Effect of Organic Fertilization on Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai.) Fruit Production in Open Field

Resumen

A study on organic watermelon production was conducted at the experimental field of the Technological University of Culiacán. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate different doses of organic fertilization in two watermelon varieties, “Peacock Improved” and “Sugar Baby.” Design/Methodology: A randomized complete block design with four replicates and five treatments was employed: 1) Biol-70 mL, 2) Biol-90 mL, 3) Earthworm leachate-30 mL, 4) Earthworm leachate-60 mL, and 5) Control. The following variables were assessed: 1. Fruit length, 2. Width, 3. Weight, 4. Rind thickness, 5. Pulp thickness, 6. Degrees Brix, and 7. Firmness. Results: The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (P < 0.05) in most characteristics, except for pulp thickness and fruit width, which did not exhibit a significant effect between varieties. Nevertheless, a significant effect was observed among treatments and blocks for most traits, indicating notable differences among fruits and varieties. The “Peacock Improved” variety exhibited greater variation in fruit size, whereas “Sugar Baby” showed lower average values; however, the latter produced fruit with greater rind thickness. With respect to soluble solids and firmness, the “Peacock Improved” variety was particularly noteworthy. The Biol-70 and Biol-90 treatments produced heavier watermelons, whereas the Earthworm Leachate treatment resulted in lighter fruit compared with the control. The Biol-90 treatment produced fruit with higher soluble solids content, while the Earthworm Leachate treatment yielded lower values than the control. However, the Lix-30 treatment produced firmer fruit, whereas the remaining treatments resulted in fruit with a less firm texture. Limitations/implications: The effect of organic fertilization on watermelon exhibited statistically significant differences; however, its field implementation affected productivity, as nutrient concentrations, particularly potassium and nitrogen, were low during the flowering and fruiting stages.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the Biol doses used produced fruit with characteristics favorable to yield and fruit quality in open-field watermelon production.