Rootstock effects on plant vigor and watermelon fruit quality

Authors: Davis, Angela; Perkins Veazie, Penelope

Submitted to: Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/16/2006
Publication Date: 12/3/2007
Citation: Davis, A.R., Perkins Veazie, P.M. 2007. Rootstock effects on plant vigor and watermelon fruit quality. Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report. 28-29:39-42 (2005-2006).

Interpretive Summary: Watermelon plants were grown in Lane, Oklahoma. Fruit weight, dimensions, and quality (sugar, firmness, lycopene content) of seeded and seedless varieties were measured. Watermelons from vigorous plants (determined by plant length, width, and a visual estimate of plant health) weighed more than those from non-vigorous plants. Watermelon shape, determined by length, circumference, and their ratio, did not change significantly from fruit harvested from vigorous or non-vigorous plants. Rind thickness was increased in watermelons on non-vigorous plants. Lycopene, sugar, and firmness tended to be lower in non-vigorous plants. These results indicate that watermelon quality is dependent on the overall health of the plant.

Technical Abstract: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) plants were grown in Lane, Oklahoma. Fruit weight, dimensions, and quality (SSC, firmness, lycopene content) of seeded and seedless varieties were measured. Watermelons from vigorous plants (determined by plant length, width, and a visual estimate of plant health) weighed more than those from non-vigorous plants. Watermelon shape, determined by length, circumference, and their ratio, did not change significantly from fruit harvested from vigorous or non-vigorous plants. Rind thickness was increased in watermelons on non-vigorous plants. Lycopene, SSC, and firmness tended to be lower in non-vigorous plants. These results indicate that watermelon quality is dependent on the overall health of the plant.