Productivity of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb Mansf.) as affected by seed hardening with salicylic acid under rain-fed condition

Abstract

Field trials were conducted during 2017 rainy season at Bukavu barracks, Fagge L.G.A, Kano and Tassa village, Dawakin Kudu L.G.A, Kano to study the productivity of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) as affected by seed hardening with salicylic acid under rain-fed condition. Treatments consisted of factorial combination of four concentrations (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g L-1) of salicylic acid and two watermelon varieties (Greybell and Kaolack) laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications. Significant (p<0.05) effect of hardening watermelon seeds with salicylic acid was observed in the reduction of days to emergence of watermelon seedlings. This however, did not translate to increased fruit yield. Hardening of water melon seeds with salicylic acid is thus recommended for improved seedling emergence and good stand establishment. Research is thereby suggested on repeated foliar application with salicylic acid to augment the hardened seeds for sustained fruit yield of watermelon under rain-fed condition in the study areas.