active from dawn to dusk. Insecticide applications should be made late in the day,

after sunset if possible, after bee activity has ceased. If a large acreage must be sprayed

during the day, remove hives from the field the preceding day. If these precautions are

followed, bee kills will be kept to a minimum. Once dried on the leaf

surface, the toxic effects of most insecticides are dramatically reduced.

Weed control of watermelon

Successful weed management is vital to the production of quality watermelons. Weeds

compete with the crop for light, space, nutrients and, particularly, water. Weed growth

promotes disease problems and can harbor deleterious insects and diseases. Weeds also

impair the ability to harvest effectively, reducing the quantity of marketable fruit and

increasing labor costs. Watermelons, as with most crops, require early season weed

control to ensure the quality crop. In addition, the spreading nature of this crop

makes weed control difficult once the vines begin to form.2

2.41Factors Affecting Weed Control One of the most important factors to consider when growing watermelons is site or field

selection. Fields

heavy in Texas panicum , sickle pod, cocklebur and other difficult-to-control species

should be avoided. In addition, perennial weeds such as nut sedge or Bermuda grass will

cause problems and can be extremely hard to control. With perennial weeds such as these,

frequent disking or mechanical disturbance prior to planting may reduce the severity of

infestation. Nonselective herbicides may also be used to reduce perennial weeds. Weed

identification, especially seedling weeds, is also important. Seedling weeds are generally

easier to control and in many cases control can occur only at the seedling stage.


Another important factor is the growth of the crop. Generally, an aggressive, healthy crop

will outcompete and exclude many weeds. Proper fertilization as well as disease,

nematode and insect management will promote crop growth and aid in weed suppression.

2.42 Weed & Grass Control With Watermelon Overview

Watermelons are popular summer crops in home gardens, and thrive in areas that provide

long frost-free growing seasons. These colorful melons can grow to over 20 lbs. at maturity,

depending on the variety, but require sun, warmth and lots of weed-free space for their

growth.

Watermelons are large, vining plants that require extensive space both individually and in

patches. Each watermelon plant should have at least 6 feet of space in every direction for

growth.

2.43 Pesticide Residue Testing

Bed Preparation

Watermelons cannot tolerate competition when they're young, so it's important to weed a

site thoroughly before planting. This preparation should also include eliminating any litter

and rocks in the area.

Planting

According to Ohio State University, many commercial growers and home gardeners use

black plastic mulch during watermelon planting to suppress weeds from the start. Because

watermelons are long, vining plants, they grow easily above the plastic, where they have

access to air and sun.

Organic Mulch

An all-natural way to control weed growth around watermelons is organic mulch, which

restricts sun exposure and keeps weeds from sprouting. Organic mulch also encourages

moisture retention and warmth in the soil.

Weeding

Gardeners who choose to grow watermelons without plastic or organic mulch must

monitor their melon patch consistently for competition and weeds. The University of

Illinois suggests weekly hoeing and weeding to keep watermelons healthy.

Considerations

Although many gardeners are tempted to use herbicides in their gardens to prevent weed

growth, these products come with some serious considerations. They may harm and kill

watermelon plants, and as poisons they should never be used around fruits and vegetables

meant for consumption.


Keywords: growing watermelons patches, watermelons and weeding, weed melon patch,

weed around watermelons, watermelon weed control

2.44 Methods of Weed Control during water melon production

Several methods of weed control exist for watermelons. Selecting the method best suited

for an individual

grower will depend on several factors: weed species, stage of crop and weed development,

and labor cost and its availability. Hand weeding provides very effective weed control and

is safe to the crop. Weeding should be performed when the crop and weeds are small to

reduce crop damage and to allow hoeing. Removal of large weeds with extensive root

systems may damage crop roots or vines. Hand weeding, however, is costly in terms of

labor. Mechanical cultivation provides very effective weed

control but is limited to small weeds that can be easily uprooted or covered. More

importantly, mechanical cultivation should not be performed once the plants have begun

to vine (“run”). These vines are very tender and are easily damaged by tractor wheels or

cultivators. Mechanical control must be supplemented with chemical or hand weeding to

remove weeds in the rows or after the

plants produce vines. Chemical weed control is limited to herbicides recommended

by the University of Georgia Although the Georgia Pest Control Handbook collectively

includes weed control information on all cucurbit crops ,herbicide use and tolerance varies

among these crops. Furthermore, some differing tolerance has been not done between

varieties of the same crop.

Weed control using the stale seedbed technique involves chemical weed control of

emerged weeds before

crop emergence. A nonselective contact material is used. The stale seedbed method often

is coupled with a pre planting corporates herbicide treatment. If the crop is transplanted,

this method may be used to kill emerged weeds before transplanting. On direct-seeded

plantings, apply the herbicide

to those weeds that have emerged after planting but before the crop has emerged.

Fumigation will provide substantial weed control but is expensive and dangerous and

must be performed by trained personnel. To ensure proper fumigation, a non porous

material such as plastic covers the soil. The fumigant is placed under the plastic, and the

edges are sealed with soil. The length of time the cover remains in place varies with

fumigant but is generally three days. When planting into plastic mulch after fumigation,

allow at least three weeks for the chemical to disperse to avoid crop injury. Most small-

seeded broadleaves and grasses will be controlled, but larger seeds and nut sedge tubers

will not.

Plastic mulch with drip irrigation is a very effective method of weed control. Black or non-

light-transmitting plastic is preferred, eliminating light required for weed germination


and growth. This will eliminate most weeds except nut sedge. The tightly folded and

pointed leaves of this species will penetrate the plastic and emerge. Plastic that covers the

plant beds should fit tightly and seal the edges to prevent wind disturbance. Once the bed

is covered, a small hole is made in the plastic and the transplant or seeds inserted. The

smallest hole possible is advantageous to eliminate weed emergence. Those areas between

the beds should be treated only with a herbicide registered for the crop, because the crop

roots may extend into the row middles and contact the treated soil.

Harvesting of water melon production

MATURITY & QUALITY

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) are harvested at full maturity as they typically do

not develop in internal color or increase in sugars after being removed from the vine. The

ground spot (the portion of the melon resting on the soil) changes from pale white to a

creamy yellow at proper harvest maturity. Another indicator used at harvest include a

wilted but not fully desiccated vine tendril proximal to the stem-end attachment.

Destructive sampling is used to judge maturity of a population of watermelons. For seeded

cultivars, maturity is reached when the gelatinous covering (aril) around the seed is no

longer apparent and the seed coat is hard. Cultivars vary widely in soluble solids at

maturity. In general, a soluble solids content of at least 10% in the flesh near the center of

the melon is an indicator of proper maturity if the flesh is also firm, crisp and of good color.

Quality Indices

Watermelons should be symmetrical and uniform in appearance

The surface should be waxy and bright in appearance

Absence of scars, sunburn, transit abrasions or other surface defects or dirt


No evidence of bruising

Appears heavy for size

U.S. grades Fancy, No. 1, and No. 2. Distinction among grades is based predominantly on

external appearances.

2.45 TEMPERATURE & CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE (CA)

Optimum Temperature

10-15°C (50-59°F) Storage life is typically 14 days at 15°C (59°F) with up to 21 days

attainable at 7-10°C (45-50°F).

For short-term storage or transit to distant markets (>7 days), most recommendations use

7.2°C (45°F) and 85-90% R.H. as the acceptable handling conditions. Watermelons are,

however, prone to chilling injury at this temperature. Extended holding at this temperature

will induce chilling injury, rapidly evident after transfer to typical retail display

temperatures.

Many watermelons are still shipped without precooling or refrigeration during transit.

These fruit must be utilized for prompt market sales as quality declines rapidly under these

conditions.

Optimum Relative Humidity

85-90%; High relative humidity is generally advisable to reduce desiccation and loss of

glossiness.

Rates of Respiration

Temperature

°C °F

ml CO2/kg· hr

0 32 NR

5 41 3-4

10 50 6-9

15 59 NA

20 68 17-25

25 77 NA


To calculate heat production multiply ml CO2/kg· by 440 to get Btu/ton/ day or by 122 to

get kcal/metric ton/day.

NR - not recommended due to chilling injury.

NA - not available.

Rates of Ethylene Production

Low: 0.1-1.0 µl/kg· hr at 20°C (68°F)

Responses to Ethylene

Exposure to an ethylene concentrations as low as 5ppm for 7 days at 18°C (64°F) will cause

unacceptable loss of firmness and eating quality.

Responses to Controlled Atmospheres (CA)

Controlled atmosphere storage or shipping are not recognized as offering controlled

benefits for watermelon.

DISORDERS

Physiological and Physical Disorders

Chilling injury. Typically occurs after storage at temperatures < 7°C (45°F) Disorders for

several days. Symptoms of chilling injury include pitting, decline in flesh color, loss of

flavor, off-flavors and increased decay when returned to room temperatures.

Improper handling and loading of bulk watermelons too often result in serious transit

losses due to bruising and cracking. Internal bruising leads to premature flesh breakdown

and mea lines.

Pathological Disorders

Disease can be an important source of postharvest loss depending on season, Disorders

region and local climatic conditions at harvest. Generally these losses are low in

comparison with physical injury due to bruising and rough handling. Black Rot, caused

by Didymella bryoniae, Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum or biculare, and

Phytophthora Fruit Rot are common in areas with high rainfall and humidity during

production and harvest An extensive list of stem-end, blossom-end, rind decay or surface

lesions may occur, including the bacterium Erwinia and the fungal pathogens

Alternaria, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Geotrichum, Rhizopus, and occasionally Mucor,

Fusarium, and Tricothecium.


2.46 Post harvest Handling and Storing of Watermelon

Watermelon is a wonderful fat-free, low-calorie sweet nutritious treat. A whole

watermelon from the grocery store tastes better and longer than a pre-cut one. Melons can

be stored cut or uncut for varying lengths of time and can even be frozen successfully.

Handling and storing watermelon properly will help protect it's taste and nutritional value.

Store uncut watermelons at room temperature

Store uncut watermelon at 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C). Whole melons will keep for two

weeks at 60°F (16°C), 7 to 10 days at average room temperature and up to a week in hot

weather. Store it too long, and it will lose flavor and texture.

Chill the watermelon before cutting

Watermelon tastes best warm but is more refreshing if cooled down before eating. To chill,

place the whole, room temperature watermelon in the refrigerator for several hours before

serving.

Wash the watermelon before cutting

First, wash your hands. Then wash the outside of the melon thoroughly under running

water, using a brush if necessary to remove dirt and other contaminants. Pat the

watermelon dry with paper towels. Be careful handling wet watermelons, they are very

slippery!

Cut the watermelon into pieces

There are several ways to cut a watermelon for serving. To cut the watermelon for the

maximum number of servings is to slice it. You can get up to 138 pieces from a 20-pound

watermelon. Use a clean, long bladed, sharp knife. Start at one end of the watermelon and

carefully cut it -- avoid sawing or hacking at it, watermelon can easily turn to mush --

vertically into 1/2-inch slices. Then, cut each slice into 6 equal wedges.

Cover cut watermelon and store in the refrigerator

Once the watermelon has been cut, cover the cut side with two pieces of plastic wrap

tightly secured in a criss-cross pattern. Place in the refrigerate with cut side up, to prevent

juices from escaping or place covered cut side down on a plate. Or cut the remaining

watermelon into cubes or balls and store in a tightly covered plastic storage container.

Refrigerator storage time

Cut watermelon can be stored in the refrigerator at 37°F to 39°F (3°C to 4°C) for up to 3 to

4 days.

Selecting The Tastiest Ripe Watermelon


Freezing Watermelon.

2.47 Marketing of water melon production

Marketing Methods There is no particular best method of marketing

watermelons. Growers should determine which methods

are available to them and use the marketing method that is

expected to return the most income for their land, labor,

management and time. The different marketing methods

include:! selling the field

! selling through the Cordele market! retailing at farmers

markets! selling direct to truckers or stores

! selling through brokers or shippers The field method of

sales, whether by acre or by pound, is preferred by many growers because it is relatively

simple. Basically, the grower finds a buyer willing to purchase the entire field. Often, the

buyer does the harvesting. Large watermelon growers (more than 20 acres) generally use

brokers. Brokers or shippers are capable of handling the large volume sales that these

growers require. Brokers provide the marketing services thatindividual growers are not

able to provide. They have contacts in the major markets so that they can move large

volumes of melons over an extended period of time. Their contacts with both producers

and buyers allow for matching buyers’ needs with what the producers have. The matches

include volume, variety, size, transportation, etc. Smaller growers use the Cordele market

(less than 20acres), by large growers as a convenient location to weight loads on their way

to market, and as a location for out-of town brokers. More than half of the annual Georgia

volume goes through this market. The grower is responsible for harvesting and hauling to

the market. Melons sold through this market are exposed to more potential buyers than

through field sales. Farmers market retail sales should result in higher prices than other

methods. The grower is responsible for the marketing functions of harvesting,

transporting and selling. The amount of time required to sell a load through this method

is so great that large acreage growers are notable to move enough melons this way .Direct

sales to truckers or to chains is a reasonable marketing method for the grower who has

the contacts. The growers’ volume must match their contacts’ needs. Matching needs

with volume is difficult, which often prevents this method from being used.

(Sources of information : are from websites, documents, books related to water melon

and internet.)


Chapter Three

Research Methodology

Methods and materials.

In this chapter we shall determine the best way to collect information needed to the thesis

in an effective method. it will contain five items that are necessary for this thesis of

writing. The five items are: data source and type, the sample method, questionnaire

development and design, limitations of the study, and source of information.

We have used qualitative research that has descriptions.

3.1 Data source and type

The research design method that has been selected to use in this research topic are two

types which are, primary data and secondary data.

Primary data is any information that we have collected during our research

surveying such as, questionnaire. The methodology we have used is well design

research survey, in order to get the information.

Secondary data is any data that comes from books, documents, and internet that is

related to the topic research which we had chosen.

3.2 The Sample Design

The sampling method is significant of the research paper. it deals with the process

of selecting adequate number of elements from the population. It’s importance

comes from that, if the sample size is chosen correctly, which shall have added to

the credibility of the research in an effective and efficiency way.

The research will use two sampling methods: the first is called convenience

sampling that involves collecting information from members of population who are

conveniently available to provide it. This method was chosen because of different

varieties of water melon that exist in Somaliland. Therefore, the researcher have

chosen random sample from the sample population.

Sample varieties Respondent Golden crown (local variety) 6 Yellow doll 4


3.3 Questionnaire development and design

Within this research the information was collected under questionnaire, which

consists of 16 questions. We are confident that the result of this research will

represent the actual of applicability of water melon production in Somaliland and

how they will increase the production of water melon fruit.

3.4 Limitations of the study

Actually, there was many constraints during the research period but, the major

challenges were including,

Knowledge of the farmers that is applicable of the growing water melon

production and system of harvesting was deficient.

due to the absence of previous studies in this topic water melon, it become

difficult for us, to obtain secondary data as literature review.

During data collection and analysis was difficult to us because of shortage of

materials but, later time we had managed and done it.

3.5 Source of Information

The research data is mainly based on primary data in which the researcher designed

a questionnaire to collect data or information from the selected sample golden

crown ( local variety ) , yellow doll and et c )

The secondary data that is used in this research we obtained from websites,

reference materials such as, journals, document, and text books related to water

melon.


Chapter Four

Research findings and discussion

Findings

Here we shall demonstrate all the challenges and opportunities identified during my

surveying by using questionnaires and other materials. The main problems that we have

recognized while performing this study are presented below in sub points.

Planting of water melon

We have discovered while we have been carrying out our thesis study, that low productive

water melon variety considered as local planting are practiced by nearly all the households

subsistence in Somaliland. Even though the local water melon have resistance to some

diseases and insects but, they are not suitable for this purpose of planting and not

producing good satisfactory water melon production. So our findings from this study was

that low cost of water melon selling which depends on seasonality, and improper storage in

the areas surrounding Gabiley that causes to the farmers not to capable to supply enough

watermelon in to Hargeisa market in order to get a sufficient income.

These factors remains a huge challenge to the small scale families and to the all water

melon production society parts in Somaliland. We have noticed that some of the times

families usually decides to stop planting of water melon due to over production of water

melon in the market and poor storage hence, it is perishable fruit. Therefore, it would be

better and become a great opportunity if the water melon is highly marketed.


Growing and agronomic practices of water melon production in

Somaliland.

We have found during the survey that the most of the farmers grow water melon in their

farms which may be irrigated or rain fed areas. as our respondents told us that they plant

water melon always. Which means the 30 farmers that we took as a sample out of 15 said

we grow water melon in the field and this represents 85% while 5% noticed us that they

do not plant watermelon. We found in the surveying study that other 10% of the farmers

have indicated they grow water melon in some seasons only.

It depends on the interest value from the farmers to the crop product of water melon

though the most farmers are pastoralists.

Therefore, this is showing that the majority of the farmers of Somaliland practices farming

of water melon in the farms. They do not inter crop the water melon with other crops but,

usually grows water melon in monoculture system.

FIGURE 1

Opportunity : identified is to grow the water melon with intercropping system by

legumes as to improve the soil fertility, to utilize the bio mass of the farm, and to increase

the quality of water melon production.

We have asked when to plant water melon

The 30 samples out of 14 farmers indicated that they grow the watermelon fruit in the farm

often in middle of april in percent this accounts 90% . while other farmers grow water

melon in late of april thus, accounts 5% of the farmers. Avery few farmers grow in may

season. So we have recognized that most of the farmers of somaliland grows water melon

in the period of spring season due to the expectations of good germination percentage, high

yielding and availability of water.


The majority of the farmers had strongly agreed that they grow water melon in loamy soils

which represent in percent 90%. Of our respondents practices farming in this soil that has

good organic matter, and high water holding capacity. Some of the farmers add manure on

the farming land as to improve the quantity and quality of water melon fruits on the farm.

While some other farmers grow water melon in clay soils due to many reasons including

limited cultivated land, and human resources that represents 5% of the farmers.

Indeed, water melon grow best on sandy loam soil which is well drained and slightly acid.

FIGURE 2


Effect of weed on water melon production

Yield 40% yield 40% yield 75% yield 96%

Weed make competition with watermelon for nutrients, space and water this reduce water

melon production in terms of quantity and quality, affect harvesting efficiency and play a

role in disease and insect development when the farm is bushy it can be a host to any living

organism.

As the above mentioned figure shows there is increase and decrease of watermelon

output when farm is weeded compared to when it has not weeded.

“The lower the weed on the farm the higher the production, the higher the weed the lower

the production”

94% of our respondents noticed us that they weed for the watermelon one time per month.

While some other farmers often weed their farm two times per month which represents

4% of the farmers. Other farmers weed their watermelon farm three times per month

which accounts 1% of the farmers.

Only 1% of the farmers are always practice and routine weeding in watermelon of the field

four times per month that is more effective in controlling diseases and insects As well as

enhancing the quality of water melon production.

Therefore, insufficient cultural practices causes low yield of watermelon so that the

farmers should come up with regular activities such as weeding, proper irrigating and

fertilizing the crop.

Most of our respondents the 30 sample we have taken out of 16 farmers told us that they

practice spacing of watermelon within plants between one meter, which stands 96% of the


farmers. 4% of the farmers have noticed us that they routine spacing of watermelon within

plants between two meter. Thus showing us that water melon in our country is not getting

the appropriate space to grow but, are planted as traditional form.

The farmers those we had interviewed on the field out of 17 of them said we control the

pests and insects which are attacking the watermelon in the farm in botanical method

which represents 98% of the farmers in fact, this can be done by the farmers easily hence it

does not contain correct dose of proportion and have no environmental effect on the soil.

Because, some by products have smell, hotter like garlic, onion and neem tree extracts.

In general, although it is obvious that the pests and insects are in fact a great challenge and

reducing water melon production, but there is no yet an appropriate pest and insect

management strategies in the rural area.

Opportunities : recognized are to empower the community farmers to identify

and manage the common insects in the country an encourage the population farmers to

make effective routine practices that prevent problems and rarely to use high quality

chemicals if necessary.

Although chemicals have environmental impact on the farm if they are not used properly.

While other farmers use chemicals to control the insects which represents 2% of the

farmers.


FIGURE 3

The respondents most of them noticed us that they get the seeds of water melon from

the local shops in the villages which is charging cost. This means that the 30 farmers we

have interviewed out of 15 obtain the seeds from shops which stands 86% of the

farmers. While 10% of the farmers get the seeds of water melon from NGOES which are

involved in agricultural development and their activities.

There were also other farmers those receives the watermelon seeds from the ministry of

agriculture which accounts about 4% .


The 30 sample out of 17 of the farmers have strongly agreed that they sell the water

melon products in to Hargeisa, the capital city of Somaliland which represents 90% of

the farmers transport water melon in to hargeisa in order to get high profit.

While 5% of the farmers had mentioned that they transport in to Djibouti if the water

melon have high quality and good demand which later returns the best income about

500 million shillings to the farmer and enables him/ her to proceed the activities of

farming and other future operations.

The remaining farmers sell water melon in the area of production with low price.

The transportation price of watermelon is normally about 300 shillings, depending on the

distance and agreement between the farmer and driver.

During the research time, farmers told us that there are many constraints in marketing of

water melon concluding, poor storage hence, water melon crop is perishable fruit which

have short shelf life,

Poor communication for the market and low price when there is over production of water

melon fruit.

92% of the farmers claimed that marketing of water melon is the critical point after

harvesting crop from the farm because, our markets are still traditional ones, they have

not specialized marketing facilities like grading and good hygiene.


Opportunity : identified better specialized marketing services, proper storage and good

communication will enhance marketing of watermelon between rural farmers and

consumers in the cities.

FIGURE 4

Meeting an excellent chance in the market provides the farmers high profit about six

million shillings which then, enhances the farmers in agricultural production such as

planting of maize, sorghum, citrus, tomato, onion, and their operations.

Knowledge of the farmers

In general, the majority of Somaliland farmers grows crops on the farm with rearing

livestock this type of system is known as mixed farming. Farmers have low knowledge on

basic water melon production requirements. They grow traditional knowledge farming

method this causes low yield from the farms output.

Opportunities: identified to increase the community’s knowledge on water melon

production such as handling of water melon, marketing strategies, conducting

demonstrations, and holding workshops.

Government aspects

During the survey we have get another problem associated with the government which have

important impact directly on the level of water melon production in our country where

most of the people involved are rural subsistence farmers. The first challenge is that the

public and private banks do not provide farmers credit systems, allowing farmers to

continue their farm activities sufficiently when they meet financial problems. The second

problem is that the government of Somaliland does not give useful extension services and

other motivations required by the rural people farmers in order to achieve a sustainable

level of water melon production and other crops.


Opportunities : identified to achieve better amount of water melon produced are:

to establish credit systems in the public or private banks in the country and also provide

extension agents to the farmers, to set a strategic plans for water melon production system.

Discussion

In Somaliland country specially in western regions the water melon are normally grown by

the most of the rural households in farming systems. But, watermelon cannot produce a

satisfactory yield to sell to the market due to many challenges including insect and disease

effects, low farmers knowledge, improper spacing and irrigating, low soil fertility and

productivity, lack of organic matter and fertilizers and lack of governmental motivations.

The main purpose that the farmers cultivate crops is either consumption of the crop or sale

for market to return benefits so, the farmers have to take in to account these factors

including cultivation and planting materials, cultural practices, biological factors, climatic

factors marketing demand and environmental factors.

At the same time, Harvest and handling system and postharvest management is great

important in production.

If the farmers adopt making field sanitation, crop rotation, growing resistant variety of

watermelon, seed treatment before planting of the crop, destruction of alternate and

collateral hosts and regular scouting and observations in the field can play a big role in

managing and controlling effectively insects, diseases, and other environmental factors

which actually causes yield losses of the watermelon fruit production.

Actually, the rural poor people who are involved in the production of water melon and

other crops in our country do not have a fund and enough knowledge to the production.

At the same time they are not able to get extension services and credit money from the

government and agricultural NGOES organizations. So that most of the farmers are always

cultivate their farms with oxen or hand which reduce directly the productivity of the crop

hence facilities and tools are insufficient.

Therefore, if these farmers get the cost of cultivation of their gardens they can plant large

scale farms that can produce high potential yield enough to the family and sometimes

additional benefits to sell for gaining extra household income.


Chapter Five

Conclusion and Recommendation

Conclusion .

Watermelon production is one of the most important fruit trades which can be planted in

our local area and can enhance the income of the households, our climate is more suitable

in watermelon production. Our population particularly, business communities,

government, individuals, and educational institutions are recognizing the importance of

encouraging watermelon production as means of minerals, vitamins and water content.

Watermelon is very high value cash crop that can be as a source of employment in

horticultural production in our country. Actually we discovered through our investigation

that watermelon production in Somaliland has not a sustainable production due to many

challenges which hold back the improvement of watermelon production in our country,

such as, poor storage, poor communication and low price of the market, insect and disease

effect, improper spacing and insufficient irrigation, low of organic matter and fertilizers

and lack of governmental motivations in watermelon production. But all those problems

described above can be solved by the government, ministry of agriculture and agricultural

aid agencies through conducting extra researches of which outputs are transferred to the

farmers through extension agents and backing financially the poor farmers to develop

watermelon yield in the country and motivating watermelon produce from the households.

Fruits like watermelon can be started from seeds indoors as long as you have a nice

container to star them in growing. Grow your vegetables and fruits indoors with tips from a

third –generation flower grower in this free on gardening.

The important of watermelon products is high value in nutrition, minerals and water

content.


Recommendations

Farmers have rich and in depth knowledge of watermelon production in Somaliland, a

knowledge which was inherited from generation to generation since long period. However,

there are also main gaps in knowledge and there are also still major constraints in all the

steps of watermelon production chain. Knowledge and the traditional methods of

watermelon production are identified as the production constraints and indicated the

opportunities of the production system. Horticultural crops in general, farmer”s knowledge

of the available varieties of watermelon is very limited in our local areas.

In addition to, there is no well established seed system in Somaliland, which could assist

farmers to select, maintain and use high yielding, stable and disease resistant varieties of

watermelon. More varieties have to be identified and released to farmers along with

demonstration of varieties accompanied by agro packages. In fact, each step in the

watermelon production system needs an intervention by researchers and extension agents

to improve productivity and quality through introduction of modern agro- technologies to

the already existing traditional knowledge of the farmers.

We are students at the faculty of agriculture in Gollis University in Somaliland, after field

visit and research study we are respectively suggesting the following factors and points

based on under cropping system conditions of Somaliland ….?

Provide good growing conditions for the watermelon plants. E.g. Suitable soil type,

excellent spacing, proper irrigating, fertilizing, weed control, and control of insect

vector.

Use of resistant and high yielding varieties of watermelon, if available.

Use of selective pesticides if there is economic threshold damage caused by the

insects, as to

Save the beneficial insects and microorganisms on the farm.

Farmers should use biological control through bio control agents.

Use good agronomical practices with integrated pest management E.g. scouting and

monitoring the field regularly, using botanicals, intercropping, crop rotation and

avoid contaminated implements. the aim of ( IPM) is to reduce chemicals as well as

to minimize problems caused by pests, insects, diseases and weeds.

Good preparation of land before planting watermelon fruit, Use clean cultivation,

seed treatment and certified disease free seeds of watermelon.

Government of Somaliland specially, ministry of agriculture should plan a new

development strategies through researches and looking the main problems in any

sites of the country, then implement a project intended the horticultural crops as to

improve commercial and small- scale household income.


The farmers should be trained and enhanced their traditional knowledge through

seminaries, workshops, on farm trials and field days in order to increase the yield

output of watermelon.

Farmers must routine cultural practices regularly because, doing cultural practices

is very important as a means of agronomic benefits and for plant protection indeed,

Farmers are capable for doing this.

An adequate water supply is essential for plant growth and plant production

therefore, the method of irrigation should not cause waterlogging and salt problem

in the irrigated land As well as should not cause soil erosion problem and runoff so,

it should be efficient, effective and convenient method of irrigation suitable to the

field crops.

We have to improve the cultivars of water melon production through plant

breeding programs particularly mass selection.

Farmers must enhance watermelon farming as a commercial level through

developing pre harvest and post harvesting methods.

farmers of Somaliland should take in to account agro climatic parameters and

seasonal variations when choosing the type of crop to be planted in the country.


Reference and Bibliography

Document from Department of Plant Sciences, University of California,

. T. Lanini, Plant Sciences and Weed Science, UC Davis

C. E. Bell, UC Cooperative Extension, San Diego County Board of Trustee

Dr. Patel from the University of Texas turns acid citrulline to acid arginine. This is a precursor

for the production of nitric oxide, which helps to aneurysm.

We sell sprayers, fertilizers John Deere Self-Propelled sprayers

References Clemson University Cooperative Extension; Watermelons; Gilbert Miller; June 1999 Ohio State University Extension; Growing Watermelon in the Home Garden; Ted W.

Resources University of Illinois Extension: Watermelon

Resources University of Illinois Extension: Watermelon

What Fertilizer & Mulch Is Best for Growing Watermelons?

A juicy slice of watermelon is a sweet reward on a hot summer day. Watermelons are a warm-weather crop

that may gardeners..

How to Fertilize & Plant Watermelon

Watermelon is high in lycopene, vitamin A and vitamin C. The highly nutritious, low-calorie melons require

warm temperatures and a long growing...

Information about growing watermelon Pests and diseases of watermelon

Harvesting of watermelon

Land requirements of watermelon

Integrated Weed Management In this Guideline: Monitoring Weed

management before planting Weed

management at planting Weed

management after planting


References University of California Cooperative Extension, Master Gardeners of Napa County: Growing Melons in

Napa County North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Weed Control in Vegetable Gardens Michigan State University Extension: Killing Weeds in the Garden with Glyphosate

Bibliography

Ministry of agriculture

Ministry of environment

Ministry of national planning

FOA: food organization and agriculture

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