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| Watermelon seeds can be directly sown in the field or raised in plastic bags before transplanting. Normally, the direct sowing method is used during the dry season and the seeds are grown for transplanting in the rainy season. |
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The seeds are soaked overnight before planting. Two to three seeds are sown in each planting hole. Seed should be planted approximately 2.5 cm deep. The amount of seed required (usually 1.2 to 2.5 kg per hectare) depends upon seed size, germination and plant spacing. Correctly labelled, uniform, disease free, certified seed with 85 - 90% germination is preferred. After approximately 14 days or when the seedlings are at the 3-4 leaf stage the seedlings should be thinned to leave one healthy plant per planting hole. |
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Transplanting watermelons offers several advantages:
- Seed-use efficiency increases, which is especially important with costly hybrid and triploid seed.
- Soil crusting and damping off, detrimental to seedling growth, can be eliminated or reduced.
- Planting depth is more uniform.
- It usually results in earlier harvests.
- It is the only cost-effective way to grow seedless watermelons.
The disadvantages of transplanting include:
- higher variable costs,
- increased labour costs,
- fragile watermelon seedlings easily broken during transplanting
The seeds should be sown into plastic bags filled with soil mixed with chicken dung. The bags are covered with a clear polythene sheet and kept under shade. Germination occurs in 3-4 days and the seeds are ready for transplanting in about 11-12 days. Planting distance is 2.5 - 6 m between rows and 1 m between plants.
Transplant handling damage may result at the soil line because of handling. Tops will flop around and may wilt more readily. In addition, brown or callused tissue may appear at the soil line. Transplants with this damage should be planted slightly deeper to prevent any further damage. |
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| Names |
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Citrullus lanatus
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Common: |
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English: |
Watermelon |
Indonesia: |
Semangka |
Malaysia: |
Tembikai; Semangka |
Tagalog (Philippines): |
Pakwan |
Thai: |
Taeng mo |
| Tamil: |
Kumati palam |
Mandarin: |
Xigua |
Vietnam: |
Döa haáu |
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Taxonomic Position: |
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Domain: |
Eukaryota |
Kingdom: |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum: |
Spermatophyta |
| Subphylum: |
Angiospermae |
Class: |
Dicotyledonae |
Order: |
Violales |
Family: |
Cucurbitaceae |
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| Other Names Used: |
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| Citrullus vulgaris |
| Colocynthis citrullus |
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