2001 Statewide Watermelon Trial - Cultural Practices Specific to Location

Lubbock

Culture: Transplanted in-row spacing of 3' on 80 A wide raised bed (black plastic mulched) with drip irrigation.
Problems: Some blossom end rot.

Overton

Culture:

Transplanted April 10th, 2001. In-row spacing - 2.5' on 8' wide rasied raised beds (black plastic mulched).
Drip irrigation.
460 lbs, 13-13-13/ A N
Harvested July 2, 2001

Stephenville

Culture:

Transplanted April 13th, 2001. In-row spacing - 2.5' on 8' wide rasied raised beds (black plastic mulched).
Drip irrigation.
100 lbs, 13-13-13/ A N
Harvested Jun 18 - 19, 2001

Weslaco

Culture: Beds = 80 A wide, raised, black plastic mulched.
Transplanted March 3, 2001 (transplants treated with Admire prior to removal from greenhouse). In-row spacing - 2.5'.
Drip irrigation
100 lbs/ A N
Harvested May 31 - June 8, 2001
Pest control consisted of Agri-mek, Ridomil Gold/Bravo, Quadris, Nova.
Problems:

Severe Vine decline caused significant plant death and reduced yields. Also some problems with powdery mildew, gummy stem blight and alternaria. Insects problems consisted of leafminers, whiteflies and spidermites.