Effect of Graded Level of N & K on Yield and quality of Watermelon

Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)] is an important fruit crop among the various cucurbits grown in Maharashtra, for its sweet juicy fruits for quenching the thirst especially during summer season. It is commonly known by various names tarbuj, kalindi, kalingada, matira or paniphal, mathan, thannir, palampanna and kalingaddi in different parts of country. In order to grow well, watermelon needs adequate water and proper nutrition. It is negatively affected either deficient water or low fertilization. Although the use of improved varieties and fertilizers has increased watermelon production too much extent, but full potential of crop production has not been achieved. Physiological disorders are caused by non pathogenic agents that affect fruit quality, usually aesthetic quality is degraded. The cause can be either one of the combination of environmental, genetic or nutritional factors.