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A correct combination of pruning, spacing and organic fertilizer improve development and quality of fruit in watermelon cultivar: Case of ecuadorian littoral

Abstract:

Empirical planting techniques, little knowledge of appropriate pruning methods, and the continued use of synthetic fertilizers can trigger low productivity features, and consequently poor fruit quality in watermelon cultivation. The present investigation was aimed to determine these objectives: a) the best crop performance by using three spacing, b) two types of organic fertilizers and c) two types of pruning on the development and quality of fruit. The three factors were studied under the followings: 1) spacing factor (SF) including 1 m x 2.5 m, 1 m x 3 m, 2.5m x 2.5 m, 2) pruning (PF) including 1 and 2 axes, and 3) Organic fertilizers (OF) including earthworm humus and Biol elaborated from biological waste. The best behavior for the fruit length and perimeter variables was linked to the spacing 1 m x 2.5 m, and to the 2-axis pruning. Likewise, with the 2-axis pruning, fruits with higher sweetness were obtained, represented in Brix Grades. These results allow to recommend the use of the two organic fertilizers: biol and humus respectively as potential elements for the vegetable nutrition of watermelon crop, guaranteeing an adequate quality of fruits, but overall avoiding the use of chemical fertilizer.