How are watermelons grown and marketed?
Watermelon are grown for the fresh market. Large-scale producers (more than 20 acres) generally use brokers who provide the marketing services to the producers. Watermelon are grown for the fresh market. Large-scale producers (more than 20 acres) generally use brokers who provide the marketing services to the producers.
Is watermelon a fruit or vegetable?
Watermelon fruit is native to Africa but has since spread worldwide. It belongs to the gourd family and is rich in vitamin A and C. Watermelon fruit is a berry. The botanical name for the berry is pepo. It belongs to the same group as squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, and cantaloupes.
How many watermelons are there in the world?
It’s estimated that over 200 million tonnes of watermelons are produced globally every year and is one of the top 10 most important crops in Central Asia. However, the fruit is highly susceptible to a range of diseases and pests, for example the watermelon mosaic virus, all of which can affect quality and yields.
What is the origin of watermelon?
Its origin was verified by David Livingstone (the noted missionary explorer) in the 1850s, when he found great tracts of watermelon (called kengwe ) growing wild in the Kalahari Desert and semi-tropical regions of Africa. Even today, in semi-desert districts of Africa watermelons are cultivated as an important source of water during dry periods.
Is watermelon a horticultural crop?
Watermelon: A Valuable Horticultural Crop with Nutritional Benefits.
Is a watermelon a producer?
By countries, the main producer is China, meaning 60% of the total production. It is followed by Turkey, Iran, the United States and Egypt. The following table shows the 10 countries with larger watermelon cultivation….CountryTonsChina38,382,286Turkey3,925,000Iran2,300,000The United States1,874,5006 more rows
What family does watermelon belong to?
CucurbitsWatermelon / FamilyThe Cucurbitaceae, also called cucurbits or the gourd family, are a plant family consisting of about 965 species in around 95 genera, of which the most important to humans are:
Cucurbita – squash, … Wikipedia
What is the production of watermelon?
Production. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, over 100,000 acres of watermelons were grown in the US in 2020, producing 38 million pounds.
What kind of plant is watermelon?
watermelon, (Citrullus lanatus), succulent fruit and vinelike plant of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), native to tropical Africa and cultivated around the world. The fruit contains vitamin A and some vitamin C and is usually eaten raw.
Where is watermelon cultivated?
Watermelons are mainly cultivated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh and now started in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Why watermelon is not good for you?
Consuming large quantity of watermelon may increase the level of water in our body. If the excess water is not excreted, it can lead to an increase in the volume of the blood, further causing swelling in the legs, exhaustion, weak kidneys, et al. It may also lead to loss of sodium levels in the body.
Is watermelon a vegetable or berry?
Get ready to have your fruit-loving minds blown: Watermelons are berries. And so are cucumbers, cantaloupes, squash and pumpkins. Scientifically called pepos, these fruits fall into a specific category of berry—one with a tough rind, multiple flat seeds and pulpy flesh.
What is the kingdom of watermelon?
PlantWatermelon / KingdomPlants are predominantly photosynthetic eukaryotes of the kingdom Plantae. Historically, the plant kingdom encompassed all living things that were not animals, and included algae and fungi; however, all current definitions of Plantae exclude the fungi and some algae, as well as the prokaryotes. Wikipedia
How do farmers grow watermelon?
Commercially produced watermelons (seeded and seedless) are generally started as transplants in the greenhouse 18-24 days prior to planting in the field. However, growing seedless watermelon transplants is more difficult than growing seeded varieties because of difficulties in germinating the seed.
Is watermelon environmentally friendly?
watermelon has a low carbon footprint. Food not only has a water footprint but also a carbon footprint, known as CO2e, which stands for carbon dioxide equivalent.
Why are watermelons so expensive?
Prices are set to spike following significant crop losses. Growers are unable to use heavy machinery due to the saturated ground. The group Melons Australia says more support is needed for growers hit by disaster.
What family is watermelon?
Articles. Updated: August 8, 2005. Watermelon. Watermelons are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, muskmelons, and gourds. Individual plants produce both male and female flowers, and fruit size varies from 5 to 30 pounds, depending on variety. However, seedless varieties will require pollinators.
Where did watermelon originate?
Historically, watermelon was cultivated fin ancient Egypt, though the culture extends back to prehistoric times. Its origin was verified by David Livingstone (the noted missionary explorer) in the 1850s, when he found great tracts of watermelon (called kengwe ) growing wild in the Kalahari Desert and semi-tropical regions of Africa.
How to tell if watermelon is mature?
Watermelons are hand-harvested at full maturity for best taste and texture. Indicators of watermelon fruit maturity include a yellow spot on the fruit surface in contact with soil or plastic mulch; a brown, dried tendril where the fruit stem is joined to the watermelon vine; and a dull surface on top of the fruit. Because individual fruits are pollinated at different times, multiple harvests are usually necessary. After harvest, growers should check watermelons for size, maturity, and pest damage to ensure marketing of a high-quality product. Cooling the watermelons after harvest to 45-50°F will remove field heat and improve shelf life and taste. Watermelons will retain good quality for approximately 21-28 days if stored at 85-90 percent humidity and 47-55°F.
How to pollinate watermelon?
Use a seeded watermelon variety with a distinctly different shape or appearance from the seedless variety that you are growing. Pollinators can be planted in rows using a 2 to 1 ratio with every third and outside row being the seeded variety. The pollinator can also be intermingled in the row with 2-3 to 1 ratio with every third or fourth plant being the pollinator variety. A large honeybee population is essential for pollination and fruit set. One hive per acre is recommended for maximum fruit production. Insecticides applied to flowers or weeds in bloom can adversely affect pollinating insect populations, especially honeybees.
What is the best soil for watermelon?
Watermelons grow best on soils that hold water well and have good air and water infiltration rates. Soil should have a pH of 5.8-6.6. Watermelons are sensitive to cold temperatures, and even a mild frost can severely injure the crop. The best average temperature range for watermelon production during the growing season is between 65°F and 95°F. Temperatures above 95°F or below 50°F will slow the growth and maturation of the crop. Watermelons require a constant supply of moisture during the growing season. However, excess water at any time during crop growth, especially as fruit reaches maturity, can cause the fruit to crack, which will reduce crop yields and fruit quality.
How are fresh watermelons sold?
Fresh-market watermelons usually are sold loose in bulk containers or in 800-pound cardboard bins. When planning production, first consider your ability to market. You should conduct some market research because growers often overestimate their ability to sell in a given market. Production of less than one acre of many vegetable crops is typical for most growers.
How to control watermelon weeds?
Weed control can be achieved with herbicides, plastic mulch, and a good crop-rotation system. Several preplant and postemergence herbicides are available for watermelons, depending on the specific weed problem and the growth stage. If infestation levels are mild, early cultivation (prior to vine running) can help reduce weed problems. Insects are a major problem in watermelon production. Cucumberbeetle, aphids, seed corn maggot, leafminers, and rindworms (cucumber beetle larvae) can all cause crop losses. Monitoring insect populations with traps and scouting will help you determine when to apply pesticides and how often to spray. Several watermelon diseases can cause crop losses, including bacterial fruit blotch, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, downy mildew, and gummy stem blight. Viruses such as cucumber mosaic (CMV), squash mosaic (SqMV), and watermelon mosaic (WMV-1, 2) are also a problem. These diseases can be controlled by using disease-resistant varieties and by having a good crop-rotation system and soils with good air and water infiltration rates.
What family are watermelons in?
Watermelons have a lot going for them: For example, even though they are pollinated by bees and grow like a fruit, they are part of a botanical family of gourds that include cucumber and squash and have some more vegetable-like characteristics.
When does watermelon grow?
A watermelon’s growing season usually starts in late spring/early summer and lasts for 70 to 85 days — basically, during some hot parts of the year.
How does a watermelon grower like Jemmett know when to harvest?
How does a watermelon grower like Jemmett know when to harvest? Watermelon plants have two curly tendrils and a tiny leaf near the base stem of the plant, and when those start dying and drying up, it’s time to harvest! Growers don’t want to wait too long though, because if the melons over ripe, they could pop open, especially during harvest when the crews transport them into bins.
How much nitrogen does a watermelon need to grow in Florida?
Florida growing conditions mean that these watermelons grow really fast! So, timing is everything when it comes to plant nutrition, where each acre needs two pounds of nitrogen per day.
Why is moisture important for watermelon?
Monitoring moisture is also important for watermelon disease management and overall pest pressure. One of the most common diseases in Florida watermelons are a soil born fungus called fusarium, which is a foliar disease that seems to show up every year no matter what. Disease pressure can also be higher if the plant stems are buried too deep. In both organic and non-organic farming systems, farmers also usually have to spray broad spectrum fungicides for downy and powder mildew — it’s crucial to keep that plant foliage clean.
How many different varieties of watermelon are there?
And, though most people may be familiar with just the type of watermelons you buy at a local grocery store, there are actually about 1,200 different varieties of watermelons. According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and California are the most prominent states for commercial watermelon producing. …
What is the best soil for watermelon in Florida?
One of these inputs is fertilizer. In central Florida there are many natural springs in sandy soil (sandy soil, Sanchez says, is where watermelons grows best) with aquifers and no filtration, so protecting the planet here is especially delicate and important. Therefore you want to make sure too much nitrogen, phosphorus, or other elements aren’t leaching into the water.
Where does the watermelon come from?
Our analysis showed that the closest relative to the domesticated watermelon is the Kordofan melon ( C. lanatus subsp. cordophanus) from Sudan in North East Africa. The wild, and possible ancestor, Kordofan melon has a white non-bitter pulp.
How many watermelons are produced in the world?
It’s estimated that over 200 million tonnes of watermelons are produced globally every year and is one of the top 10 most important crops in Central Asia.
What is the pink flesh of a watermelon?
By Dr Oscar Alejandro Pérez Escobar and Dr Chelsea Snell. Squeezed and sliced into fresh cocktails and salads, the bright pink juicy flesh of a watermelon is an iconic summer delight.
What are wild relatives?
Wild relatives (or “ cousins ”) of crops are a rich source of useful genes, such as disease resistance, that can be integrated into the domesticated crops we eat today.
Where are the Amarus species found?
Four species ( C. amarus, C. ecirrhosus, C. naudinianus, and C. rehmii) are native in the Namib–Kalahari region in South Africa (though C. amarus is also naturalized in Australia); one (C. mucosospermus) in West Africa; and one ( C. colocynthis) in northern Africa to West India.
Who studied watermelon DNA?
In a study led by Prof. Susanne Renner (University of Munich) and Dr. Guillaume Chomicki (University of Sheffield), and working with partner institutions such as the Boyce Thompson Institute and the Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, we sequenced the DNA of watermelon and other Citrullus species.
Can you eat watermelon raw?
Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) is part of Citrullus, a genus that contains six other wild species, most of which can’t be eaten raw due to the bitter tasting compounds cucurbitacins, which can also kill you.
What is the classification of a watermelon?
Classification of watermelons is essential since it significantly helps in a comprehensive understanding of the taxonomic association these fruits have with other fruits. Classification of watermelons is also vital in telling more about the common features of watermelons. That’s said, below is the scientific classification of watermelon;
What do people use watermelon rinds for?
In other cultures, such as the Asian culture, people utilize watermelon rinds to make pickles while incorporating other savory spices. Here they take the face of vegetables more than fruits.
What fruits are actually vegetables?
On the other hand, botanists refer to vegetables as any other part of a plant that is not a product of fertilization, for instance, kale leaves and carrot roots.
Why do watermelons taste fruity?
If you bite a piece of watermelon, its juiciness and the fruits inside will most likely convince you that it is a fruit. Water takes up approximately 92% of watermelons, whereas the rest, 8%, are mainly sugars. That is the reason why watermelons have a fruity taste. In the United States of America, watermelons are primarily perceived as fruits based on how they are consumed. For instance, Americans have normalized eating watermelons as fresh as they are and as desserts.
What are the state vegetables in Oklahoma?
In regions such as Oklahoma, watermelons, gourds, cucumbers, and squash are state vegetables. Scientifically, watermelons belong to the Cucurbitaceae family. Growers in these regions cultivate this plant using vegetable production methods.
Is watermelon a vegetable?
For the longest time now, the debate of whether watermelons are fruits or vegetables continues. The truth is that watermelons taste like fruits, but their growth does not resemble the growth of other fruits. Rather, watermelons grow like vegetables, often in a vegetable garden. However, if you ask a botanist for their opinion, they will give you their emphatic ideas. The situation is not different with watermelon connoisseurs and gardeners as they have decisive but different views on the subject. First, to answer whether watermelons are fruits or vegetables, we have to understand their origin. When traced back, scientists believe that watermelons originated in South Africa in the mid-nineteenth century in 1857. David Livingstone is the individual who found watermelon growing as a fruit of a South African wild vine plant. This explains why watermelons do well in warm climates with long summer seasons.
Is a watermelon a fruit?
The debate on whether watermelon is a fruit or a vegetable has been there for the longest time now. Different people have different opinions on the true identity of the watermelon. For instance, botanists view watermelons as fruit berries since they have seeds and are products of fertilization.
Where does watermelon come from?
Watermelon fruit is native to Africa but has since spread worldwide. It belongs to the gourd family and is rich in vitamin A and C. Watermelon fruit is a berry. The botanical name for the berry is pepo. It belongs to the same group as squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, and cantaloupes.
Why are watermelons considered fruits?
Many people consider watermelons as fruits as it is a sweet and fleshy or pulpy seed part of plants that are eaten as food. Watermelons contain seeds which is an essential part of reproduction in the plant life cycle.
What is a watermelon?
Watermelon is a vining plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is grown for its large edible fruit. The plants’ vines are hairy, angular, and have tendrils that help the plant climb up supports or other plants.
What type of vegetable is a watermelon?
A vegetable is anything that is obtained from plants. The part can either be the fruit, stem, leaves, root, or bulb. A watermelon falls under the fruit category, making it a fruit vegetable. It has a fleshy pulp with seeds in it, and it also grows in a vine. The watermelons’ outer rind is consumed as a vegetable in some cultures and add the flesh in dishes.
Are cucumbers and watermelons related?
Cucumbers and watermelons are fruits native to certain parts of Africa and Asia but are now grown worldwide. Both fruits belong to a family known as Cucurbitaceae, commonly known as the vine-crop family. Although these two fruit vegetables are distantly related, they are collectively referred to as cucurbits. Others in this class include melons, squashes, pumpkins, and gourds.
What is the difference between watermelon and pepo?
Watermelons have sweet juicy flesh that may be red, yellow, or white. Pepo fruits are covered by a hard rind that’s faded white (inside) and green (outer side). The fruit is termed indehiscent, meaning that it’s a fruit/pod that does not split even when ripe.
Why is watermelon called watermelon?
While there may not be a direct correlation between the fruit’s botanical name and its English name, the term ‘watermelon’ is believed to come from its high water content. As you already know, water is 91% of a watermelon by mass and possibly makes the fruit so refreshing. Also, no other fruit, or instead berry, contains as much water by mass as a watermelon.
What to do with Watermellon plants in Winter?
Start with cutting off the vines. Clean the garden area and collect all of the ripened Watermelons left on the ground. This should be done a couple of weeks before the first frost. Also if you experience heavy rain during winter then get rid of the plant asap.
Do You Have To Replant Watermelons Every year?
Yes, definitely Watermelons are annual plants and you have to replant them every year. It is summer vine so you have to start again every spring. This is the only way to grow new watermelon plants. They can’t grow on their own without fresh seeds.
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Watermelons grow best on soils that hold water well and have good air and water infiltration rates. Soil should have a pH of 5.8-6.6. Watermelons are sensitive to cold temperatures, and even a mild frost can severely injure the crop. The best average temperature range for watermelon production during the growing season is between 65°F and 95°F. Tem…
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Watermelons are hand-harvested at full maturity for best taste and texture. Indicators of watermelon fruit maturity include a yellow spot on the fruit surface in contact with soil or plastic mulch; a brown, dried tendril where the fruit stem is joined to the watermelon vine; and a dull surface on top of the fruit. Because individual fruits are pollinated at different times, multiple harvests are usually necessary. After harvest, growers should check watermelons for …
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All agricultural operations in Pennsylvania, including small-scale and part-time farming enterprises, operate under the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law. A specific part of this law is the Nutrient Management Act. Portions of the act may or may not pertain to your operation, depending on whether you have livestock on your farm. However, all operations may be a source of surface or groundwater pollution. Because of this possibility, you should contact …