scholarly journals In-row Spacing Influences Triploid Watermelon Yield and Crop Value

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl E. Motsenbocker ◽  
Ramon A. Arancibia
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Citrullus Lanatus ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Subsequent Decrease ◽  
Small Fruit ◽  
Triploid Watermelon

Triploid watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), commonly called seedless watermelon, is increasing in popularity and market share. The optimum in-row spacing of triploid watermelon has not been studied previously. Triploid watermelon `Crimson Jewel' and `Honeyheart' were grown with drip-irrigation and black plastic mulch at 1-, 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-ft (0.3-, 0.6-, 1.2-, 1.8-, and 2.4-m) in-row spacings in 1996 and 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-ft. (0.6-, 0.9-, 1.2-, 1.5-, 1.8-, 2.1-, and 2.4-m) spacings in 1997 to determine the effect of in-row plant spacing on fruit yield. Marketable yield of `Crimson Jewel' was not affected by in-row spacing while narrower in-row spacing resulted in greater `Honeyheart' yield both years. For both cultivars, narrower spacing resulted in the highest number of fruit per acre, but primarily more extrasmall and small fruit. Fruit number per plant, fruit weight per plant, and individual fruit weight were higher at wider spacings, and yield per acre was lower. The data suggest that triploid watermelon yield, fruit weight and number can be adjusted by in-row spacing. Narrower in-row spacing can maximize yields, depending on the specific grower's cultural practices. In wider in-row spacings, the yield of medium and large fruit is maintained with a subsequent decrease in extra small and small fruit. Gross returns per acre were only different for farmers' market prices, not wholesale, and net returns were not significantly influenced by in-row spacing.

scholarly journals In-row Distance in Triploid Miniwatermelon Cultivars Affects Yield and Quality in Diverse Environments in the Southeastern United States

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 538-545
Author(s):  
Richard L. Hassell ◽  
Jonathan R. Schultheis ◽  
Wilfred R. Jester ◽  
Stephen M. Olson ◽  
Gilbert A. Miller
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Citrullus Lanatus ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Marketable Fruit ◽  
Eastern North Carolina ◽  
Location Interaction

The goals of these studies were to determine how miniwatermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivars differed and responded to plant in-row spacing in terms of percentage of marketable fruit and yields, and if plant spacing impacted internal fruit quality. Three genetically diverse triploid miniwatermelon cultivars (Mohican, Petite Perfection, and Xite) were selected. These cultivars were evaluated in field locations at northern Florida (Quincy), central South Carolina (Blackville), coastal South Carolina (Charleston), and eastern North Carolina (Kinston) at five within-row distances. Within-row distance included 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 inches. All plots were15 ft long with row middles 9 ft apart. Fruit were categorized as marketable if they weighed between 3.1 and 9.0 lb per fruit. Within this range further categories were divided as follows: ≤3.0 lb (cull), 3.1 to 5.0 lb (small), 5.1 to 7.0 lb (average), 7.1 to 9.0 lb (large), and ≥9.1 lb (cull). There was a cultivar by location interaction, suggesting that the three cultivars responded differently at each of the four locations. ‘Petite Perfection’ was among the highest yielding at all locations except Quincy, where it was the lowest yielding cultivar. As with total yields, the percentage of marketable fruit was similar for some cultivars across locations. Cultivar Petite Perfection produced the highest percentage of marketable fruit at three of the four locations. The exception was the Quincy site where ‘Xite’ had the highest percentage of marketable fruit. Within-row plant distances and populations affected total marketable yield, both for fruit weight and number per plant, regardless of cultivar and location. As the plant population increased from eight plants per plot (21-inch in-row spacing) to 12 plants per plot (15-inch in-row spacing), total marketable miniwatermelon fruit yields increased in total fruit number as well as total weight. There was a cultivar by location interaction for the percentage of soluble solids and the rind thickness measurements, suggesting that some cultivars responded differently at each of the four locations. Quality effects were more apparent with ‘Mohican’ and ‘Xite’, as they were more responsive to location than ‘Petite Perfection’.

scholarly journals Differential Watermelon Fruit Size Distribution in Response to Plastic Mulch and Spunbonded Polyester Rowcover

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramón A. Arancibia ◽  
Carl E. Motsenbocker
Keyword(s):  
Air Temperature ◽  
Citrullus Lanatus ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Net Benefit ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Horticultural Crops

Plasticulture has been successfully used to enhance growth and yield of horticultural crops, and also for season extension in cooler climates. The effect of three plastic mulches (silver on black, photoselective thermal green, and black) in combination with spunbonded polyester rowcover (0.9 oz/yard2) on spring-planted watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) production was investigated. Two red-fleshed cultivars [Sangria (seeded) and Crimson Jewel (triploid)] were used. Plastic mulches increased early and total marketable yield in comparison with bare ground for both cultivars, but net benefit increased in ‘Crimson Jewel’ only. In contrast, yield and net benefit were the same among plastic mulches. Rowcover increased soil and air temperature, with the effect being greatest at lower ambient temperatures. During a near-freeze event, air temperature under the rowcover was about 7.2 °F higher than without a rowcover. Rowcover increased early and total marketable yield, but fruit weight decreased in both cultivars. Yield distribution into three fruit size categories was inconsistent between the cultivars. In ‘Sangria’, the large fruit category had the highest yield proportion for all treatments. In contrast, the highest yield proportion of ‘Crimson Jewel’, with exception of mulch without rowcover, corresponded to small fruit. Rowcover increased gross income at wholesale prices, but net benefit was not different from without rowcover. Protection of high-value plants, such as triploid watermelon, against light freezes, however, may still justify the use of rowcover in early plantings.

scholarly journals Higher Temperatures Decrease Fruit Size in Strawberry Growing in the Subtropics

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Christopher Menzel
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Size ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Titratable Acidity ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Small Fruit ◽  
Solids Content

Five strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivars were grown in Queensland, Australia to determine whether higher temperatures affect production. Transplants were planted on 29 April and data collected on growth, marketable yield, fruit weight and the incidence of small fruit less than 12 g until 28 October. Additional data were collected on fruit soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) from 16 September to 28 October. Minimum temperatures were 2 °C to 4 °C higher than the long-term averages from 1965 to 1990. Changes in marketable yield followed a dose-logistic pattern (p < 0.001, R2s = 0.99). There was a strong negative relationship between fruit weight (marketable) and the average daily mean temperature in the four or seven weeks before harvest from 29 July to 28 October (p < 0.001, R2s = 0.90). There were no significant relationships between SSC and TA, and temperatures in the eight days before harvest from 16 September to 28 October (p > 0.05). The plants continued to produce a marketable crop towards the end of the season, but the fruit were small and more expensive to harvest. Higher temperatures in the future are likely to affect the economics of strawberry production in subtropical locations.

scholarly journals Irrigation and fertigation frequencies with nitrogen in the watermelon culture

Bragantia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Newdmar Vieira Fernandes ◽  
Benito Moreira de Azevedo ◽  
Joaquim Raimundo Nascimento Neto ◽  
Thales Vinícius de Araújo Viana ◽  
Geocleber Gomes de Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Shell Thickness ◽  
Citrullus Lanatus ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Irrigation Frequency ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Equatorial Diameter ◽  
Polar Diameter

This study evaluates the influence of different irrigation frequencies and different nitrogen fertigation frequencies on the growth performance of the watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) culture. Two experiments were conducted at the Paraguay farm in the Cruz municipality, Ceará, Brazil. They was randomized blocks design with six treatments and four replications. The irrigation frequency experiment consisted of the application of different irrigation frequencies. The treatments were: DM - daily irrigation in the morning with 100% daily dosage; DT - daily irrigation in the afternoon, with 100% daily dosage; DMT - twice daily irrigation, with 50% daily dosage in the morning and 50% daily dosage in the afternoon; 2D - irrigation every two days; 3D - irrigation every three days and 4D - irrigation every four days. To the experiment with different nitrogen fertigation frequencies, the treatments used were: 2F - 2 fertigations in a cycle; 4F - 4 fertigations in a cycle; 8F - 8 fertigations in a cycle; 16F - 16 fertigations in a cycle; 32F - 32 fertigations in a cycle and 64F - 64 fertigations in a cycle. We evaluated the marketable yield (PC), fruit weight (M), polar diameter (DP), equatorial diameter (DE), shell thickness (EC) and soluble solids (SS). The irrigation frequency treatments influenced all variables significantly, with twice daily irrigation (DMT, 50% in the morning and the 50% in the afternoon) promoting the highest productivity (69.79 t ha-1). The different frequencies of fertigation also significantly influenced all variables, except for the shell thickness, the highest yield (80.69 t ha-1) being obtained with treatment 64 fertigations in a cycle.

scholarly journals Effect of different spacing and mulching on growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Chitwan, Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 168-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ritesh Kumar Jha ◽  
Ram Babu Neupane ◽  
Abishkar Khatiwada ◽  
Shailesh Pandit ◽  
Bhishma Raj Dahal
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Leaf Length ◽  
Abelmoschus Esculentus ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Panicum Repens ◽  
Plot Design

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is one of the most important vegetable crop of Nepal. Its yield and growth parameters are affected by different cultural practices. This study was conducted at Olericulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during April 29 to July 9 of 2018. The field experiment was carried out in split plot design using three replications. The treatments consisted of three intra row spacing (30, 45 and 60 cm) and four different mulching materials (Silver plastic, Panicum repens, Lantana camara and bare soil). The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of various intra-row spacings and mulching materials on growth and yield of okra. The effect of mulching materials on okra yield was found significant. The okra yield was highest (8104 kg/ha) under silver plastic mulch followed by control (5161kg/ha), Panicum repens (3901kg/ha) and Lantana camera (3701kg/ha), respectively. Silver plastic mulch enhanced the growth parameters like canopy length, plant height, leaf number, leaf length, girth and yield of okra. The spacings provided non significant effect on okra yield, however the yield of okra was highest (7295 kg/ha) under 30×30 cm spacing followed by 45×30 cm (4660 kg/ha) and 60 cm × 30 cm spacing (3703 kg/ha), respectively. Combination of silver plastic mulch along with 30 cm × 30 cm spacing provided the highest okra yield. This study suggests that farmers of the Chitwan should grow okra at spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm and under silver plastic mulch to produce higher yield.

Performance of new tropical pumpkin genotypes under varying cultural practices

1969 ◽  
Vol 90 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 193-206
Author(s):  
Linda Wessel-Beaver ◽  
Obed Román-Hernández ◽  
Luisa E. Flores-López
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Production Program ◽  
Small Fruit ◽  
Poor Seed ◽  
Planting Distance ◽  
Standard Cultivar

New tropical pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) genotypes were evaluated for yield, flesh (mesocarp) color, pest resistance and seed production as compared with the standard cultivar Soler in six field trials at three Puerto Rico locations during a two-year period (2003-2005). Genotypes included an open-pollinated population (PRShortvine-1) and four lines (E0305-1, E0305-2, E0305-3 and E0305-4) with a semi-bush growth habit, as well as a new long-vine open-pollinated population (PRLongvineSLR). Various within-row (0.9- and 1.9-m) and between-row (1.9- and 3.8-m) planting distances were tested. Not all genotypes nor planting distances were included in each trial. PRLongvineSLR was partially resistant to the melonworm (Diaphania hyalinata), whereas lines E0305-1 and E0305-2 were very susceptible. These same lines, as well as PRShortvine-1, were also susceptible to downy mildew, Pseudoperonospora cubensis. All genotypes produced similar yields. Within-row planting distance generally had no effect on fruit weight, fruit number and yield. All new genotypes had good flesh thickness (>4 cm) and small fruit cavities. Flesh color of PRShortvine-1 and PRLongvineSLR tended to be more orange than that of Soler. Lines E0305-3 and E0305-4 had poor seed production, whereas seed production in fruits of PRShortvine-1 and PRLongvineSLR was similar to that of Soler. Despite some shortcomings, PRShortvine-1 and PRLongvineSLR are two advanced open-pollinated populations that should be considered for formal release on the basis of their field performance, good fruit quality and ability to produce profitable amounts of seed in a seed production program. 

Effects of Postemergence and Postemergence-Directed Halosulfuron on Triploid Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus)

2008 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 467-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Dittmar ◽  
David W. Monks ◽  
Jonathan R. Schultheis ◽  
Katherine M. Jennings
Keyword(s):  
Citrullus Lanatus ◽  
Distal Region ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Proximal Region ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Crop Plant ◽  
Fruit Number ◽  
Crop Tolerance ◽  
Triploid Watermelon ◽  
Marketable Fruit

Studies were conducted in 2006 at Clinton and Kinston, NC, to determine the influence of halosulfuron POST (over the crop plant) or POST-directed (to the crop) on growth and yield of transplanted ‘Precious Petite’ and ‘Tri-X-313’ triploid watermelon. Treatments included a nontreated control, 39 g/ha halosulfuron applied POST-directed to 25% of the plant (distal or proximal region), POST-directed to 50% of the plant (distal or proximal; Precious Petite only), and POST. Watermelon treated with halosulfuron displayed chlorotic leaves, shortened internodes, and increased stem splitting. Vines were longest in the nontreated control (Tri-X-313 = 146 cm, Precious Petite = 206 cm) but were shortest in the POST treatment (Tri-X-313 = 88 cm, Precious Petite = 77 cm). Halosulfuron POST to watermelon caused the greatest injury (Tri-X-313 = 64%, Precious Petite = 67%). Halosulfuron directed to 25 or 50% (distal or proximal) of the plant caused less injury than halosulfuron applied POST. Stem splitting was greatest when halosulfuron was applied to the proximal area of the stem compared with POST-directed distal or POST. Internode shortening was greatest in treatments where halosulfuron was applied to the distal region of the stem. However, Tri-X-313 in the POST-directed 25% distal treatment produced similar total and marketable fruit weight as the nontreated control at Clinton. Fruit number did not differ among treatments for either cultivar. At Kinston, Precious Petite nontreated control and POST-directed 25% distal end treatment had greater marketable fruit weight than the POST-directed 50% proximal and POST treatments. The current halosulfuron registration allows POST application between rows or PRE. Limiting halosulfuron contact to no more than 25% of the watermelon plant will likely improve crop tolerance.

scholarly journals Effect of intra-row spacing on plant growth, yield and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum mill) varieties at mizan-aman, southwestern Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-42
Author(s):  
Ashenafi Abriham ◽  
Demelash Kefale
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Fruit Shape ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Number Of Branches

The productivity of tomato is influenced mainly by environmental factors, agronomic practices and cultivar potential. Accordingly, a field experiment was conducted at Mizan-Aman, southern Ethiopia in  2016/ 2017 to evaluate the effect of intra-row spacing (20, 30, 40 and 50 cm) on the performance of three tomato varieties(Fetan, Bishola and Roma VF) with the constant inter-row spacing of 70 cm in completely randomized block design with three replications. Data on crop phenology, growth performance, yield and quality parameters were recorded and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS version-9 software. Results of the study indicated that both intra-row spacing and variety had a significant effect on phenology as well as parameters including; the number of branches, the number of fruit cluster and fruit per plant, fruit weight, total fruit yield, marketable and unmarketable yield and total soluble solids (TSS). However, the number of fruits per cluster, fruit shape index, titratable acidity (TA) and pH were significantly different only among varieties, while plant height was significantly affected by intra-row spacing. Closer spacing enhanced early maturity, while wider intra-row (50 cm) produced a maximum number of branches, cluster and fruits per plant, fruit weight, unmarketable yield and TSS. Generally, 20 and 30 cm intra-row spacing was found to be suitable for the production of maximum total and marketable yield. From the three tomato varieties, Fetan was early maturing with the highest total and marketable yield. The varieties were also significantly different in fruit weight, with the highest value obtained from Bishola followed by Fetan. The outcome of this study revealed that, the intra-row spacing of.30 cm and variety Fetan could be promoted for production in Mizan-Aman and similar agro-ecologies.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF SOIL FUMIGANTS (METHAM SODIUM VS. METHYL BROMIDE) AND PLASTIC MULCH ON YIELD OF TOMATOES

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1171b-1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Kovach ◽  
James Brown ◽  
Walter Hogue ◽  
Larry Curtis ◽  
William S. Gazaway
Keyword(s):  
Methyl Bromide ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Marketable Fruit ◽  
Soil Fumigants ◽  
Metham Sodium

Drip-irrigated tomato (`Sunny') plants were treated with five levels of fumigant in combination with three levels of mulch. Fumigants were metham sodium at two rates, 475 and 950 L/ha, a 67% methyl bromide + 33% chloropicrin formulation (164.5 kg/ha, and a 98% methyl bromide + 2% chloropicrin formulation (329 kg/ha). Mulching levels were 1.25 mil silver on black polyethylene (plastic), blue-black latex mulch sprayed over the plant beds, and no mulch. Plants treated with metham sodium (950 L/ha) had a significantly higher number of marketable fruit than plants treated with no fumigant or the 98% methyl bromide + 2% chloropicrin formulation. Marketable fruit weight was not significantly affected by the five fumigation levels. Plants grown with black plastic mulch had a significantly higher marketable yield than plants grown with no mulch, 58,100 kg/ha vs. 50,800 kg/ha, respectively. The level of mulching did not significantly affect the marketable number of fruit.

scholarly journals Cultural Conditions Contributing to Vine Decline Syndrome in Watermelon

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 597-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas N. Makam ◽  
Wendy Ann Peer ◽  
Joshua J. Blakeslee ◽  
Angus S. Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Citrullus Lanatus ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
In Planta ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Cultural Conditions ◽  
Vine Decline ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
The Impact

Since the mid-1980s, a syndrome known as mature watermelon vine decline (MWVD) has had a serious effect on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) crops in Southern Indiana. As efforts to identify a pathogen responsible for MWVD have been unsuccessful, we have examined cultural conditions that might contribute to the syndrome. Field conditions were simulated in greenhouse pot trials to assess the impact of one or more factors on watermelon growth. Alone, low organic matter, soil acidity, black plastic mulch, and liming did not significantly affect root fresh weight; however, when these conditions were combined, root fresh weight was significantly reduced. Alanap-treated watermelons in combination with simulated cultural conditions resulted in further reduction of root fresh weight and had symptoms similar to MWVD. Watermelon plants grown in Alanap-treated, aged soil (from the previous year's experiments) under combined deficient cultural conditions demonstrated increased symptoms of MWVD and susceptibility to the pathogens Rhizoctonia and Pythium spp. Alanap, N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), is a preemergent herbicide that functions as an inhibitor of auxin efflux and is widely used by watermelon farmers to impede obnoxious weeds. Metabolism of Alanap in planta involves aryl amidases (aminopeptidases) that also function in defense responses. We hypothesize that negative cultural practices are likely to inhibit defense responses and watermelon resistance to residual Alanap, leading to MWVD. We suggest that MWVD incidence is increased by certain common cultural conditions and that the incidence of MWVD can be reduced by altering these cultural practices.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document