The experiment was carried out on the experimental field of the Bahia State University in Juazeiro, Bahia state, Brazil. Three different spacings were assessed, combined with ten diploid watermelon cultivars, eight of which were experimental hybrids, originated from the Plant Breeding Program of Embrapa Semiárido, and two commercial cultivars (Sugar Baby and Smile) for agronomical performance and post-harvest fruit quality. The experimental hybrids Hyb 02, Hyb 03, Hyb 04, Hyb 05 and Hyb 07 showed the best emergency rates, with outstanding results for the hybrids 02, 03 and 06, which were among the best considering the seedling height and colon diameter besides fresh weight of shoot. The different spacings did not influence the plant development or the physiological quality of the fruit of the genotypes assessed.
Citrullus lanatus; spacing; diploid cultivars
