Package of Practice for Hybrid Watermelon cultivation
Hybrid watermelon thrives best in warm and dry climates. Germination is adversely affected when temperatures drop below 20°C. Frost and cold conditions can severely hinder plant growth. A combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and abundant sunshine contributes to sweeter and more flavorful fruits.
Sowing Period
In plain regions, sowing can be done from October to the first week of March. However, mid-February is considered the ideal time for optimal yield.
Seed Rate
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1.0 to 1.25 kg per hectare
Spacing
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Row to Row: 250 cm
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Plant to Plant: 60 cm
Recommended Fertilizer Application
During land preparation, apply 30-40 cartloads per hectare of well-decomposed FYM (Farm Yard Manure). Use the following NPK schedule (in kg/ha):
| Stage | N (kg) | P (kg) | K (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| At transplanting | 80 | 100 | 100 |
| 3-leaf stage | 40 | 0 | 0 |
| Pre-flowering stage | 40 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 160 | 100 | 100 |
Note:
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40 kg Nitrogen = 87 kg Urea
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100 kg Phosphorus = 217 kg DAP
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100 kg Potash = 166 kg MOP
Pest Management
Aphids and Jassids
Spray any one of the following per liter of water:
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Imidacloprid (Confidor): 0.6 ml
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Thiamethoxam (Actara): 0.3 gm
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Metasystox: 2 ml
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Monocrotophos: 1.5 ml
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Dimethoate (Rogor): 2.5 ml
Leaf Caterpillars and Loopers
Use any one of the following per liter:
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Malathion: 2 ml
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Quinalphos (Ekalux): 2 ml
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Metasystox: 2 ml
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Carbaryl (Sevin): 3 gm
Fruit Fly Control
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Deep ploughing after harvest to expose pupae
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Collect and destroy infested fruits and dry leaves
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Avoid over-ripening of fruits on plants
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Spray Malathion (2 ml), Carbaryl/ Lebaycid (1.25 ml), or Ekalux (2 ml) per liter of water
Disease Management
Powdery Mildew
Spray:
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Dinocap (Karathane): 0.5–1 ml/liter
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Triadimefon (Calixin): 3 gm/liter
Downy Mildew
Spray:
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Metalaxyl + Mancozeb (Ridomil): 1.5 ml/liter
Fusarium Wilt
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Practice crop rotation (4–5 years)
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Seed treatment with Carbendazim (Bavistin) at recommended dosage
Anthracnose
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Follow proper crop rotation
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Spray Mancozeb (Dithane M-45): 2 gm/liter
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Or Carbendazim (Bavistin) at recommended dose
Mosaic Virus
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Control vectors like aphids and leafhoppers through regular pest monitoring and management
Additional Tips for Better Yield
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Ideal Seed Germination Temperature: 20–25°C
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Optimal Growth & Yield Temperature: 25–30°C (daytime)
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At temperatures above 40°C, male flowers increase and fruits become more rounded
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Soil: Light, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0–5.7 is best
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When 2–4 leaves appear, spray a mixture of 3 gm/liter of boron, calcium, and molybdenum
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Maintain an ideal planting density of 4,166 plants per acre, with 60 cm spacing between plants and 160 cm between rows
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Ensure adequate soil moisture is maintained throughout the growing season for proper fruit development
