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Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a summer cucurbit grown across India for its large, sweet, juicy fruits. India grows watermelon on roughly 99,000 ha with annual production around 2.1 million MT, with major production in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Key characteristics

  • Family: Cucurbitaceae
  • Temperature requirement: tropical/sub-tropical, 35-40 degC during fruit development; seeds do not germinate below 21 degC
  • India area and production: ~99,000 ha, ~2.1 million MT/year
  • Key ICAR-IIHR varieties: Arka Shyama (75-80 days, deep-red flesh, 50-60 t/ha, TSS 12-14 deg Brix); Arka Madhura (triploid seedless, 50-60 t/ha, TSS 13-14%)
  • Arid-zone selections: AHW-19 and Thar Manak from ICAR-CIAH Bikaner

Cultivation

Watermelon is a summer-season crop, typically direct-sown or transplanted onto raised beds with plastic mulch and drip irrigation. The crop demands high temperatures during fruit development and is sensitive to waterlogging. Commercial summer production in southern India uses a typical 2 m bed-centre spacing and is harvested 65-70 days after sowing in summer (around 80 days in winter). Off-season production targeting the post-April price window relies on planting in late spring and careful water management around fruit set. ICAR-CIAH Bikaner has developed arid-zone mateera selections suited to Rajasthan's hot dryland conditions.

Pest and disease profile

Watermelon shares the broader cucurbit pest complex - fruit fly, red pumpkin beetle, mosaic viruses, downy and powdery mildew, anthracnose and Fusarium wilt. Drip irrigation with plastic mulch reduces foliar disease pressure and improves fruit cleanliness.

Adoption and use

Both seeded and seedless (triploid) types are grown commercially; the triploid Arka Madhura is the leading public-sector seedless cultivar. Private-sector premium hybrids covering yellow flesh and novelty rind types are described in Watermelon Novelty Varieties.

See also: Watermelon Novelty Varieties, Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Snake Gourd, Ivy Gourd Dondakaya, Pumpkin Crop, Teasel Gourd Aakakara.

References

  1. Watermelon varieties. ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research.
  2. Watermelon - Arka Madhura. ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research.