Watermelon variety Producer: description, cultivation, pros and cons

Story

The predecessor of "Producer" appeared in Africa: it was a primitive plant that did not correspond to the characteristics of the traditional variety. Fruits suitable for human consumption began to be grown later, in Egypt. And after some time, the berry spread to different parts of the planet.

In the twentieth century, breeders decided to improve the variety for greater preservation and better transportability. First, scientists from America developed the “Crimson Sweet” variety of watermelon, and then a new version of it with more advanced characteristics appeared - “Producer”.

The main differences between “Producer” and “Crimson Sweet” are higher yields associated with resistance to many diseases.

Appearance

The plant produces shoots of medium length - from 30 to 40 cm. The color of the leaves is green with splashes of gray. The cut of the leaves reaches the central vein. When flowering, the plant produces classic yellow inflorescences.

The berry has an elongated, oval shape. The fruits are medium or large, sometimes reaching a weight of 20 kg. The peel is green, smooth, glossy, with wide light stripes. When fully ripe, the thickness of the peel is 1 cm or less. The pulp is red, grainy, with a characteristic crunch. The fruit contains a small number of seeds that are located next to the peel.

Description and characteristics of the variety Producer

The Producer watermelon variety was bred by American breeders at the end of the 20th century. This is an improved version of the Crimson Sweet look. The producer is protected from common diseases such as anthracnose and rot, and its yield is higher. The weight of the fruit is 10-20 kg, depending on the conditions and growing techniques. The length of the lashes is approximately 30-40 cm. The shape is oval, the bark is of medium density with greenish and light green stripes.

The pulp is deep red, the seeds are heart-shaped and black. The taste is richly sweet, sugary. The Producer variety is grown in the south of Russia, mainly in the Caucasus and Krasnodar region. Another variety is cultivated in Moldova, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, the middle zone and even the northern regions thanks to greenhouses with irrigation technologies.



The fruits are early ripening, ripen 70 days after planting. The yield is plentiful, from 1 sq.m. you can collect 8-10 kg. If the crop is grown for the purpose of sale, about 100 centners of fruits per hectare ripen.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

• high percentage of seed germination - 99%;
• early fruit ripening;
• high productivity;
• excellent external and taste characteristics;
• possibility of transportation over long distances;
• resistance to fungal infections;
• cultivation in open and closed ground.

Minuses:

• sensitivity to temperature changes;
• demanding irrigation regime and regular application of fertilizers;
• does not always ripen in cool conditions.

How to determine that the fruit is ripe?

In the south, watermelon ripens in mid-July, in cool climates closer to September.

Fruit ripeness can be determined by the following criteria:

• high contrast of dark green and light green stripes on the skin;
• the texture of the peel changes from matte to glossy;
• Scratches and pecks can often be found on ripe fruits; birds do not touch unripe berries;
• When ripe, the peduncle dries out.

Growing

For growing the “Producer” variety, an elevated sunny place with a predominance of sand, far from groundwater, is suitable. The acidity of the soil in the selected area should be neutral. You must first remove all nearby weeds, dig up the soil and add humus.

It is better to plant watermelons in the place where legumes grew. In place of melons, re-planting is undesirable, since the plant will develop with difficulty, and the harvest may turn out to be meager. Also, do not place melons next to onions and tomatoes.

In the southern regions, watermelon is planted with seeds, in central Russia - with seedlings in open ground, and in the harsh Siberian conditions, planting is provided exclusively in greenhouses.

What are the benefits of watermelon?

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The popularity of watermelons AU The producer says that the variety should have many positive qualities. The advantages of the species and their main qualities are discussed below.

• When properly cultivated in good soil, it produces stable yields.
• Due to the high density of watermelons, they can be transported over long distances. For this reason, the variety is very popular on sale.
• Watermelons can sit for a long time without losing their taste or appearance.
• The variety is resistant to fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, anthracnose, and stem rot.
• Can be grown indoors and outdoors.
  Can be grown indoors and outdoors

Germination of seeds

The best results when sowing are obtained from seeds three years old or older. The strongest, largest specimens without external defects are selected for sowing.

Seed preparation:

• place the seeds in a 3% saline solution, remove the floating seeds, because it is unsuitable material;
• place the remaining seeds on a cloth, rinse with running water, dry for 2 hours;

• warm the seeds at a temperature of up to + 60 ° C, immerse them in a weak solution of manganese for 20 minutes for disinfection purposes;
• spread on a flat dish, cover with damp gauze until sprouts appear.

Planting of seeds should occur in mid-April. A peat container with dimensions of at least 6 x 6 cm is suitable as a container for seedlings. Both ready-made soil mixture and those prepared independently are suitable for filling containers.

There are two options for preparing the mixture:

1. Mix one part turf soil and three parts humus.

2. Mix three parts peat, one part sawdust and half part humus.

• The container should be filled with soil, and holes should be made in each container, up to 5 cm deep.
• Place the sprouted seeds in the prepared holes and lightly sprinkle the sides with soil.
• Moisten the soil well.

Containers with seedlings are covered with plastic wrap and sent to a warm, bright room. After a month, the first shoots appear, after which the film is removed and the seedlings are placed in a sunny place, for example, a windowsill.

Expert opinion

Kuznetsov Sergey Ivanovich

Expert on melons and melons

The soil in containers should always be moderately moist, so waterlogging or drying out should be avoided. For greater resistance of seedlings to low temperatures, hardening is recommended. A week and a half before planting in a permanent place, the seedlings must be taken outside.

Preparatory work

Preparatory work before planting will include several stages.

Site selection and preparation

Productivity largely depends on the area where the watermelon will grow. It must meet the following requirements:

• Lighting. Choose an open area without shade.
• Primer. Sandy and sandy soils with an acidity pH = 6.7–7.0 are most suitable.
• The groundwater. Set aside a raised area under the bed where groundwater does not come close to the surface.
• Predecessors. Good predecessors of watermelon are: cabbage, legumes, onions, wheat, alfalfa.

It is not recommended to grow watermelon in an area where melons and pumpkins grew.

Seed preparation

Preparing seeds for sowing occurs in a similar way and does not depend on the sowing method.

The best germination is observed in seeds 3–5 years of storage.

Preparation stages:

• Calibration Sort seeds by size.
• Wet. Prepare a saline solution (1 teaspoon of table salt per 1 glass of water) and soak the seeds. Leave for 10 minutes. The ones that come out, throw them away. Dry those that have fallen to the bottom.
• To warm. Heat the selected material for 20–30 minutes. For this, warm water with a temperature of 50–60 ° C is used. As a result of this procedure, disinfection occurs.
• Re-soak. Prepare a 1% solution of potassium permanganate. Soak the seeds in it for about 20 minutes. The method helps prevent fungal diseases.
• Germination. Place the prepared seeds on damp gauze folded in several layers. After the shoots emerge, they are ready for planting.

Rules for landing

The main criterion for planting is temperature:

• if the soil temperature is below +12 ° C, the watermelon will not grow;
• the minimum soil insulation temperature should not be lower than +14 ° C;
• The optimal temperature regime is warming up to + 20–25 ° C.

Planting seedlings in a greenhouse

A greenhouse for watermelons should have transparent walls for better penetration of sunlight. You can also add artificial lighting. The optimal height of the greenhouse is from 1.8 m to 2 m. The recommended air humidity is from 60 to 70%.

The internal surfaces of the greenhouse are pre-treated with a solution of copper sulfate, diluted in a proportion of 100 g of the drug per 10 liters of water.

Soil preparation can be done both in autumn and spring. To do this, you need to dig up the soil, add sand and organic fertilizers.

When planting watermelons, the distance between holes and rows should be at least 70 cm.

Step-by-step instruction:

• dig a hole 12 cm deep and 50 cm in diameter;
• place 2 kg of humus in the recess;
• water the hole, wait until the water is absorbed;
• lower the seedling together with a lump of earth or a peat container into the hole;
• sprinkle with soil, lightly compact the soil around the stem, leaving the horse's neck on the surface.

Transplanting seedlings into the ground

Seedlings are planted in open ground at the end of May, when the soil

warms up to +15 °C, and from three to five true leaves form on the sprouts.

Step-by-step instruction:

• dig holes slightly deeper than a peat pot;
• place the shoots together with a peat container or a lump of earth in the holes;
• Sprinkle the seedlings with soil and lightly compact them;
• Water the holes well.
• if there is a threat of frost or a large temperature difference between day and night, protect with covering garden material

Conditions for good growth

Fertilizer

Plants in the beds are fed 2 times per season:
1. 30 days after planting, during the formation of shoots. Superphosphate 1/15 and mullein solution 1/6 are used.

2. During the formation of the ovary, once a week, after watering, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are applied.

Systematic application of fertilizers will not be required if you add humus or ash to each bed before planting seedlings!

Fresh manure cannot be used as top dressing. It is also prohibited to apply nitrogen fertilizers during the ripening period of the berries - this may negatively affect the taste properties.

Watering and humidity

Since the crop is drought-resistant, irrigation should be moderate.
In areas with cool weather conditions, water in a shallow notch between the rows. This method changes the location of the root system - the roots grow wider, rather than vertically, and are less susceptible to rotting. Watering rates :

• during the period of active growth - three times a week, 5 liters of water per bush;
• during the flowering period - twice a week, 8 liters of water per bush;
• in hot sunny weather - once a week, 12 liters of water per bush;
• at the moment of ovary formation - once every 10 days, 16 liters of water per bush;

At the ripening stage, watering stops. Watermelons should only be watered with clean, settled, non-ice water.

Humidity

• air - from 50 to 60%
• soil - from 75 to 80% of the lowest moisture capacity.

Watermelon AU Producer PVP

The Producer watermelon has gained popularity among farmers. This early variety is especially attractive for the southern regions, where it produces large, juicy fruits weighing up to 20 kg. Watermelon also produces good yields in the short but hot summer of the middle zone.

Watermelon Producer is a product of selection by American scientists, intended for cultivation both on an industrial scale and in personal plots. According to experts, it is a modification of a popular American variety with improved characteristics.

Characteristics of the variety

Watermelon Producer, as the description shows, produces round-oval berries with rich red, juicy flesh and a smooth striped surface. Among the characteristics of the fruit are:

• high seed germination – up to 99%;
• early ripeness - fruits ripen 2-2.5 months after emergence;
• good yield indicators – up to 8 kg/sq.m. m;
• excellent presentation and excellent taste – up to 12% sugar;
• excellent transportability and good shelf life;
• resistance to fungal diseases;
• Possibility of growing in greenhouses and open beds.

The Producer variety also has some disadvantages, these include:

• dependence on temperature conditions;
• the need for regular watering and fertilizing;
• does not always have time to fully ripen.

Preparing seeds for sowing

If the Producer variety is grown in the southern regions, the seeds can be sown directly in open ground. For the middle zone, the seedling method is more optimal, which brings fruiting closer by about half a month. In more northern regions and Siberia, the Producer variety is grown in greenhouses. Seeds stored for 3-4 years give better germination.

Preparing seedlings begins with proper seed selection. You can choose hybrids of the Producer variety that are more resistant to cold. To prepare for sowing you should:

• dip the seeds in a 3% solution of table salt;
• all floating seeds must be discarded;
• Wrap specimens that have settled to the bottom in gauze and rinse under running water;
• after drying, warm for 2 hours at a temperature of about 60 degrees;
• place for disinfection in a solution of potassium permanganate;
• Place on a plate and cover with a sprouting cloth.

Soil for sowing watermelon AU Producer can be purchased at a specialized store - the germination rate of seeds is much higher. However, you can prepare it yourself by mixing humus with turf soil or peat. You can add sawdust to the mixture.

Planting seeds

Sowing of seeds is carried out around mid-April. It is better to plant them in peat pots so as not to damage the sprouted roots when transplanting them into open ground. After sowing the seeds, the pots are watered and covered with film to accelerate germination. In a warm place they will quickly hatch and friendly shoots will appear. They need good lighting. The appearance of 3-5 leaves is a signal to transplant the seedlings to open beds.

When planting in open ground, prepare small grooves up to 4-5 cm deep, into which seeds are placed at intervals of 2 cm, and then sprinkled with earth. Crops are watered with warm water.

Transplanting to beds

Watermelon Producer, as the description of the variety indicates, has a branched root system that requires light aerated soils. Therefore, to transfer seedlings to open ground, you need to prepare certain conditions:

• sandy and sandy loam soils are most favorable - melons will not grow in acidified areas;
• The groundwater level must be low;
• the ground must first be dug up, weeds removed, fertilized with humus and sawdust;
• useful predecessors of the Producer variety are potatoes and legumes, and undesirable ones are melons;
• It is also not recommended to plant tomatoes or onions next to seedlings of the Producer variety;
• an important factor affecting the effective growth and formation of taste characteristics of the fruit is illumination;
• watermelon planting scheme Producer for open ground - 1.4x1.0 m, and for greenhouses - 0.7x0.7 m;
• The optimal temperature for intensive growth and rapid ripening is above 20 degrees.

It is good to plant watermelon Producer in elevated places - they are more intensely illuminated and warmed up by the sun. Planting seedlings can be done at an ambient temperature of 15 degrees, when the danger of return frosts has passed.

Formation of stems

In greenhouse conditions, shoots are formed into one main stem, tying it to a support. From the side shoots, shoots less than half a meter long are removed so that they do not shade the fruits. The more ovaries are formed on the shoots of the Producer variety watermelon, the more time and effort they need to ripen. It is recommended to leave 3 ovaries on each of them, and remove the rest. Two stepsons are left on the main stem, the rest are cut off. After the ovary appears, the lash is pinched after three leaves. Then you will get exactly three fruits that will ripen almost simultaneously.

In open beds, watermelons of the Producer variety are formed into three stems, then the tops are pinched. Although watermelons need plenty of sun when they begin to ripen, the fruits need to be lightly shaded. To do this, on especially hot days, each watermelon can be covered with large leaves, for example, burdock.

Organization of watering

Since watermelons are drought-resistant, watering should be quite moderate, depending on the stages of vegetative development of plants: in the initial period, when the ovaries form, watermelons are watered in the morning and evening;

• during the flowering period, twice a week is sufficient;
• during hot periods - once every 7-8 days;
• at the stage of fruit formation, watering should be limited;
• At the ripening stage, irrigation of watermelons AU Producer, as recommended by reviews, is stopped.

Most often, farmers organize a drip irrigation system, which is ideal for Producer watermelons in terms of increasing productivity. Loosening is important for watermelons. It should be shallow so that the root system is not damaged, but weekly.

In northern regions, groundwater is often located close to the surface, and watermelon roots can rot. With the help of a little trick, you can force the root processes to spread not in depth, but in breadth. To do this, you need to dig small grooves between the rows, along which you can organize watering.

Feeding

After the formation of the ovaries, rapid growth of the fruit begins. During this period, characteristics of watermelons The producer recommends weekly feeding with mineral fertilizers. They should be done after rain or watering. Regular fertilizing can be replaced by pre-sowing filling of the soil with ash and humus or adding them to each hole before planting seedlings. Watermelon especially needs phosphorus and potassium compounds.

Watermelon is a heat-loving plant, so you need to provide it with a lot of heat. Many farmers who grow watermelons in the middle zone resort to small tricks. After planting the seedlings in open ground, a small greenhouse is built over it in the form of a film stretched over supports. The film is removed only at the end of June, and this should be done in the evening or on a cloudy day so that the sun does not burn the tender seedlings.

Disease Control

Although the Producer watermelon variety is resistant to anthracnose and stem rot, there are many other fungal diseases that require preventive treatments:

• if whitish spots of powdery mildew appear on the stems, you need to collect all the affected parts of the plant and burn them;
• To prevent root rot infection, it is necessary to disinfect the soil before planting.

To protect watermelons of the Producer variety from contact with the ground and infection with root rot, many farmers place planks under each fruit and sprinkle the root collar with sand.

Common pests when growing watermelon Producer include:

• melon aphid, signs of which are expressed in black spots, twisting of stems;
• spider mite, which causes gradual drying of watermelon vines.

All affected leaves and stems must be removed and destroyed. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to regularly inspect the bushes and spray them.

Reviews from gardeners and farmers

Conclusion

If the rules of agricultural technology are observed, the Producer watermelon variety produces consistently high yields every year and is promising for industrial cultivation.

Pests and diseases

Powdery mildew

Symptoms of the disease: grayish or whitish coating on the leaves, the appearance of grains of liquid.

Treatment: treatment with “Topaz” and “Karatan” preparations

Root rot

Symptoms of the disease: yellowing of the leaves, formation of grayish wet spots on the stems, unpleasant odor, rotting of the roots.

Treatment: treatment with ash, copper sulfate solution and the drug “Fundazol”.

Pests

Spider mite. The insect forms a web, entangling the plant, causing the leaves to wilt. To get rid of the pest, it is necessary to remove the affected areas and treat the holes with plants with the chemical “Agrovertin”.

Melon aphid. Aphids are usually found on the stems or undersides of watermelon leaves. The negative impact of the insect leads to the appearance of black spots on the stems and their subsequent drying. To destroy melon aphids, you should get rid of the damaged areas of the plant and treat them with the drug “Fitoverm”.

Features of care

Watermelon Producer is whimsical to grow. To get a high-quality harvest on time, you need to properly water, fertilize and form the bush. Experienced gardeners also monitor the condition of the berries during the growth period in order to notice pests or diseases in time.

Did you know? Archaeologists have discovered watermelon seeds that are 3,500 years old in Sudan and 7,000 years old in Libya.

Irrigation rates

Watering is extremely important for the crop. The growth and ripeness of fruits depends on proper moisture.

The irrigation system for the Producer variety depends on the stage of growth.

Farmers usually use one of two methods:

• bush irrigation;
• drip irrigation.

Top dressing

Producer begins to feed the watermelon immediately after the ovaries appear. Fertilizers are applied once a week to pre-moistened soil. It is better to use products based on mineral substances.

Fertilizers, like watering, depend on the stage of crop growth.

Important! Fresh manure cannot be used to fertilize watermelons.

Bush formation

Form the bush as follows:

• tie the main shoot to a support;
• cut off the lashes on the sides from 0.5 m;
• pinch the remaining shoots to three ovaries;
• leave only two stepsons on the main trunk.

Pest and disease control

The advantage of the Producer variety is its resistance to common diseases:

• stem rot;
• anthracnose.

1. Root rot. Manifestations: brown wet spots, yellow leaves, stench. Treatment: treatment with copper sulfate, Fundazol or ash.
2. Powdery mildew. Manifestations: white coating on the leaves, similar to flour. Treatment: treatment with Topaz.

1. Spider mite. Manifestations: drying of leaves, cobweb-like coating. Treatment: treatment with Agravertine.
2. Melon aphid. Manifestations: leaves and stems are covered with a colony of insects, leaf blades turn black, shoots curl. Treatment: treatment with Actellik or Fitoverm.

• disinfect the soil before sowing seedlings;
• disinfect seeds with Fitosporin;
• water the bushes correctly, avoiding sprinkling;
• properly fertilize the crop;
• Inspect the plantings periodically.

To prevent the disease from spreading, tear off and burn the affected parts.

Expert advice

Expert opinion

Kuznetsov Sergey Ivanovich

Expert on melons and melons

• To ensure that seed germination is as high as possible, use ready-made professional soil mixtures, such as Klasmann.
• A high plot is the key to productive growth and development of watermelons, since the soil is better warmed by the sun.
• When the air temperature drops to + 12 °C, seedlings must be covered with film or other non-woven material.
• Before planting seedlings, it is recommended to disinfect the soil.
• If diseases are detected, it is recommended to burn the affected parts of the plant to avoid the spread of the disease to neighboring areas.
• The temperature of the water for irrigation should be the same as the air temperature.

Questions and answers

How long should seedlings be left outside during the hardening process?

On the first day, containers with seedlings are left for 1 hour. Every day the time is gradually increased.

Which planting method gives the best results: seeds in the ground or seedlings?

The seedling method has a number of advantages: earlier harvest time, resistance to temperature changes and more developed fruits. However, residents of the southern regions can use both methods.

How can you tell if a watermelon is ripe?

The surface of ripe fruits acquires a glossy shine, and the longitudinal lines become clearer. Another feature you can notice is the presence of scratches on the peel. These marks are left by birds that prefer exclusively ripe watermelons. A dry stalk also indicates ripeness.

When is the harvest harvested?

Five days before full ripening. Since an earlier harvest will not allow the berries to ripen, and a later harvest will prevent long-term storage of the fruit.

How to properly store watermelons?

Watermelons are stored at temperatures from + 1 °C to + 4 °C. Optimal air humidity is from 70 to 80%. The fruits are placed in containers with various fillers - moss, ash, sand, etc. If stored properly, the fruits can retain their properties for up to 6 months.

Harvesting and application

The ripeness of a watermelon is determined by its glossy and elastic rind and dry stalk . When tapped, a dull sound is heard - a sign of ripeness of the fruit. Harvest from late August to mid-September. Due to the thin peel, the fruits are not suitable for long-term storage; it is recommended to eat them fresh or process them immediately after harvesting.

Traditional jams, preserves, sorbets, and cocktails are prepared from the sugary pulp. Watermelon is suitable for stewing, pickling, frying and boiling. It is used to prepare a fresh salad with feta cheese, combine it in a radish and herb appetizer, and use it to make cucumber tartare. Sweet jam is made from watermelon rinds, and the seeds are used as infusion for healthy tea.