Watermelon genotype differences for total and active iron index, iron and other micronutrients

Abstract

Knowledge of the growth trends and Fe‐constitutional, Fe‐active, Mn, Zn and Cu absorption varieties of watermelons is essential to a better understanding of the fertility requeriments of the crop. The present study was made to determine the nutrient absorption by 10 common types or varieties of watermelon in relation to fruit yield.

Research concerning the influence of micronutrient availability on watermelons has been documented, but with dissimilar conclusions have been reported. It generally has been observed that increasing the rate of fertilizer micronutrients stimulates watermelon yield, and among varieties: Perla‐Negra, Tolerant and Panonia. Compared varieties of watermelon and found differential yield response to micronutrients, and a difference in micronutrients‐absorbing capacity. When inbred Fe, Mn and Cu‐inefficient: Sugar‐Baby and Panonia and Zn‐inef ficient: Cándida and Carmit. Micronutrient, Fe, Mn and Cu‐efficient: Fabiola, Early‐Star and Carmit, and Zn‐efficient:Panonia, Perla‐Negra and Rocío.

Micronutrient additions in the fertilizer increase the possibility of soluble salt injury and can result in Cu‐toxcity in among varieties of watermelons: Early‐Star, Fabiola, Carmit, Candida, and Tolerant, or Cu‐deficiency in Sugar‐Baby and Zn‐deficiency in Carmit, Early‐Star and Tolerant.

Key words:

• Iron Index
• Equilibrium
• Diagnostic practices
• Watermelon