The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different rates of nitrogen on production and quality of watermelon 'Crimson Sweet'. This research was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, from January to April 2010. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with 4 replications. The treatments consisted of 5 levels of nitrogen (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1 N) applied as urea in a conventional manner. The results showed that the maximum commercial production was 40,428 kg ha-1 with 144.76 kg ha-1 N. Regarding the fruit quality, the pH was not affected by treatments, showing average of 5.34. The length/diameter ratio and bark thickness also were not influenced by the treatments, while the firmness, content of soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), content of sugars (reducing, non reducing and total), the ascorbic acid content and the ratio SS/TA were not influenced by N levels.
Citrullus lanatus; postharvest; characterization; productivity
