Evaluation of Growth and Yield of Vertically Trained Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] under Different Levels of Spacing, Training and Pruning under Rain Shelter

This study investigated the effects of spacing, training and pruning on the growth and yield of watermelon hybrid ‘Saraswati’ trained vertically under rain shelter. The treatments were factorial combinations of three planting densities (1.50 m × 0.60 m, 1.50 m × 0.45 m and 1.50 m × 0.30 m), two training levels (nipping to one vine, nipping to two vines) and two pruning heights (pruned at 2m and unpruned) arranged in randomized block design with two replications and control with horizontal training of vines in open condition. Spacing, training and pruning levels had varying influence on growth and yield parameters of vertically trained watermelon. Wider spacing of 1.5 m x 0.6 m recorded the highest vine length, highest fruit weight and yield per plant (6.82 kg). Earliness in days to flowering as well as node number was observed in widely spaced plants trained to single vine. Plants trained to two vines exhibited the highest number of fruits per plant, yield per plant and yield per plot. Unpruned plants trained to two vines at closer spacing of 1.50 m × 0.30 m recorded the highest number of fruits per plant and yield per plot (90.10 kg).