Zambia Agribusiness Society

Before choosing an irrigation method one has to check on the water source, capital involved and location. There is always a myth that drip irrigation is the best when it comes to yields. Drip is only the best since it reduces labour and utilizes water. Why is water essential for watermelon? A fully ripe watermelon is 90 per cent water. Therefore, proper irrigation has a major     impact on yields and on the final quality of the fruit. Thus, water shortages cause the production of fruit with low quality and little tradeability. Different irrigation methods for watermelon: Masterpits method Sprinkler method Furrow method Drip method Ridges method Normal/ Economical method 1. Masterpits method It is the best method to use in drier areas as it retains water for the longest time compared to any other method. In this method, you plant four plants in one pit, which proves to be the best when maintaining the plants in terms of water and nutrients. 2. Sp...

Watermelon Anthracnose Over the years, the demand for watermelon has been increasing rapidly, both locally and internationally. Watermelon has become a crucial part of most fruit salads. It is common to find melon slices served in groceries, alongside lunches during weddings, conferences, cooperate retreats, and also at homes. The success of watermelon farming, however, depends on the quality of fruits and the overall yield. When the fruits are affected by pests and diseases, most likely, nobody will be willing to buy them. Anthracnose   is a destructive fungal disease that can ruin your watermelon farming venture if it is not controlled. If not controlled, it can damage the fruits and lead to vine death. When the plants are severely infected, especially when there are numerous lesions, anthracnose causes vine defoliation leading to low-quality fruits and a significant yield reduction. Symptoms of Watermelon Anthracnose This disease is common in cucurbits such as melon and cu...

Many watermelon growers plant as soon as possible in the season so they can market the crop early, when prices are high. The problem, however, is that watermelons, particularly seedless varieties, require a warm temperature (25°C to 35°C) to germinate. The good news is that you can give the seed a helping hand by pre-germinating it early in the season when the weather is cooler. Whether you intend planting the seed directly into the soil or into seed trays, pre-germination is worth the effort as it gives you a quick, uniform start. This does not apply to hybrid and seedless watermelons, however; these usually go into seed trays in a warm environment. An effective way to pre-germinate seed is to use an electric blanket: Place a sheet of plastic, followed by a few sheets of newspaper, on one half of the blanket; Wet the newspaper and sprinkle the seed onto the moist paper; Cover with a few more sheets of newspaper, and moisten; Place another sheet of plastic on top, and fold the ...