WATERMELON

(Citrullus vulgaris Sohrad)

      

Watermelon is now grown successfully in Aklan as proven in Nabas, Aklan as evidence by this picture above taken in Unidos, Nabas two weeks ago. Note the fruits laden “pakwan” plants.

Local Names – Watermelon; Pakwan, Tagalog, Visayan, Palawan; Sandia, Ibang, Ilocano.

Area and Production – The area devoted to watermelon is very limited. The provinces producing watermelon in appreciable quantities are Bulacan, Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, and Rizal. Watermelon is now produced in Iloilo and Aklan.

Trade and Consumption – locally produced watermelons are all sold in the local markets.

Varieties and Yields – De Jadpe, Valencia, and Meck are the three leading varieties being grown in the Philippines. Other important varieties are: Maglisten or De Liston, Hamie, Sta. Rosa White and Kinaramelo. The yield varies from 4,000 to 5,000 marketable fruits per hectare.

Soil and Climate Requirements – It thrives best in rich, sandy loam soil. Heavy and too dry soils will produce inferior crop.

It thrives in dry season during growth but should be planted at the close of the rainy season.

Culture – Water-melon is propagated by means of seeds. The planting season is from October to February. Before planting, the field should be thoroughly plowed and harrowed for at least three times. The furrows should be distanced 1 and 1/2 meters to 2 meters apart depending upon soil fertility. The seeds are dropped into the furrows at distances of from 1 and 1/2 to 2 m. with 3 to 4 seeds to a hill. 

When the plants have attained a height of 15 cm., the first cultivation should be performed by passing a plow or harrow between the furrows to kill the weeds. Subsequent cultivation should be shallow as watermelon is shallow-rooted and its roots spread out. Two to four cultivations are necessary until the vines are long enough to render further cultivation impractical. When the soil becomes too dry and hard to cultivate, the field should be watered. In the absence of irrigation system, as much as ½ petroleum can of water should be applied to each hill. The first crop is ready for harvest six months after planting, and a full crop is obtained at the seventh month. Maturity is indicated by the drying of the two small leaves at the base of the fruit stem or a slight yellowing on the part of the fruit resting on the ground. In order to have a good crop, thinning should be practiced leaving only 4 or 5 fruits in each plant.

Important Diseases and Insect Pests and Their Control – Rats, ants, melon aphids, and squash beetles, (ceretia similis) have been observed to cause considerable damage to watermelon. Rats may be controlled by poisoning; spraying with pesticide will help control the ants and aphids. Squash beetles may be controlled with the use of arsenate spray. 

Downy mildew and Fusarium wilt are the diseases affecting the plant. The use of resistant varieties, crop rotation and collecting and burning the disease plant will minimize the infection.

Uses – the red, juicy, flesh of the fruit is eaten while the rest is used for animal food. The seeds are the favorite of children after they are boiled, salted and dried.

Important Data

1. Seed rate 1.5 to 2 kilos of seeds per hectare

2. Harvesting age – 6 to 7 months after planting

3. Food value – moisture, 91.30%; Ash, 0.18%; Proteins, 0.6%; and Carbohydrates, 5.98%

4. Number of seeds per kilo – 5,880

5. Number of fruits to produce a kilo of seeds – 15 – 20

6. Germination capacity – 95% to 100%

7. Fertilizer require-ments – 1,400 to 2,000 kilos per hectare containing 6% Nitrogen, 12% Phosphorus acid and 12% Potash.

  8. Nature of plant – an annual training herb, native of tropical Africa, with large oblong, variegated fruits and red juicy flesh.

9. Economics of production per hectare) Pre-War Data)

5,000 fruits at an average prices of 3 – 7 kilos per fruit. /MP