RESPONSE OF WATERMELON VARIETIES (Citrullus lanatus) TO VARING PLANTING DATES IN IKOM, NIGERIA

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted under rainfed condition at Nlul1- Nnam in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria to investigate response of watermelon varieties [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb Mansf)] to varying planting dates. The treatments consisted of three planting dates (8th September, 28th September and 18th October, 2018) and three varieties of watermelon (Koloss, Kaolack and Sugarbaby). The treatments combination was arranged in split-plots fitted into randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The study revealed that the 8th September planting date influenced best growth and yield performance of watermelon as it out-yielded the 28th September and 18th October planting dates by 36.94 and 74.38% respectively for number of fruits produced per plant. koloss variety was significantly (p< 0.05) superior to Kaolack and sugarbaby varieties in most of the vegetative growth and yield parameters. Koloss variety out-yielded Kaolack and Sugarbaby varieties by 45.33 and 117.11%, respectively for number of fruits recorded. Furthermore, Koloss variety also produced the heaviest and widest watermelon fruits than the other varieties. The interaction of Koloss variety and September 8 planting date, produced longer vine, higher number of leaves, higher number of fruits and higher total fruit yield (47.77t/ha) than the others. The production cost and economic returns analysis for the study also showed that, highest profit from watermelon production was maximized by the 8th September planting date with Koloss variety.