Research and Development

 

Research and Development:

 

Abstracts:
1. Some physiological and growth responses of watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai] grafted onto Lagenaria siceraria to flooding.   
Halit Yetisira, , , Mehmet E. Çaliskanb, , Soner Soyluc, and Musa Sakara (1999).
 aDepartment of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mustafa Kemal, 31120 Hatay, Turkey
Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mustafa Kemal, 31120 Hatay, Turkey
cDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mustafa Kemal, 31120 Hatay, Turkey

 

In this study, the effect of flooding on plant growth and photosynthetic activity of grafted watermelon were investigated. The watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] cv. ‘Crimson Tide’ was grafted onto Lagenaria siceraria SKP (Landrace). Grafted and ungrafted watermelon plants were flooded at the soil surface for 20 days. For every 5 days, three plants were sampled to determine plant fresh and dry weight, leaf number and main stem length. Leaf colour, single leaf CO2 exchange rate (CER), stomatal conductance (SC) and transpiration rate (Ts) were determined at 3 days interval. Flooding caused chlorosis on both grafted and ungrafted plants but such effect was more pronounced on ungrafted watermelon plants. CER, SC and Ts began to decrease from the 4th day of the flooding in both grafted and ungrafted plants as compared with non-flooded controls. However, grafted plants showed higher tolerance to flooding and had two-folds more CER, SC and Ts. Plant growth rate was also significantly lower in flooded plants than when compared to unflooded controls. Ungrafted plants had lower dry weight than grafted plants under flooding conditions. At the end of the experiment, decrease in fresh weight of plants was about 180% in ungrafted and 50% in grafted watermelons. Dry weight also decreased about 230% in ungrafted and 80% in grafted watermelons. Similar results were found in leaf number and main stem length. Adventitious roots and aerenchyma formation were observed in grafted watermelon but not in ungrafted watermelon under flooding. Adventitious root formation began from 3rd or 4th day of flooding and adventitious roots grew towards the soil surface. Flooding tolerance of watermelon could be improved by grafting onto L. siceraria.

 

2. POSSIBLE PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS FOR RESISTANCE TO VINE DECLINE DISEASES IN GRAFTED WATERMELONS
J.L. Jifon, K.M. Crosby, D.I. Leskovar, M. Miller. (2006)

 

Vine decline diseases of melons (Cucumis melo) and watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) caused by soil-borne organisms constitute a major production limitation in many cucurbit production regions worldwide. Root infection/damage by pathogens reduces water uptake, leading to eventual plant collapse. This problem is exacerbated by stresses such as high temperature and water deficits. Grafting commercial varieties on disease resistant rootstocks is a potential alternative to chemical means of soil-borne disease management. Several rootstocks have been used for watermelon grafting with varying degrees of success due in part to lack of information regarding rootstock potential for soil resource acquisition and rootstock effects on scion physiology. The objective of this study was to characterize the physiological responses of commercial watermelon (‘Summer Flavor 800’ and ‘Super Seedless 7167’) scions grafted on hybrid squash (Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata – ‘Tetsukabuto’ and ‘RS1330’) rootstocks. Five-week old grafted and non-grafted seedlings were transplanted in a commercial field with a history of vine decline diseases. Growth and physiological assessments were conducted before full canopy development and also during the fruit maturation period. Vines of grafted plants were generally longer than those of non-grafted plants especially prior to full canopy development. Grafted plants also had more crown side branches than non-grafted plants; however, fruit yields were similar among the graft combinations for each scion variety. Midday leaf water potentials (Ψleaf) and stomatal conductance measured during fruit maturation period were consistently higher in grafted plants than in non-grafted plants, indicating ample water supply from the root systems. This observation is consistent with the proposition that rootstocks with vigorous root systems can resist vine collapse by improving the capacity for water uptake. Adequate water uptake and maintenance of high Ψleaf by grafted plants indicates that such plants could better tolerate root infection and damage by soil-borne pathogens without late season collapse.

 

Recent Advance

 

  • A  recent U.S. Department of Agriculture study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry indicates that the quantity of carotenoids from watermelon, particularly lycopene and beta-carotene, increases if this melon is stored at room temperature
  • The USDA research looked at the effect of storage on the carotenoid levels of three types of watermelon (open-pollinated seeded, hybrid seeded, and seedless) at 5°C, 13°C, and 21°C for 14 days. Carotenoid levels increased in watermelons stored at 21°C. Compared to fresh fruit, watermelons stored at this temperature gained between 11-40% in lycopene, and beta-carotene content increased by between 50-139%. Fruit stored at 5°C and 13°C, however, showed only very small changes in carotenoid content.
  • Lycopene is produced by increased conversion of geranyl-geranyl diphosphate (GGPP) to phytoene by the enzyme, phytoene synthsase, which is then turned into lycopene by the enzyme, phytoene desaturase. So, increase the lycopene and beta-carotene your watermelon delivers by storing it at room temperature.
  • Yet, once cut, watermelons should be refrigerated in order to best preserve their freshness, taste and juiciness. If the whole watermelon does not fit in your refrigerator, cut it into pieces (as few as possible), and cover them with plastic wrap to prevent them from becoming dried out and from absorbing the odors of other foods.
  • Research conducted at the University of Innsbruck in Austria suggests that as fruits fully ripen, almost to the point of spoilage, their antioxidant levels actually increase. Extremely powerful antioxidants play an important protective role for the plant, and when consumed as part of the human diet, NCCs (nonfluorescing chlorophyll catabolytes) deliver the same potent antioxidant protection within our bodies (Müller T, et. al  2007)
  • Recent studies have linked lycopene to reducing the risk of prostate cancer and lowering inflammation that may cause hypertension and heart disease. A 180 gram serving of watermelon is said to provide between 8 and 20 mg of lycopene, making it a rich source of the carotenoid.

 

Reference:
  1. “An African Native of World Popularity.” Texas A&M University Aggie Horticulture website. Retrieved Jul. 17, 2005.
  2.  Anioleka Seeds USA. “Yellow Crimson Watermelon”. http://www.vegetableseed.net/heirloom-vegetable-seeds/melon-seeds/watermelon-seeds/yellow.html. Retrieved on 2007-08-07.
  3.   Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. “Watermelon Heirloom Seeds”. http://rareseeds.com/seeds/Watermelon. Retrieved on 2008-07-15.
  4.    Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. “Carolina Cross Watermelon”. http://rareseeds.com/seeds/Watermelon/Carolina-Cross. Retrieved on 2008-07-15.
  5.  (BBC) Square fruit stuns Japanese shoppers BBC News Friday, 15 June, 2001, 10:54 GMT 11:54 UK
  6.   “Black Japanese watermelon sold at record price“. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jJBRT0pnOdQVMUzzkKC_cGHo7IdQD914F62O0. Retrieved on 2008-06-10.
  7.    Blomberg, Marina (June 10, 2004). “In Season: Savory Summer Fruits.” The Gainesville Sun. Retrieved Jul. 17, 2005.
  8.    “Charles Fredric Andrus: Watermelon Breeder.” Cucurbit Breeding Horticultural Science. Retrieved Jul. 17, 2005.
  9.   Collins JK, Wu G, Perkins-Veazie P, Spears K, Claypool PL, Baker RA, Clevidence BA. (2007). Watermelon consumption increases arginine plasma concentrations in adults. Nutrition 23(3):261-6.
  10.   “Cream of Saskatchewan Watermelon“. http://www.seedsavers.org/prodinfo.asp?number=778. Retrieved on 2007-04-23.
  11.   “Crop Production: Icebox Watermelons.” Washington State University Vancouver Research and Extension Unit website. Retrieved Jul. 17, 2005.
  12. Daniel Zohary and Maria Hopf, Domestication of Plants in the Old World, third edition (Oxford: University Press, 2000), p. 193.
  13. Dayer, R.D. (1975). The Genera of Southern African floweringbplants Vol. 1. Dicotyledons, Department of Agricultural Technical Services. South Africa: Botanical Research Institute.
  14. Evans, Lynette (2005-07-15). “Moon & Stars watermelon (Citrullus lanatus):Seed-spittin’ melons makin’ a comeback”. http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/07/16/HOG4UDNGDB1.DTL. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.
  15.  Hamish, Robertson. “Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon, Tsamma).” Museums Online South Africa. Retrieved Mar. 15, 2005.
  16. H. Mandel, N. Levy, S. Izkovitch, S. H. Korman (2005). “Elevated plasma citrulline and arginine due to consumption of Citrullus vulgaris (watermelon)”. Berichte der deutschen chemischen Gesellschaft 28 (4): 467–472. doi:10.1007/s10545-005-0467-1.
  17. “The column of watermelon peel from 5hpk.com”.
  18. http://www.5hpk.com/Html/TOPIC/200807172.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-15.
  19. http://www.agriculture.gov.gy/Farmers%20Manual/PDF/Watermelon.pdf. Retrieved on 2009-07-30
  20.  Jian L, Lee AH, Binns CW. Tea and lycopene protect against prostate cancer. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2007;16 Suppl 1:453-7. 2007. PMID:17392149.
  21. Lucotti P, Setola E, Monti LD, Galluccio E, Costa S, Sandoli EP, Fermo I, Rabaiotti G,Gatti R, Piatti P. (2006). Beneficial effects of a long-term oral L-arginine treatment added to a hypocaloric diet and exercise training program in obese, insulin-resistant type 2 diabetic patients. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab:291(5):E906-12.
  22. Matos HR, Di Mascio P, Medeiros MH. Protective effect of lycopene on lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage in cell culture. Arch Biochem Biophys 2000 Nov 1;383(1):56-9 2000.
  23. “Melitopolski Watermelon“. http://www.seedsavers.org/prodinfo.asp?number=267. Retrieved on 2007-04-23.
  24.  “Moon and Stars Watermelon Heirloom“. http://rareseeds.com/seeds/Watermelon/Moon-and-Stars. Retrieved on 2008-07-15.
  25.  “Moon and Stars Watermelon“. http://www.seedsavers.org/prodinfo.asp?number=266. Retrieved on 2007-04-23.
  26.  Motes, J.E.; Damicone, John; Roberts, Warren; Duthie, Jim; Edelson, Jonathan. “Watermelon Production.” Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Retrieved Jul. 17, 2005.
  27. Müller T, Ulrich M, Ongania KH, Kräutler B. (2007). Colorless tetrapyrrolic chlorophyll catabolites found in ripening fruit are effective antioxidants. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2007;46(45):8699-702.
  28. National Research Council (2008-01-25). “Watermelon”. Lost Crops of Africa: Volume III: Fruits. Lost Crops of Africa. 3. National Academies Press. ISBN 978-0-309-10596-5. http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11879&page=165. Retrieved on 2008-07-17.
  29. “Oklahoma Declares Watermelon Its State Vegetable“. 2007-04-18. http://cbs4denver.com/watercooler/watercooler_story_108064706.html. Retrieved on 2007-07-20.
  30.  “Orangeglo Watermelon“. http://www.seedsavers.org/prodinfo.asp?number=1108. Retrieved on 2007-04-23.
  31. Parsons, Jerry, Ph.D. (June 5, 2002). “Gardening Column: Watermelons.” Texas Cooperative Extension of the Texas A&M University System. Jul. 17, 2005.
  32.  Salleh, H. (1986). Constrain and challenges in melon breeding in Peninsular Malaysia. Proc. Of the Plant and Animal Breeding Workshop, Serdang: MARDI
  33. Shosteck, Robert (1974). Flowers and Plants: An International Lexicon with Biographical Notes. Quadrangle/The New York Times Book Co.: New York.
  34. Southern U.S. Cuisine: Judy’s Pickled Watermelon Rind
  35. http://home.howstuffworks.com/watermelon3.htm
  36. Stone, B.C. (1970). The flora of Guam. Micronesic 6: 562.
  37. Vegetable Research & Extension Center – Icebox Watermelons”. http://agsyst.wsu.edu/Watermelon.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-02.
  38.   Wada, M. (1930). “Über Citrullin, eine neue Aminosäure im Presssaft der 28.    Wassermelone, Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.”. Biochem. Zeit. 224: 420.
  39.  “Watermelon.” The George Mateljan Foundation for The World’s Healthiest Foods. Retrieved Jul. 28, 2005.
  40. “Watermelon History.” National Watermelon Promotion Board website. Retrieved Jul. 17, 2005.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *