incorporated into the bed prior to planting. The remaining N and K can be applied in two

sidedress applications approximately four to six weeks after emergence of seedlings. Any

additional requirements can be applied as needed. Full-bed mulch production with overhead

irrigation requires that all fertilizers are incorporated into the bed prior to application of mulch.

Any additional requirements of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) can be added by the use of a

liquid fertilizer injection wheel. For watermelons grown as a non-mulched production system

with seepage irrigation, it is recommended to incorporate all of the phosphorus (P) and

micronutrients, and approximately 15 to 20 percent of the nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) into

the bed prior to planting. The application of the remaining N and K should be applied as a

sidedress band along the shoulders of the bed outside of the tips of the vines (Maynard, 1992).

For watermelons grown using drip irrigation, it is recommended to incorporate 20 to 40 percent

of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) with all phosphorus (P) and micronutrients prior to planting.

Any additional requirements can be applied via the drip irrigation as needed. Insects are used

for pollination in the production of watermelon.


Diseases

 Methyl bromide is used as a method of control for several diseases found in watermelon

production, such as damping-off and fusarium wilt.

 Damping-off can be caused by Pythium, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia spp. This disease

affects watermelon seedlings, causing necrosis and death of the plant. The soilborne fungi can

invade the plant at or below the soil level.