Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus)
- Watermelon is a warm season crop, which requires dry weather with abundant sunshine for quality fruit production.
- The crop can be grown on well drained sandy, sandy loam or alluvial soils.
- A pH range of 6.0-7.0 and temperature range of 24-27°C are considered optimum for the growth of the vines.
- Cool nights and warm days are ideal for accumulation of sugars in the fruits.
- The seed germinates best when temperatures are higher than 20°C.
- High humidity at the time of vegetative growth renders the crop susceptible to various fungal diseases.