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Watermelon: A Valuable Horticultural Crop with Nutritional Benefits

Authors:
Dr Reetu at ICAR- Directorate of Mushroom Research
Dr Reetu
  • ICAR- Directorate of Mushroom Research
Maharishi Tomar at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute
Maharishi Tomar
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Abstract

Watermelon is an important fruit crop. It is a newly introduced cash crop gaining a high level of economic importance in the generation of income and provision of nutritional value. Watermelon flesh contains high quantity of vitamins, minerals and other antioxidant compounds which play important role in human metabolism. Antioxidant components help in preventing human disease by acting as oxygen radical scavenger. Watermelon rind and seed also have many health benefits due to the presence of important amino acids citrulline, fibres, minerals and phenolic compounds
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Watermelon: A Valuable Horticultural Crop with Nutritional Benefits
Reetu
1
* and Maharishi Tomar
2
1
ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110012
2
ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla (H. P.), India
*Email of corresponding author: reetu.nbpgr@gmail.com
Introduction
Fruits are concentrated source of natural components. These natural components are plant
derived materials performing a key role in maintaining human health, especially in disease
prevention, growth and development. In the recent era, phyto-nutrients, particularly from fruits
and vegetables, are becoming popular due to consumer awareness regarding their health-
enhancing potential (Naz et al., 2013). Plants and plant-based compounds are the basis of many
of the modern pharmaceuticals used today for the treatment of various dreadful diseases.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) botanically considered as the fruit is belonging to the
family Cucurbitaceae (Edwards et al., 2003). Cucurbitaceae family ranks among the highest of
plant families for number and percentage of species used as human food. The common name of
watermelon is Tarbooz (Hindi and Urdu), Tarbuj (Manipuri), Kaduvrindavana (Marathi),
Eriputccha (Telegu), Kallangadiballi (Kannada), Tormuj (Bengali), Indrak (Gujarati).
Watermelon is originated from Kalahari Desert of Africa but nowadays cultivated abundantly in
tropical regions of the world. It has great economic importance with 29.6 million tonnes
estimated production worldwide. According to the National Institute of Industrial Research,
watermelon is cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Punjab,
Haryana, Assam, West Bengal, Karnataka, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil
Nadu.
Physical Characteristics
It is a large, sprawling annual plant with coarse, hairy pinnately-lobed leaves and yellow flowers.
It is grown for its edible fruit, which is a special kind of berry
botanically called a pepo. The
watermelon fruit has deep green smooth thick exterior rind with grey or light green vertical
stripes. Inside the fruit is red in colour with small black seeds embedded in the middle third of
the flesh (Wehner et al., 2001).
Watermelon is an important fruit crop. It is a newly introduced cash crop gaining a
high level of economic importance in the generation of income and provision of
nutritional value. Watermelon flesh contains high quantity of vitamins, minerals and
other antioxidant compounds which play important role in human metabolism.
Antioxidant components help in preventing human disease by acting as oxygen radical
scavenger. Watermelon rind and seed also have many health benefits due to the
presence of important amino acids citrulline, fibres, minerals and phenolic
compounds.
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Leaves Flower
Leaves Flower
Fruits Seeds
Figure: Citrullus lanatus leaves, flower, fruit and seeds
Watermelons range in shape from round to oblong. Rind colours can be light to dark green, with
or without stripes. Flesh colours can be dark red, red or yellow. India grows approximately 25
commercial varieties, a few of which have delightfully interesting names: New Hampshire
Midget, Madhuri 64, Black Magic, Sugar Baby, Asahi Yamato, Arka Jyoti, Arka Manik,
Improved Shipper, Durgapura Meetha and Durgapura Kesar to name a few. Watermelon
varieties fall into three broad classes based on how the seed was developed: open-pollinated,
F
1
-hybrid and triploid or seedless.
Cultivation
Watermelon is grown in sandy loam soil rich in organic matter with good drainage and pH range
for 6.5-7.5 (Kumar et al., 2013).In North Indian plains, watermelons are sown in February-
March whereas in Northeastern and Western India best time of sowing is from November to
January. In South and Central India, these can be grown almost round the year.
Watermelon is a warm season crop grown mainly in sub-tropical and hot-arid regions.
Temperature range of 24-27
0
C is considered as 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
0
C. High humidity at the time of vegetative growth renders the
crop susceptible to various fungal diseases.
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Planting and transplanting: Watermelon can be direct seeded in the field or grown as
transplants seedling in pots and then transplanted to the field. Before sowing seeds are soaked in
warm water for 12 hours. Normally 3.5 kg of seed of watermelon is required for planting one ha
area. The hills are usually spaced 1 to 1.5 meters apart in the rows also 2 to 2.5 meters apart. A
variation of spacing hills 4meters apart in the rows 1.5 meters apart are also commonly used in
the tropics. Apply FYM 20 t/ha, P 55 kg and K 55 kg as basal and N 55 kg/ha 30 days after
sowing.
Weeds and insect control: Depending upon the season about 2-3 weeding operations is
required. The first weeding should be done 20-25 days after sowing while subsequent weeding is
done at an interval of one month. The biggest watermelon pest is the leaf-eating beetles, they
damage the flowers. The other main problem with growing watermelons is mildew, a fungus that
makes the leaves look as if they were coated with white powder.
Yield and yield components: The total yield of watermelon is a function of marketable yield,
fruit count, percent cull, percent early fruit and fruit size (Dia, 2012a; Dia et al., 2012b; Dia et
al., 2012c). Marketable yield ranges from a high of 80.44 to a low of 27.43 Mg/ha. Total fruit
count ranges from 1.61 to 6.31 thousand fruits/ha. Similarly, percent cull fruit, percent early fruit
and fruit size range from 23.42-20.55%, 49.9-17.4%, and 01.72-14.56 kg/fruit, respectively (Dia
et al., 2016a).Among quality traits, lycopene and sugar range from 8.76 to 52.15 mg/kg and 8.47
to 14.02 ºBrix, respectively (Dia et al., 2016b). Variation in watermelon yield and quality is
governed by fluctuation in the external environment (Dia et al., 2016c).
Harvesting and storage: The crop is ready for harvest in about 75-100 days after sowing. For
local market, harvesting should be done at full maturity while for transporting to distant markets,
it is done slightly earlier. Watermelons can be stored for 14 days at 15°C. Watermelons should
not be stored with apples and bananas as the ethylene produced during storage from these fruits
hastens softening and development of off flavour to watermelons.
Nutritional Value of Fresh Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the commonly consumed fruits in many countries. Watermelon contains
more than 91% water and up to 7% of carbohydrates. It is a rich source of lycopene and
citrulline. Watermelon rind contains more amounts of citrulline then flesh. Additionally,
watermelon has a number of essential micronutrients and vitamins.
Table: Nutritive value per 100 g of flesh
Components
Nutrient Value
Percentage of Recommended Daily Allowance
Energy
30 Kcal
1.5%
Carbohydrates
7.6 g
6 %
Protein
0.6 g
1%
Total Fat
0.15 g
0.5%
Dietary Fiber
0.4 g
1%
Vitamins
Niacin
0.178 mg
1%
Pantothenic Acid
0.221 mg
4.5%
Vitamin A
569
mg
19%
Vitamin C
8.1 mg
13.5%
Electrolytes
Potassium
112 mg
2.5%
Iron
0.24 mg
3 %
Manganese
0.038 mg
1.5 %
Zinc
0.10 mg
1%
Phyto
-
nutrients
Carotene
-
alpha
303
µg
-
Lycopene
4532
µg
-
Source: USDA National Nutrient Database
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Health Benefits of Watermelon
Heart health: Watermelon contains high levels of lycopene that is very effective in protect cells
from damage and lower the risk of heart disease. Watermelon extracts help to reduce
hypertension and lower blood pressure in obese adults. Watermelon fruit is also a good source of
potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling
heart rate and blood pressure. Thus, it prevents against stroke and coronary heart diseases (Le et
al., 2005).
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support: Anti-inflammatory foods can help with overall
immunity and general health. The lycopene in watermelon makes it an anti-inflammatory fruit.
Lycopene is an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and also works as an antioxidant to
neutralize free radicals (Edwards et al., 2003). It also contains a good amount of vitamin-B6
(pyridoxine), vitamin–C and manganese. Consumption of food rich in vitamin–C helps the body
develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.
Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
Watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamin A, which is a powerful natural antioxidant. It is
one of the essential vitamins for vision and immunity.
Hydration and digestion: Watermelons are the perfect example of a food that can help you stay
hydrated. Watermelons are nature gift to beat summer thirst due to rich in electrolytes and water
content. The watermelon contains fibre, which encourages a healthy digestive tract and helps
keep you regular.
Skin and hair benefits: Vitamin A helps keep skin and hair moisturized and it also encourages
healthy growth of new collagen and elastin cells. Vitamin C is also beneficial in this regard, as it
promotes healthy collagen growth.
Cancer prevention: Like other fruits and vegetables, watermelons may be helpful in reducing
the risk of cancer through their antioxidant properties. According to the National Cancer
Institute
,
Lycopene help in reducing prostate cancer cell proliferation. Consumption of natural
fruits rich in vitamin-A is known to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers
You can eat watermelon rind and seeds: Most people throw away the watermelon rind and
seeds. Rind not only contains plenty of health-promoting and blood-building chlorophyll, but the
rind actually contains important amino acid citrulline than the flesh. Citrulline is a non-protein
amino acid and was first identified from watermelon. Citrulline is used in the nitric oxide system
in humans and has antioxidant and vasodilatation roles (
Rimando et al., 2005)
. According to
2013 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, citrulline improves
circulation by reducing muscle soreness and heart rate. Many people prefer seedless watermelon
varieties, but black watermelon seeds are quite healthy and edible. They contain iron, zinc,
protein, and fibre.
Conclusion
Watermelons are very good source of important nutritive components and contained a very high
concentration of nutrients for human consumption. It also contains different components of
medicinal values. Therefore, it would be \more effective in healthcare management.
Additionally, watermelon rind and seed is a rich source of an important amino acid and minerals.
These exceptional qualities of watermelon and its products warrant us to use it for health
benefits.
References
Dia M (2012a). Genotype × Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis of Performance, and
Mega-Environment Identification of Fruit Yield and Yield Components in Watermelon
[Citrullus lanatus (Thumb.) Matsum & Nakai] Tested in Multiple US Locations. Ph.D.
diss. North Carolina State University, Raleigh.
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Dia M, Wehner TC, Hassell R, Price DS, Boyhan GE, Olson S, King S, Davis AR, Tolla GE,
Bernier J, Juarez B, Sari N, Solmaz I, and Aras V (2012b). Mega-environment
identification for watermelon yield testing in the US. Cucurbitaceae Proceedings of the
X
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EUCARPIA Meeting on Genetics and Breeding of Cucurbitaceae, Antalya, Turkey,
15-18 October, 2012. University of Cukurova, Ziraat Fakultesi. P. 385-390.
Dia M, Wehner TC, Hassell R, Price DS, Boyhan GE, Olson S, King S, Davis AR, Tolla GE,
Bernier J, Juarez B, Sari N, Solmaz I and Aras V. (2012c) Stability of fruit yield in
watermelon genotypes tested in multiple US environments. Cucurbitaceae. Proceedings
of the Xth EUCARPIA Meeting on Genetics and Breeding of Cucurbitaceae, Antalya,
Turkey, 15-18 October, 2012. University of Cukurova, Ziraat Fakultesi. P. 84-88.
Dia M, Wehner TC, Hassell R, Price DS, Boyhan GE, Olson S, King S, Davis AR and Tolla GE
(2016a). Genotype × environment interaction and stability analysis for watermelon fruit
yield in the U.S. Crop Sci. 56: 1645-1661. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2015.10.0625.
Dia M, Wehner TC, Hassell R, Price DS, Boyhan GE, Olson S, King S, Davis AR and Tolla GE
(2016b). Values of locations for representing mega-environments and for discriminating
yield of watermelon in the United States. Crop Sci. 56: 1726-1735.
doi:10.2135/cropsci2015.11.0698.
Dia M, Wehner TC, Perkins-Veazie P, Hassell R, Price DS, Boyhan GE, Olson S, King S, Davis
AR, Tolla GE, Bernier J and Juarez B (2016c). Stability of fruit quality traits in diverse
watermelon cultivars tested in multiple environments. Horticulture Research, 23:
16066. doi: 10.1038/hortres.2016.66.
Edwards AJ, Vinyard BT, Wiley ER, Brown ED, Collins JK, Perkins-Veazie P (2003).
Consumption of watermelon juice increases plasma concentrations of lycopene and β-
carotene in humans. Journal of Nutrition 133, 1043-50.
Kumar R, Dia M and Wehner TC (2013). Implications of mating behavior in watermelon
breeding. Hort Sci. 48(8), 960-964.
Le J, Chuan JD, Andy HL and Colin WE (2005). Do dietary lycopene and other carotenoids
protect against prostate cancer? International Journal of Cancer 113: 1010-1014.
Naz A, Butt MS, Pasha I and Nawaz H (2013). Antioxidant Indices of Watermelon Juice and
Lycopene Extract. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 12 (3), 255-260.
Rimando AM and Perkins-Veazie PM. (2005). Determination of citrulline in watermelon rind.
Journal of Chromatography A 1078: 196–200.
Wehner TC, Shetty NV and Elmstrom GW. (2001). Breeding and seed production. In:
watermelons, characteristics, production and marketing. D. N. Maynard (Ed.). ASHS
Press, Alexandria, VA, P. 27-73.
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... North-East Africa is believed to be the origin of watermelon, reported more than 5,000 years ago (Mezue and Aghimien, 2016). According to Reetu and Tomar (2017), watermelon originated from Kalahari Desert. In Nigeria, watermelon is consumed as nectars, juice and fruit cocktails after the fruit has been fermented and blended (Kantiyok et al., 2021). ...
... Watermelon is a good source of carotenoids such as β-carotene, lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene, neurospnene and lutein. It also contain carbohydrates, protein, fats, dietary fiber, vitamin A, B1, B6 and C as well as minerals such as potassium, iron, manganese and magnesium (Reetu and Tomar, 2017). Lycopne present in watermelon is associated with health benefits. ...
African Journal of Biotechnology The effect of clarification methods on quality attributes of sugarcane-watermelon wine fermented by palm wine yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2024
  • AFR J BIOTECHNOL
Clarification of wine is aimed at improving the quality of the product by removing haze. In this study, the effect of two clarification methods namely membrane filtration technique and the use of Keiselguhr diatomaceous earth powder on the physico-chemical and sensory attributes of wine produced using sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) and watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris L) juice blended in the ratio 1:1 (v/v) and fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from palm wine was determined. Sugarcane-watermelon wine not clarified was the control. Physicochemical analysis of the wine at 0 h indicates the following: sugar (10.73 °Brix), specific gravity (1.043 kg/m 3), pH (3.9), alcohol content (5.9%), titratable acidity (0.720 g/l), turbidity (94.32 NTU) and colour intensity (0.892 nm). During maturation of wine, the sugar content, specific gravity, pH, alcohol content, titratable acidity, turbidity and colour intensity of the samples clarified by membrane filtration/diatomaceous earth powder at 72 and 336 h were 6.5/9.9 and 7.2/10.8 °Brix, 1.026/1.040 and 1.029/1.043 kg/m 3 , 3.7/3.8 and 3.0/3.13, 3.57/5.48 and 3.7/5.7%, 0.375/0.405 and 0.517/0.628 g/l, 29/32.6 and 15/20 NTU, and 0.649/0.873 and 0.642/0.628 nm, respectively. The cumulative sensory scores of wine clarified using Keiselguhr diatomaceous earth powder were slightly higher than the wine clarified by membrane filtration. Taking other parameters into consideration, the clarification of sugarcane-watermelon wine using membrane filtration is relatively better than Keiselguhr diatomaceous earth powder.
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... The crop is considered to have its origin from the Kalahari Desert region of Africa (Romdhane et al., 2017;Makaepea et al. 2019) and had become the propagating point to other parts of the world (Ali, 2019). It is primarily planted using the seeds and grows well in tropical areas with plenty of sunlight and a temperature of more than 25 ° C for proper development and growth (Betty et al., 2016;Reetu and Maharishi, 2017). The authors stated further that watermelon to be the best thrives in relatively acidic well drained fertile soil. ...
... The nutritional and medicinal benefits of watermelon have made its demand higher than supply as it is common to see the marketers selling the fruits along the major markets, roads and streets. This demonstrates in agreement with Reetu and Maharishi (2017) that the global consumption of watermelon is higher than any other cucurbit family. ...
Growth and yield parameters of watermelon cultivars planted with climate-smart integrated fertilizer management in sandy loam soil
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2023
M. and Osinem, E. C. (2023). Growth and yield parameters of watermelon cultivars planted with climate-smart agriculture integrated fertilizer management in sandy loam soil. International Journal of Agricultural Technology 19(2):371-390. Abstract The effect of climate-smart agriculture integrated fertilizer management on growth and yield indices of three cultivars of watermelon was determined. The results revealed varied growth and yield indices among the three cultivars of watermelon planted. Charleston grey had better vegetative growth indices. Among the three cultivars planted Sugar baby produced the highest number of flowers and fruits. It was observed that the combination of 15t/ha GM + 50kg/ha NPK treatment improved the fertility of sandy loam soil than any single application in the study area.
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... Watermelon has elevated level of economic as well as nutritional importance. Watermelon fruit contains Protein (0.6g/100g flesh), Dietary fibre (0.4g/100g), Total fat (0.15g/100g), Niacin (0.178mg/100g), Pentothenic acid (0.221mg/100g), Vitamin A (569mg/100g), Vitamin C (8.1mg/100g), Potassium (112mg/100g), Iron (0.24mg/100g), Manganese (0.038mg/100g), Zinc (0.10mg/100g) and phytonutrients like Carotene-alpha (303µg/100g), Lycopene (4532µg/100g) (Verma et al., 2017) [7] . It is additionally considered as a rich wellspring of lycopene and citrulline. ...
... Watermelon has elevated level of economic as well as nutritional importance. Watermelon fruit contains Protein (0.6g/100g flesh), Dietary fibre (0.4g/100g), Total fat (0.15g/100g), Niacin (0.178mg/100g), Pentothenic acid (0.221mg/100g), Vitamin A (569mg/100g), Vitamin C (8.1mg/100g), Potassium (112mg/100g), Iron (0.24mg/100g), Manganese (0.038mg/100g), Zinc (0.10mg/100g) and phytonutrients like Carotene-alpha (303µg/100g), Lycopene (4532µg/100g) (Verma et al., 2017) [7] . It is additionally considered as a rich wellspring of lycopene and citrulline. ...
View
... It is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, along with smaller amounts of vitamins A and B6. It contains key minerals like potassium, which supports heart and muscle function, and magnesium (Leskovar et al., 2004;Reetu & Tomar, 2017). The medicinal properties of Watermelon are primarily due to its rich antioxidant content. ...
Methanol Extract of Citrullus Lanatus Rind and Silymarin Modulates Liver Function, Haematological Profile, and Liver Antioxidant Status in Thioacetamide-Treated Male Wistar Rats
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  • Nov 2024
Thioacetamide (TAA) is known to induce hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress, disrupting liver function and body weight in experimental animals. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of methanolic Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) rind extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, as well as silymarin (50 mg/kg), in male Wistar rats treated with TAA (300 mg/kg). Body weight, liver weight, liver function markers, hematological parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed. Results showed that TAA significantly decreased body weight and increased liver weight (p < 0.05), indicating hepatotoxicity. However, both doses of C. lanatus and silymarin significantly mitigated these effects, with the 500 mg/kg dose showing the strongest protective action. Alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, albumin, total protein, and oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde, Reduced Glutathione, Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase) were significantly altered in the TAA group but were restored to near-normal levels in rats treated with C. lanatus and silymarin. Additionally, hematological indices (Red Blood Cells, Haemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration, White Blood Cells, and Platelets) were significantly improved by the treatments, with the 500 mg/kg extract and silymarin exhibiting comparable efficacy. These findings suggest that C. lanatus rind extract possesses potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, making it a promising therapeutic agent for managing TAA-induced liver damage. Further studies are recommended to explore its long-term safety and clinical applications.
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... In Bangladesh, this species is cultivated throughout the country, mostly in Char areas (Ahmed et al. 2008). Seeds are cooling, demulcent, diuretic, and vermifuge (Reetu and Tomar 2017). It is an ideal healthy food since it is low in cholesterol, fat, and is an excellent source of vitamins A, B 6 and C. The watermelon seeds contain cucurbitacin, which has curative properties for urethral and kidney problems. ...
ROLE OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON SEED GERMINATION PERFORMANCE OF CITRULLUS LANATUS
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  • Jan 2023
This investigation was performed to find out the suitable concentration of plant growth regulators i.e., Gibberellic acid (GA 3) and Indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) for the seed germination performance of watermelon. Seed germination percentages were accelerated in lower concentrations (1 and 2 mg/l) of gibberellic acid (GA 3), and moderate concentrations (3 mg/l) of indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) hormones. Highest germination rates were obtained in 2 mg/l for GA 3 (71.11%) and 3 mg/l for IAA (84.44%). Therefore, it demonstrates that these plant growth regulators were effectively overcome dormancy, resulting in rapid seed germination. IAA was chosen as the best hormone for watermelon between the two compared growth regulators because it had the greatest seed germination rate (84.44%).
View
... Every part of the fruit watermelon has nutritional value, including the rind, flesh (yellow or pink) and seeds. The fruit is a rich source of lycopene, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals (Reetu and Tomar, 2017). Citrullus lanatus var. ...
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... Watermelon production is often limited by biotic and abiotic factors, including fungi pathogens. Fungal diseases constitute one of the most limiting biotic factors in watermelon production globally, and could significantly reduce yield and quality, and eventually cause significant economic losses to the farmer [15][16][17][18][19]. ...
Agronomic and disease responses of three watermelon (citrilus lanatus l.) varieties to fungicide spraying regimes in a tropical environment
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  • Jan 2024
Fusarium wilt disease is a major biotic factor limiting watermelon production in the derived savanna agroecology of southeast Nigeria. The study hypothesized that variety could interact with the fungicide spraying regime to improve the agronomic performance of watermelon (Citrulus lanatus (Thunb) Matsum and Nakai). The objectives of the study were: to assess the effect of fungicide spraying regimes on disease incidence, severity, and agronomic performance of three watermelon varieties; and to identify and characterize the fungal causal organism of Fusarium wilt of watermelon in the derived savanna agroecology of southeast Nigeria. Three varieties of watermelon (Jubaly, red diamond, and sweet sangaria) and four fungicide spraying regimes (No spray, weekly, bi-weekly, and tri-weekly spray) were evaluated for agronomic performance, and disease incidence and severity in a 3 × 4 factorial in a randomized complete block design replicated thrice. Data were collected on phenological, growth and yield indices, and disease incidence and severity. Analysis of variance was done using Genstat 16th edition and GraphPad Prism 9 was used to construct the graphs. Variety significantly affected agronomic traits as well as disease incidence and severity. The Jubaly variety performed better than other varieties in most of the growth and yield parameters measured despite recording higher disease incidence and severity scores. Weekly application of fungiforce recorded the lowest disease incidence (16.67, 16.67, and 50%) and severity (6.7, 6.7, and 10%) at 9, 10, and 11 weeks after planting, respectively. The interaction effect of the Jubaly variety and weekly spray was consistently higher in vine length, node number, fruit number, and fruit yield. Morphological isolation and identification of the fungal causal organism showed the presence of Fusarium species. Further molecular characterization by DNA extraction from the Fusarium isolate and sequencing using the Sanger sequencing method confirmed the presence of Fusarium equiseti. The basic local alignment search tool result showed 94–100% similarity with F. equiseti strain WZ-98 from the NCBI Gene bank. The organism was identified as F. equiseti based on the Phylogeny.
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Integrated Mechanisms of Polarity–Based Extracts of Cucumis melo L. Seed Kernels for Airway Smooth Muscle Relaxation via Key Signaling Pathways Based on WGCNA, In Vivo, and In Vitro Analyses
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The present study aimed to determine the mechanisms responsible for calcium–mediated smooth muscle contractions in C. melo seeds. The phytochemicals of C. melo were identified and quantified with the aid of Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometric (LC/ESI–MS/MS) and high–performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and then tested in–vitro and in vivo to confirm involvement in smooth muscle relaxation. Allergic asthma gene datasets were acquired from the NCBI gene expression omnibus (GEO) and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, weighted gene co–expression network analysis (WGCNA), and functional enrichment analysis were conducted. Additionally, molecular docking of key genes was carried out. Kaempferol, rutin, and quercetin are identified as phytochemical constituents of C. melo seeds. Results indicated that C. melo seeds exhibit a dose–dependent relaxant effect for potassium chloride (80 mM)– induced spastic contraction and calcium antagonistic response in calcium dose–response curves. The functional enrichment of WGCNA and DEG asthma–associated pathogenic genes showed cytokine–mediated pathways and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, CACNA1A, IL2RB, and NOS2 were identified as key genes with greater binding affinity with rutin, quercitrin, and kaempferol in molecular docking. These results show that the bronchodilator and antidiarrheal effects of C. melo were produced by altering the regulatory genes of calcium–mediated smooth muscle contraction.
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Stability of fruit quality traits in diverse watermelon cultivars tested in multiple environments
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2016
Lycopene is a naturally occurring red carotenoid compound that is found in watermelon. Lycopene has antioxidant properties. Lycopene content, sugar content and hollowheart resistance are subject to significant genotype×environment interaction (G×E), which makes breeding for these fruit quality traits difficult. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the influence of years and locations on lycopene content, sugar content and hollowheart resistance for a set of watermelon genotypes, and (ii) identify genotypes with high stability for lycopene, sugar, and hollowheart resistance. A diverse set of 40 genotypes was tested over 3 years and 8 locations across the southern United States in replicated, multi-harvest trials. Lycopene was tested in a subset of 10 genotypes. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate stability statistics (BLUP-GGE biplot) using SASGxE and RGxE programs. There were strong effects of environment as well as G×E interaction on watermelon quality traits. On the basis of stability measures, genotypes were classified as stable or unstable for each quality trait. 'Crimson Sweet' is an inbred line with high quality trait performance as well as trait stability. 'Stone Mountain', 'Tom Watson', 'Crimson Sweet' and 'Minilee' were among the best genotypes for lycopene content, sugar content and hollowheart resistance. We developed a stability chart based on marketable yield and average ranking generated from different stability measures for yield attributes and quality traits. The chart will assist in choosing parents for improvement of watermelon cultivars. See http://cuke.hort.ncsu.edu/cucurbit/wmelon/wmelonmain.html.
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Value of Locations for Representing Mega-Environments and for Discriminating Yield of Watermelon in the U.S.
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2016
Full paper is located at: http://cuke.hort.ncsu.edu/cucurbit/wehner/articles/art170.pdf In a crop breeding program, multiple-location trials can be used to define target regions and mega-environments that, in turn, will help the breeder develop stable cultivars. In addition, locations can be chosen that are efficient for distinguishing among cultivars (genotypes) and that are good representatives of the target regions. The objectives of this study were to study mega-environments and identify test locations that were both discriminating and representative of target regions. Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] fruit yield and yield components were evaluated in 3 yr and eight locations using replicated, multiple- harvest trials. Data were analyzed using genotype main effect and genotype x environment interaction (GGE) biplot model as well as other methods for stability analysis. Marketable yield and percentage early fruit had a nonrepeatable crossover pattern and thus, formed a single and complex mega-environment. Two key locations, (Kinston, NC, and Charleston, SC) were efficient representatives of two mega-environments for fruit count. Locations at Woodland, CA, and Col- lege Station, TX, can be used interchangeably for identifying genotypes with high percentage cull fruit. There was only one mega-environment for fruit size. Identification of mega-environ - ments for watermelon in the southern United States has implications for future breeding and genotype evaluation in the United States including the use of specialized genotypes for high performance in specific locations.
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Genotype × Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Watermelon Fruit Yield in the United States
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2016
Full article is located at: http://cuke.hort.ncsu.edu/cucurbit/wehner/articles/art169.pdf One of the major breeding objectives for watermelon is improved fruit yield. High yielding genotypes have been identified, so we measured their stability for fruit yield and yield components over diverse environments. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the yield of watermelon genotypes over years and locations, (ii) identify genotypes with high stability for yield, and (iii) measure the correlations among univariate and multivariate stability statistics. A diverse set of 40 genotypes was evaluated over 3 years (2009, 2010, and 2011) and 8 locations across the southern United States in replicated trials. Yield traits were evaluated over multiple harvests, and measured as marketable yield, fruit count, % cull fruit, % early fruit, and fruit size. There were strong effects of environment as well as genotype x environment interaction (GxE) on watermelon yield traits. Based on multiple stability measures, genotypes were classified as stable or unstable for yield. There was an advantage of hybrids over inbreds for yield components in both performance and responsiveness to favorable environments. 'Big Crimson' and 'Legacy' are inbred lines with high yield and stability. A significant (P<0.001) and positive correlation was measured for Shukla's stability variance (σi2), Shukla’s squared hat (ŝi2), Wricke’s ecovalence (Wi), and deviation from regression (S2d) for all the traits evaluated in this study.
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Implications of Mating Behavior in Watermelon Breeding
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2013
Understanding the natural mating behavior (self- or cross-pollination) in watermelon is important to the design of a suitable breeding strategy. The objective of this study was to measure the rate of self- and cross-pollination in watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] using the dominant gene Sp (Spotted leaves and fruit) as a marker. The experiment consisted of two studies and was a split plot in a randomized complete block design with 3 years (2009 to 2011) and four locations (Clinton, Kinston, Oxford, Lewiston, NC). For the intercrossing study, whole plots were the two spacings (1.2 × 0.3 m and 1.2 × 0.6 m) with four replications in 2010. For the inbreeding study, whole plots were two equidistant spacings (3 × 3 m and 6 × 6 m) with four replications in 2009 to 2011. Cultivars Allsweet and Mickylee were subplots within each whole plot. In the inbreeding study, spacing and year had a significant effect on the rate of self-pollination, which was moderate (47% and 54%, respectively) when watermelon plants were trained in a spiral and spaced 3 × 3 m or 6 × 6 m apart. Spacing and cultivar did not have a significant effect on cross-pollination in the intercrossing study. Closely spaced watermelon plants (1.2 × 0.3 m and 1.2 × 0.6 m) had low natural outcrossing rate (31%and 35%, respectively) and was not adequate to intercross families. However, breeders should consider the amount of self-pollination in watermelon to calculate the estimates of component of genetic variances.
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Antioxidant Indices of Watermelon Juice and Lycopene Extract
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2013
  • Pakistan J Nutr
In the current project, indigenously grown promising watermelon variety (Sugar baby) was characterized for its antioxidant potential. The watermelon juice and lycopene extract were quantified by HPLC that depicted 4.53±0.05 and 6.27±0.06 mg/100mL of lycopene, respectively. Furthermore, the watermelon juice and lycopene extract showed Total Phenolic Contents (TPC), beta-carotene assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) as 23.63±1.09 and 97.15±5.01 mg/100g GAE, 49±3.10 and 73±3.20%, 29.11±1.91 and 57±3.22% and 21.67±1.21 and 37.60±1.12 mM FRAP/g, respectively. Consequently, the watermelon proved as a good source of antioxidant with special reference to lycopene.
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Do dietary lycopene and other carotenoids protect against prostate cancer? Int J Cancer
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2005
To determine whether dietary intake of lycopene and other carotenoids has an etiological association with prostate cancer, a case-control study was conducted in Hangzhou, southeast China during 2001-2002. The cases were 130 incident patients with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The controls were 274 hospital inpatients without prostate cancer or any other malignant diseases. Information on usual food consumption, including vegetables and fruits, was collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured food frequency questionnaire. The risks of prostate cancer for the intake of carotenoids and selected vegetables and fruits rich in carotenoids were assessed using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for age, locality, education, income, body mass index, marital status, number of children, family history of prostate cancer, tea drinking, total fat and caloric intake. The prostate cancer risk declined with increasing consumption of lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin. Intake of tomatoes, pumpkin, spinach, watermelon and citrus fruits were also inversely associated with the prostate cancer risk. The adjusted odds ratios for the highest versus the lowest quartiles of intake were 0.18 (95% CI: 0.08-0.41) for lycopene, 0.43 (95% CI: 0.21-0.85) for alpha-carotene, 0.34 (95% CI: 0.17-0.69) for beta-carotene, 0.15 (95% CI: 0.06-0.34) for beta-cryptoxanthin and 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01-0.10) for lutein and zeaxanthin. The corresponding dose-response relationships were also significant, suggesting that vegetables and fruits rich in lycopene and other carotenoids may be protective against prostate cancer.
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Determination of citrulline in watermelon rind
Article
  • Jul 2005
  • J CHROMATOGR A
Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.) is a natural and rich source of the non-essential amino acid citrulline. Citrulline is used in the nitric oxide system in humans and has potential antioxidant and vasodilatation roles. A method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed to separate citrulline from glutamic acid, which co-elute when analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Watermelons were analyzed by GC-MS to determine the citrulline content among varieties, types, flesh colors, and tissues. Citrulline content ranged from 3.9 to 28.5 mg/g dry weight (dwt) and was similar between seeded and seedless types (16.6 and 20.3 mg/g dwt, respectively). Red flesh watermelons had slightly less citrulline than the yellow or orange flesh watermelons (7.4, 28.5 and 14.2 mg/g dwt, respectively). Rind contained more citrulline than flesh on a dry weight basis (24.7 and 16.7 mg/g dwt, respectively) but a little less on a fresh weight (fwt) basis (1.3 and 1.9 mg/g fwt, respectively). These results indicate that watermelon rind, an underutilized agricultural waste, offers a source of natural citrulline.
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Consumption of Watermelon Juice Increases Plasma Concentrations of Lycopene and β-Carotene in Humans
Article
  • May 2003
Watermelon is a rich natural source of lycopene, a carotenoid of great interest because of its antioxidant capacity and potential health benefits. Assessment of bioavailability of lycopene from foods has been limited to tomato products, in which heat processing promotes lycopene bioavailability. We examined the bioavailability of lycopene from fresh-frozen watermelon juice in a 19-wk crossover study. Healthy, nonsmoking adults (36-69 y) completed three 3-wk treatment periods, each with a controlled, weight-maintenance diet. Treatment periods were preceded by "washout" periods of 2-4 wk during which lycopene-rich foods were restricted. All 23 subjects consumed the W-20 (20.1 mg/d lycopene, 2.5 mg/d beta-carotene from watermelon juice) and C-0 treatments (controlled diet, no juice). As a third treatment, subjects consumed either the W-40 (40.2 mg/d lycopene, 5.0 mg/d beta-carotene from watermelon juice, n = 12) or T-20 treatment (18.4 mg/d lycopene, 0.6 mg/d beta-carotene from tomato juice, n = 10). After 3 wk of treatment, plasma lycopene concentrations for the W-20, W-40, T-20 and C-0 treatments were (least squares means +/- SEM) 1078 +/- 106, 1183 +/- 139, 960 +/- 117 and 272 +/- 27 nmol/L, respectively. Plasma concentrations of beta-carotene were significantly greater after W-20 (574 +/- 49 nmol/L) and W-40 (694 +/- 73 nmol/L) treatments than after the C-0 treatment (313 +/- 27 nmol/L). Plasma lycopene concentrations did not differ at wk 3 after W-20, W-40 and T-20 treatments, indicating that lycopene was bioavailable from both fresh-frozen watermelon juice and canned tomato juice, and that a dose-response effect was not apparent in plasma when the watermelon dose was doubled.
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Stability of fruit yield in watermelon genotypes tested in multiple US environments
  • Oct 2012
  • 84-88
  • M Dia
  • T C Wehner
  • R Hassell
  • D S Price
  • G E Boyhan
  • S Olson
  • S King
  • A R Davis
  • G E Tolla
  • J Bernier
  • B Juarez
  • N Sari
  • Solmaz I Aras
Dia M, Wehner TC, Hassell R, Price DS, Boyhan GE, Olson S, King S, Davis AR, Tolla GE, Bernier J, Juarez B, Sari N, Solmaz I and Aras V. (2012c) Stability of fruit yield in watermelon genotypes tested in multiple US environments. Cucurbitaceae. Proceedings of the Xth EUCARPIA Meeting on Genetics and Breeding of Cucurbitaceae, Antalya, Turkey, 15-18 October, 2012. University of Cukurova, Ziraat Fakultesi. P. 84-88.
In: watermelons, characteristics, production and marketing
  • Jan 2001
  • 27-73
  • T C Wehner
  • Shetty Nv
  • G W Elmstrom
Wehner TC, Shetty NV and Elmstrom GW. (2001). Breeding and seed production. In: watermelons, characteristics, production and marketing. D. N. Maynard (Ed.). ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA, P. 27-73.