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Watermelon: A Valuable Horticultural Crop with Nutritional Benefits

Authors:
  • Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute Jhansi

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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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watermelons, characteristics, production and marketing. D. N. Maynard (Ed.). ASHS
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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. ...
... (Cucurbitaceae) consumption exceeds that of any other cucurbit, and in Nigeria, it is attracting very high consumer interest due to increase in knowledge of its health and nutritional benefits (Okrikata et al., 2020). Nevertheless, as shown in other parts of the world (Lima et al., 2014;Reetu and Tomar, 2017), watermelon can hardly be productive in without pest control interventions in Nigeria (Okrikata et al., 2019). This is due to a complex of insect pests, particularly leaf beetle species [mainly: Aulacophora africana (Weise), Asbecesta nigripennis (Weise), Asbecesta transversa (Allard), Monolepta nigeriae (Bryant)-Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Epilachna chrysomelina (Fabricius) -Coleoptera: Coccinellidae] and the melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett)-Diptera: Tephritidae which infest the crop (from seedling to fruiting stages) with more than 50% yield losses and sometimes, complete crop failure . ...
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Impact of a biopesticide formulation, Neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) plus Garlic, Allium sativum L. (Amaryllidaceae) Oil Emulsion-NGOE in watermelon production was investigated in early-and late-season field trials of 2020. Data collected include densities of leaf beetle species [Aulacophora africana (Weise), Asbecesta nigripennis (Weise), Asbecesta transversa (Allard), Monolepta nigeriae (Bryant)-Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, and Epilachna chrysomelina (Fabricius)-Coleoptera: Coccinellidae], and melon fruit fly [Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett)-Diptera: Tephritidae] using a modified Grizzly 2500/8 leaf blower-vac. Data were subjected to variance analysis after appropriate transformation. Results showed that, overall, the most efficient treatment was either 0.125% Magicforce ®-Lambda-cyhalothrin 15g/L+Dimethoate 300 g/L (MF)+5% NGOE or 0.25% MF in terms of pest suppression across seasons. Similarly, assessment of change in population densities revealed that either 0.25% MF or 0.125% MF+5% NGOE was the most suppressive of the the pest species across seasons. Same trend was observed with respect to leaf injury, growth parameters and fruit damage. Plots treated with 0.125% MF+5% NGOE consistently produced the highest number of fruits (18,615.06±457.00 and 16,404.02±1,526.25 in the early-and late-season crop), followed by those treated with 0.25% MF (values: 17165.16±488.17 and 15,708.50±1,411.93). The study underscored the effectiveness of Magicforce ® in suppressing watermelon pest (leaf beetles and the melon fruit fly) and improving yield, and also highlighted the potential of neem plus garlic oils formulation in suppressing pests of watermelon and their compatibility.
... exceeds that of any other cucurbit in the world and it is attracting very high consumer interest in Nigeria as a result of rising understanding of its nutritional and health benefits (Okrikata et al., 2020). However, as reported in other parts of the world (Lima et al., 2014;Reetu and Tomar, 2017), watermelon can hardly be produced in Nigeria without pest control interventions (Okrikata et al., 2019). This is because a complex of arthropod pests, particularly leaf beetle species, infest the crop (from seedling to fruiting stage) with a resultant > 50% yield losses and sometimes even total crop failure . ...
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To investigate the impact of a novel biopesticide formulation (neem plus garlic oil emulsion-NGOE) in watermelon production, field trials were laid in the early-and late-cropping season of 2020. Watermelon seeds (var. Sweet Sangria F1) were sown in 36 plots which were grouped into 4 replicates of 9 treatments. Data collected include densities of leaf beetles, spiders and Apis mellifera L. (bees) using a modified Grizzly 2500/8 leaf blower-vac. All data were subjected to variance analysis after appropriate transformation. Results showed that the most efficient treatment with respect to leaf beetles was 0.125% Magicforce®-Lambda-cyhalothrin 15g/L + Dimethoate 300 g/L (MF) + 5% NGOE in the early-crop, and 0.25% MF in the late-crop. Assessment of change in population densities revealed that 0.25% MF, followed by 0.125% MF + 5% NGOE was most suppressive of A. mellifera in the early-crop. Corresponding ordering in the late-crop was: 0.25% MF followed by 0.125% MF + 3% NGOE. While treatment with NGOE suppressed ants by 27.99-56.21%, 0.25% MF did it by 45.49-63.51%. Similar trend was observed with respect to ant and spider densities. Though 0.125% MF + 5% NGOE treated plots consistently produced the highest number of fruits, followed by 0.25% MF, statistical analyses showed that except for 1% NGOE, other insecticide treatments were comparable in the late-, but not in the early-crop. While the effectiveness of Magicforce® in suppressing pest and improving yield of watermelon was highlighted, the potential of neem plus garlic oils formulation in managing pests of watermelon while relatively favouring the activities of beneficial arthropods, and improving yield was clearly noticeable.
... It thrives in the tropical region and has been grown for thousands of years in the Middle East (Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon, etc.) and Southeast Asia (Erukainure et al., 2010). It is widely consumed worldwide because it is very rich in nutrients such as phytonutrients and antioxidants lycopene (Reetu and Tomar, 2017). ...
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The importance of applying inorganic fertilizers to boost the good growth of watermelon cannot be over emphasized. However, awareness of the negative environmental impact of the excessive use make it important to determine the right rate that could be applied to achieve optimum growth and yield of watermelon in a sustainable manner. An experiment was therefore conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Osun State University Ejigbo to investigate the effect of different rates of NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of watermelon. The experimental field was laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Application of NPK 20-10-10 fertilizer commenced at 2 weeks after sowing at the rates of 100kg/ha, 150kg/ha, 200kg/ha and control (No fertilizer application) on each block respectively. Cultural practices were carried out to control weeds and pests. Data were collected on vegetative parameters (vein length, number of nodes, leaf number, leaf length, leaf breadth and leaf area index), and yield components; fruit weight (kg), fruit length (cm) and fruit width (cm). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the significant means were separated using Least Mean Square using the GLM procedure of SAS (Version 9.4). The results showed highly significant differences in all the vegetative growth parameters, fruit length (44.04cm) and fruit breadth (263.93cm) but significant variation for fruit weight (2.21kg). The plants treated with 200 kg / ha of fertilizer gave the highest fruit weight and fruit breadth (2.05kg and 54.47cm respectively) as well as number of nodes (9.67), vine length (104.13cm), number of leaf (25.07) and leaf area index (233.79). 100kg/ha of NPK gave the highest value for fruit length (29.13cm). The application of NPK fertilizer at the rate of 200kg/ha is therefore recommended for optimum vegetative growth and yield of watermelon in Ejigbo Local Government area of Osun State.
... Despite phytoconstituents and nutritional constituents, C. lanatus seed was dumped as industrial waste. However, proximate and phytochemical analyzes revealed that C. lanatus seed might have health advantages (Perkins-Veazie et al., 2007;Rabiu and Muhammad, 2015;Reetu and Tomar, 2017). C. lanatus seed rich in proteins (32.1%), fats (59.2%), fiber (8.2%), carbohydrates (4.5%) (Alka et al., 2012;El-Adawy and Taha, 2001;Morais et al., 2017). ...
Article
Background Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, commonly farmed as an edible vegetable around the globe. It has been used in traditional therapies in addition to nutritional advantages. Traditional herbal practitioners employ C. lanatus seeds to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary diseases in Pakistan and India. However, more investigation is needed to understand the effect of C. lanatus seeds on treating gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary disorders. Purpose This research aimed to use network pharmacology and molecular docking to understand multi-target mechanisms of C. lanatus seeds against asthma and diarrhea and to validate its effects using biological tests to investigate antispasmodic and bronchodilator capabilities. Methods The ground seeds of C. lanatus were extracted in hexane, dichloromethane, ethanol, and aqueous for sequential extracts. The bioactive components in sequential extracts of C. lanatus seeds were identified using LC ESI-MS/MS, and specific compounds were quantified using HPLC. The quantified bioactive compounds of C. lanatus were subjected to in silico studies for network pharmacology and molecular docking to elucidate their role in antispasmodic and bronchodilator properties. The sequential extracts were tested on isolated rabbit tissue, i.e., jejunum, trachea, and urinary bladder. The antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal and antisecretory studies were also performed in animal models. Results In silico studies indicate that bioactive chemicals from sequential extracts of C. lanatus seeds interfere with asthma and diarrhea-associated pathogenic genes. Those are members of calcium mediate signaling, cholinergic synapse, regulation of cytosolic calcium concentration, smooth muscle contraction, and inflammatory responses. It was also found that rutin, quercitrin, stearic acid, umbelliferone, and kaempferol were stronger binding to voltage-gated calcium channels and muscarinic M3 receptor, thus exerting calcium channel blocker activity and cholinergic receptor stimulant response. On isolated jejunum, trachea, and urinary preparations, sequential extracts of C. lanatus seeds elicited the spasmolytic response and showed the relaxation of spastic contractions of K⁺ (80 mM) and carbachol (1 µM). Furthermore, it induced a non-parallel rightward shift in calcium concentration-response curves with suppression. In animal models, C. lanatus seed extracts exhibited partially or completely antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal, and antisecretory effects. Conclusion Thus, Citrullus lanatus had therapeutic benefits by modulating the contractile response through calcium-mediated signaling target proteins, hence exerting bronchodilator and antidiarrheal properties. The current study provides evidence for further mechanistic studies and the development of C. lanatus seeds as a potential therapeutic intervention for patients with gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary disorders.
... Fruits are a concentrated source of natural com ponents, and these natural components are plant derived materials performing a key role in maintain ing human health, especially in disease prevention, growth, and development. Today, plants, and plant based compounds are the basis of modern pharma ceuticals used for the treatment of various dreadful diseases (Reetu and Tomar, 2017). Fruits such as mango, organs, guava, pear, and watermelon are life enhancing medicines packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to human as well as cash crops for export by the growers in The Gambia. ...
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Field and laboratory studies were conducted late 2019 in three districts of the Gambia’s North Bank Region; namely, Central Badibou, Lower Badibou and Upper Badibou to ascertain the pesticide residue level in watermelon fruit, determine the insect pest control methods, types of pesticide, frequency of application, and pre-harvest interval observed. Multistage sampling technique was used in selecting the research respondents. Eighty-five (85) farmers were identified; forty-five (45) were randomly selected as research respondents. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. SPSS Software was used to analyse the questionnaires and Gas Chromatograph to determine the pesticide residue level. Data obtained were analysed and compared with the European Union Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). The results of the analysis revealed that the farmers used chemical control method in watermelon production, and applied at frequency of once in every two weeks. Furthermore, the results indicated that the chemical applied at flowering stage and the pre-harvest interval (17-21 days) ranked the highest. The pesticides residues found in the watermelon samples were Dimethoate, Profenophos, Dicofol, Cypermethrin, Lambda-cyhalothrin, Permethrin and Deltamethrin and most were above the MRL. The presence of pesticides residues in the watermelon samples calls for strict regulation on the use of pesticides on watermelon. Further study is recommended in other fruits and vegetables grown in the country especially in the studied region.
... Hama semangka tersering dijumpai adalah kumbang pemakan daun yang merusak bunga. Masalah lainnya adalah serangan jamur tepung (powdery mildew), yang membuat daun tampak seolaholah dilapisi dengan bubuk putih (Reetu and Tomar, 2017). Perawatan tanaman dalam masa vegetatif dilakukan dengan cara menyiram tanaman secara rutin setiap hari, memberi pupuk dengan komposisi makro dan mikro nutrien yang cukup. ...
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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.
Stability of fruit yield in watermelon genotypes tested in multiple US environments
  • 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
  • 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.