Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Climate and Soil

Climate
Generally a long period of warm, preferably dry weather with abundant sunshine is required. Watermelon is essentially a warm season crop grown mainly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. They are very susceptible to frost. Excess humidity will promote diseases like PM, DM, anthracnose and Virus diseases and pests such a fruit fly. Melons require tropical climate and fairly high temperature of 35-400C during fruit development.
Cool nights and warm days are ideal for accumulation of sugars in fruits. Maturity is hastened if nights are warm. The average temperature for growth would be around 30-350C with maximum ranging around 400C and minimum between 20-250C for watermelon. For good quality and sweetness in watermelon, dry weather during the fruit development is necessary.

Soil
Lighter soils that warm quickly in spring one usually used for early yields. In heavier soils vine growth will be high and fruits mature late. In Sandy River- beds alluvial substrate and subterranean moisture of river streams support cucurbits. In fact, long tap root system is adapted to the growth of cucurbits in riverbeds. The soils should not crack in summer and should not be water logged in rainy season. Watermelon prefers a soil PH of 6-7.0.