Agronomic performance of watermelon under direct sowing system and seedling transplanting

ABSTRACT Watermelon is traditionally grown under direct sowing system. However, due to high costs of good quality seeds improved cultivars, seedling transplanting a promising alternative for watermelon production. This study aimed at evaluating, during two production cycles, the performance cultivation system and transplanting. The field trials were carried out from May September, 2015 2016, Setor de Horticultura da Escola Agronomia Universidade Federal Goiás. In 2015, experimental design was randomized blocks (DBC) with four replicates in 2x4 factorial scheme (two hybrids: Manchester Talisman, planting methods: 15-, 20- 25-day old seedlings). DBC six replicates. treatments consisted three dates (0, 5 10 days) different ages (15, 20 25 days). Number leaves, plant height dry mass seedlings ages, vine length virus incidence along crop cycle evaluated. Upon significant F-test (5%) age, regression analysis performed, when cultivar effect significant, Tukey test used. Planting methods (direct X seedlings) compared by orthogonal contrasts. beginning flowering evaluated, both trials, average each treatment determined. Fruit width, fruit mass, thickness white part rind, soluble solids content evaluated harvesting. had higher number as well as, comparing on day. Yield not influenced treatments. No differences disease detected, cycles. Direct reduced no fruits. Considering establishing fields relevant, results suggest importance most viable method cultivation, ease process, reduction related operations.