The document provides a comprehensive overview of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), covering its scientific classification, origin, and nutritional value. It details optimal growing conditions, including suitable soil types, sowing methods, irrigation practices, and pest management strategies. Additionally, it emphasizes the fruit's economic importance in various Indian states and outlines the indicators for harvesting at peak ripeness.

1. WATERMELON
PRESENTED BY :-
PRIYA THAKUR
M.Sc Horticulture
(1st sem)

3. Scientific Classification
Botanical Name - Citrullus lanatus
Family - Cucurbitaceae
Origin - Tropical Africa
Chromosome no. - 2n=22
Edible part - Endocarp (placenta)
Propagation - Seed

6. History and distribution :-
1. It is an important cucurbitaceous vegetable.
2. It can be grown in garden land, it is a major river-
bed crop of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat,
Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
3. As a common summer season crop, it is grown
from the lower Himalayan region to southern parts
of India, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Assam, West
Bengal, Orissa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan being major watermelon
growing states.

7. 4. It is known as tarbuj, tarmuj, kalinda and kalindi
in different parts of india.
5. An excellent dessert fruit, it is relished by rich as
well as poor. The Fruit juice makes an excellent
refreshing and cooling beverage after adding a pinch
of salt and black pepper.
6. The fruits contain 92% water, 0.2% protein, 0.3%
minerals, 7.0% carbohydrates in a 100g edible flesh.

8. Nutritive Value :-
Moisture - 92.8 g
Protein - 0.2 g
Fat - 0.2 g
Energy - 16 kcal
Calcium - 11 mg
Vitamin C - 1 mg
Iron - 7.9 mg
Carbohydrates - 3.3 g

9. Climate :-
It is a warm season crops grown mainly in tropical
and sub-tropical regions.
In temperate countries, it is grown in the polyhouses
where Co2, temperature, humidity, Light, training of
plants etc. are maintained according to requirements
of crop.
It cannot tolerate frost and strong winds.
It grow well at day temp. between 25-35°C.

10. SOil :-
Watermelon may be grown on a wide variety of soils.
Sandy loams are best for early crop, while loams
have high-yielding potential.
Alluvial river-beds are also good for watermelon.
Heavier soils do not permit perfect root growth and
hence only short duration varieties with smaller
fruits are suitable.
Soil pH 6.5-7.0 is ideal.

13. River-Bed Cultivation :-
River-bed cultivation, A kind of vegetable forcing is
being used in india where cucurbits are grown in the
river-beds during winter season.
The cucurbits grown in Banas river bed in Tonk
district of Rajasthan are well known for its sweetness
and other quality attributes.

14. Sowing :-
Time of sowing
In north it is sown during middle of January to March
and in November to December.
Spacing
Depending upon sowing method spacing may get
vary. In pit method use row to row spacing of 2-3.5m
and 60 cm between two plant.
Sowing Depth
Plant seed about 2-3cm deep.

15. Method of Sowing :-
For sowing different methods of planting like furrow
method, Pit method and hill method can be used
depending upon climate and season.
Furrow Method: Sowing is done on either side of
furrows. Sow 3-4 seeds (After germination keep only
healthy seedling) at a time and keep plant to plant
distance of 60-90cm.

16. Pit Method: Sow 4 seeds in pit. For that make pit of
60x60x60cm at distance of 2-3.5m between two
rows and 0.6-1.2m between plants. Fill pit with well
decomposed cow dung and soil. After germination
keep only one seedling.
Hill method: Similar to pit method. In this, pit of
30x30x30cm pits are made at distance of 1-1.5m.
Two seeds are sown per hill.

17. SEED :-
Seed Rate
For sowing one acre land, seed rate of 1.5 to 2 kg is
required.
Seed Treatment
Before sowing treat seed with
Carbendazim@2gm/kg of seeds. After chemical treat
seeds with Trichoderma viride@4gm per kg of seeds.
Dry seeds in shade and then do sowing immediately.

18. Manure and Fertilizers :-
Add 25-30 tonnes of FYM/ha after the first
ploughing.
80-100 kg - N
60-80 kg - P2O5
40-60 kg - k2O/ha
in the shallow furrows made in the sowing channels
and cover it with soil.

19. Irrigation :-
Apply irrigation, every week in summer season. At
time of maturity give irrigation only when needed.
Avoid over flooding in watermelon field. At time of
applying irrigation, should not wet the vines or
vegetative parts, especially during flowering and
fruit-set. Avoid frequent irrigation in heavy soil as it
will promote excessive vegetative growth. For better
sweetness and flavour, stop irrigation or reduce
watering 3-6days before harvesting.

22. Anthracnose:- Anthracnose affected foliage appears
scorched appearance.
As a preventive measure, treat seed with
Carbendazim@2gm/kg of seed.
If infestation is observed in field, take spray of
Mancozeb@400gm or
Carbendazim@400gm/200liter of water.

23. Harvesting :-
It is non-climacteric fruit therefore, it must be
harvested at full ripe stage.
The maturity is judged by taking into consideration
several factors i.e.
a) Dull sound when the fruit is thumbed, in contrast
to metallic sound.
b) Withering of tendril at the fruit axil.

24. c) Ground spot (where the fruit touches the ground)
turning yellow.
d) The rind of the ripe melon emits a crisp, cracking
noise.
e) Fruit weight is decreased with the advancement of
ripening.

26. REFERENCES :-
1.Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana
2.Department of Agriculture
3.Indian Agricultural Research Instittute, New Delhi
4.Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research
5.Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

27. THANK YOU!!