Evaluation of some growth and yield parameters of eight varieties of Watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) in Nsugbe area of Anambra State Nigeria

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out in the 2023 and 2024 cropping seasons to assess some growth and yield parameters of eight varieties of water melon (Biggie, Koloss, Charleston gray, Kaolack, Crimson Sweet, Lagoon, sugar baby and sweet Sangria) at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agricultural Education, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe Anambra State Nigeria. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of eight treatments replicated three times. Data were collected on Vine Length, Number of leaves, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight and fruit yield were collected at physiological maturity. The result of the study showed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) among the different varieties evaluated on the growth and yield parameters. The result of the two-year evaluation indicated that Biggie variety was superior at 4 and 8 weeks in the parameters tested with mean vine length of 140cm and 286cm respectively, mean number of leaves 26 and 58 respectively; mean fruit length of 40cm and 42 cm respectively; mean fruit girth of 36cm and 38cm respectively, mean fruit weight of 6.6 kg and 6.8kg respectively and fruit yield of 66 and 68 tons/ha. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that farm in the study area grow biggie variety for increase growth & yield of water melon.