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Growing
Watermelon
commercially in Nigeria
A.A Adekunle, A.O. Fatunbi, S. Adisa and O.A. Adeyemi
1
How to grow a good watermelon crop in Nigeria
Watermelon
2
Importance of watermelon
Watermelon is relished by many people across the world as a fresh fruit. This is because watermelon is known to be low in calories but highly nutritious and thirst-quenching, it also contain Vitamin C and A in form of the disease fighting beta-carotene. Lycopene and beta-carotene work in conjunction with other plant chemicals not found in vitamin/mineral supplements. Potassium is also available in it which is believed to help in the control of blood pressure and possibly prevent strokes.
Watermelon is considered to be native to Africa, although it was found growing wild by Livingstone in 1854 on the American continent. In Nigeria, watermelons grows well both in the humid and drier savanna agroecologies, but foliar diseases are less destructive in the drier climates. This is because it requires warm climate and relatively long growing season.
The largest production of the crop comes from the northern part of Nigeria where the suitable agroecology is found; nevertheless, a good crop could also be achieved in other agroecologies with intensive management and is still economically feasible. The potentials of watermelon as a cash producing crop is enormous for farmers especially those residing near the urban areas.
3
Step 1. Site selection
Flat or gentle slopes.
Do not use stony, clayey, or waterlogged soils.
A piece of land with a good history by past users.
Good soil (loamy) can be moulded into a ball that breaks under slight pressure. The site for watermelom must have enough sunlight. Remove all shade plants; the soil must be fertile with good organic matter content. Watermelon grows best on soils with a sandy loamy texture. A flat landscape is preferable while steep slopes should be avoided. Choose a well
C
e
Growing
Watermelon
commercially in Nigeria
A.A Adekunle, A.O. Fatunbi, S. Adisa and O.A. Adeyemi
1
How to grow a good watermelon crop in Nigeria
Watermelon
2
Importance of watermelon
Watermelon is relished by many people across the world as a fresh fruit. This is because watermelon is known to be low in calories but highly nutritious and thirst-quenching, it also contain Vitamin C and A in form of the disease fighting beta-carotene. Lycopene and beta-carotene work in conjunction with other plant chemicals not found in vitamin/mineral supplements. Potassium is also available in it which is believed to help in the control of blood pressure and possibly prevent strokes.
Watermelon is considered to be native to Africa, although it was found growing wild by Livingstone in 1854 on the American continent. In Nigeria, watermelons grows well both in the humid and drier savanna agroecologies, but foliar diseases are less destructive in the drier climates. This is because it requires warm climate and relatively long growing season.
The largest production of the crop comes from the northern part of Nigeria where the suitable agroecology is found; nevertheless, a good crop could also be achieved in other agroecologies with intensive management and is still economically feasible. The potentials of watermelon as a cash producing crop is enormous for farmers especially those residing near the urban areas.
3
Step 1. Site selection
Flat or gentle slopes.
Do not use stony, clayey, or waterlogged soils.
A piece of land with a good history by past users.
Good soil (loamy) can be moulded into a ball that breaks under slight pressure. The site for watermelom must have enough sunlight. Remove all shade plants; the soil must be fertile with good organic matter content. Watermelon grows best on soils with a sandy loamy texture. A flat landscape is preferable while steep slopes should be avoided. Choose a well