Farming Watermelon

Farming Watermelon

Watermelon (Citrullus lantatus) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae which includes squash, pumpkin, and cucumber. Availability is year-round. Watermelons vary in shape; from globular to oblong. External rind colour varies from light to dark green and maybe solid, striped, or marbled. The pulp colour of most commercial varieties is red.

 

 

MAIN VARIETIES

• MickyLee
• Charleston Grey
• Sugar Baby

MAIN PRODUCING AREAS

• Bush Lot
• #s 43 –58 Seashore & Reef Land Areas
• Pomeroon

PREPARATION FOR EXPORT MARKET

HARVESTING

• Cut off stems about 2.5 cm (1 in) from the fruit with a sharp knife.

CLEANING

• Remove surface soil and stains with a soft cloth or cotton gloves.
• If washing is required, wash water should be sanitized with 150 ppm hypochlorous acid maintained at a pH of 6.5. Allow fruit to dry well.

GRADING & PACKING

• Fruit for export should be uniform in size. The surface should be clean and have no blemishes, scars, sunburn, and decay.
• Domestic marketed fruit are also classified by size and weight: Small: <3.2 kg  (7 lb), Medium: 3.3 kg – 4.5 kg (7 lb to 10 lb), Large: >4.6 kg
• Local – Watermelons may be moved from the field directly to the market.