Uman National University | today: 06/27/2025
| Author(s) |
Яценко Н. В., , , Ващенко О. В., , , |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Category | The Agronomy | ||
| year | 2025 | issue | Issue 106 Part 1 |
| pages | 238-245 | index UDK | 635.63:631.531.01(477.41) | DOI | 10.32782/2415-8240-2025-106-1-238-245 (Link) |
| Abstract | The selection of a diploid watermelon pollinator is a necessary and effective approach to ensuring high yields, as triploid plants themselves are incapable of producing viable pollen. Diploid pollinators promote the development of fully-formed fruits and contribute to the formation of uniformly sized and weighted melons. The aim of the study was to identify the most effective diploid pollinator for maximizing the genetic potential of triploid hybrids. The study analyzed the impact of different pollinator cultivars (Premium, Talisman, Tamerlan) on the quantitative and qualitative traits of seedless watermelon hybrids (Style and Boston). It was established that the choice of pollinator cultivar, though not significantly, influenced the number of fruits per plant. The highest fruit set in seedless hybrids was observed when Premium pollinator was used, which also proved to be most productive among tested cultivars. In terms of yield, the combinations with Premium and Talisman significantly outperformed Tamerlan, with statistically reliable differences. The effect of pollinators on fruit mass was also assessed: the highest average fruit weight in the Style hybrid was recorded with Tamerlan, while in the Boston hybrid – with Premium. The findings indicate that the choice of pollinator cultivar significantly affects the yield level of seedless watermelon hybrids. Premium ensured the highest yield for both Style and Boston hybrids, with statistically significant superiority in the Boston variant. Talisman demonstrated similar effectiveness when paired with the Style hybrid but was less effective than Premium for Boston. Despite occupying only 25 % of the field area, the pollinator contributed approximately 26 % of the total yield. The highest total yield per unit area was observed with the Talisman pollinator, highlighting its high efficiency in agrocenosis under co-cultivation with seedless hybrids. | ||
| Key words | triploid, pollinator, fruit weight, yield | ||