Comparison of Several Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) Hybrids in Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Watermelon is a traditionally grown vegetable in the Republic of Macedonia. Numerous varieties and hybrids of watermelon are registered in the National Variety List. Prior to their introduction into commercial production, all foreign hybrids and newly created varieties are examined in order to determine their stages of growth, yield and characteristic of fruit. The experiment was set on experimental plots in the Institute of Agriculture in Skopje. In the years between 2005 and 2009, the following 21 varieties and hybrids of watermelon were observed: Romanza F₁, Bambolino F₁,  Bonta F₁, Scherezada in 2005; Pauline F1, Nelson F1, Joker F₁, Carmen F₁ in 2006; Lady F₁, Trophy F₁, Fletta F₁, Marabella F₁, Super Crimson Sweet OP, Fantasy F₁ in 2007; Crimson Ruby F₁, Biblos F1,  Pegasus F1, Megan F1 in 2008; Colosseo F₁, Caravan F₁, Montana F₁ in 2009. The Crimson Sweet was used as a standard variety. In 2005, Bambolino F₁ gave higher yield (59.7t/ha) than the standard variety (31.42t/ha). In 2006, Nelson F1 exceeded significantly higher yield by giving 65,8 t/ha in comparison to standard variety 46.3 t/ha. In 2007 all examined varieties gave better results than the standard variety. In 2008 Crimson Ruby F₁ gave higher yield (42.7 t/ha) than the standard variety (36.8t/ha). In 2009 Montana F₁ was more yielded (67.5 t/ha) then the standard variety (62.2 t/ha). All examined varieties and hybrids gave stable characteristics and were registered in the National Variety List for commercial production.