The effectiveness of growth cycles on improving fruit quality for grafted watermelon combinations

Abstract Two growth cycles per year, i.e., for early growing season (EGS) and late growing season (LGS) production, both of which are widely preferred in temperate climates, have been investigated for their effects on fruit quality attributes such as appearance; firmness; the content of total soluble solids, sugars, and total phenol; and antioxidant activity. Two watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] cultivars (cv. 'Anthem F1' and cv. 'Crimstar F1') were used as scion. Two C. maxima × C. moschata hybrids (cv. 'Shintoza F90' cv. 'Obez') and one Lagenaria siceraria rootstock ...