Evaluation of Five Hybrid Watermelon Varieties for Cultivation and Performance in Coastal Guyana South America

Abstract

The study evaluated new watermelon varieties grown in Guyana (Bonta, Sugar Doll, Santa Matilde, Delta and Sentinel) for sustainability under local conditions. The trial was conducted at Mahaica using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments and three replicates. Data was collected on seedling emergence, flowering, fruiting and harvesting time. Data was also collected to create plant descriptors, according to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, for the new varieties. Average production was recorded at 54,857.6 Kg/ha, 76,387 Kg /ha, 56,940.8 Kg/ha, 65,968 Kg/ha and 22,915.2 Kg/ha for Santa Matilde, Delta, Bonta, Sentinel and Mickylee, respectively. All varieties began flowering at the same time, however, Bonta and Mickylee were the first to produce fruits. Bonta and Mickylee were also harvested at the same time (73 days after germination). Delta had the seeds with more width (6.3 mm) while Santa Matilde had the longest seeds (9.4 mm). Average brix for Santa Matilde, Delta, Bonta, Sentinel and Mickylee were 10.8, 7.9, 8.2, 6.9 and 10.4 respectively. Mickylee and Bonta had ovaries with the same average circumference of 4.5 cm while Delta had the average longest ovary with 2.5 cm. Sentinel had the average thickest stem (9.8 mm), broadest (19.1 cm) and longest (22.1 cm) leaf. Bonta had the average longest petiole (11.4 cm) and Delta had the longest fruits (51.6 cm). Bonta could be a suitable replacement for Mickylee since there is no significant difference between the time of harvest.