Demand for triploid watermelons has outpaced the demand for diploid watermelons in the United States in recent years. The size of most triploid watermelons sold in U.S. markets is from 6 to 9 kg. Recently, a new produce item, seedless watermelons weighing about 1.8 to 3.6 kg, have been introduced and created excitement in the produce industry. Several vegetable seed companies have developed proprietary miniwatermelon hybrids. Syngenta Seeds and Seminis Vegetable Seeds have received the most publicity, with the PureHeart and Bambino brands being featured in the 15 June 2003 New York Times. The 2003 season was the first year that cultigens (cultivars and advanced lines) were generally available. At least four trials were conducted in the southeastern United States to evaluate yields and quality of mini-watermelons; Bradenton, Fla., Ediston, S.C., Charleston, S.C., and Kinston, N.C. Cultural practices and the number of cultigens varied among locations (9 to 17). Fruit less than 3.6 kg that yielded best in all locations were `Petite Perfection' (Syngenta) and RWT 8149 (Syngenta). Other cultigens that yielded well in at least one location were; `Precious Petite' (Syngenta), `Vanessa' (Sunseeds), ZG 8905 (Zeraim Gedera), SR 8103 WM (Sunseeds), SW 8002 (Southwestern), and HA 5130 (Hazera). Rind thickness varied from 6 to 25 mm and soluble solids ranged from 10 to 13%, depending on location and cultigen. New cultivars will be made available in 2004. Key characteristics that seem important to overall success in the market of the triploid miniwatermelon is consistent quality. This includes high yields of uniform sized fruit from about 1.6 to 3.8 kg; high soluble sugars (11% to 13%); and fruit with bright red, crisp flesh with a thin rind that endures shipping.
Triploid Miniwatermelon Production in the Southeastern United States, 2003
