By: Zvi Howard Wener / Chief Agronomist / Zviw@zeraim.co.il

Hollow Heart

Hollow heart is a problem most likely to occur early in the season and when conditions alternate between wet and dry soil and / or hot and cold temperatures. Crown set fruit and seedless watermelons are more susceptible to hollow heart. Good pollination is important in preventing this disorder, particularly in seedless watermelon. Too much nitrogen and/or excessive water, especially during fruit set, can encourage hollow heart and bland flavor.

Misshapen Fruit

These can result from drought, poor pollination or other developmental problems. Watermelon vines need to be inspected weekly to remove diseased or misshapen fruit. 'Bad' fruit should be thrown in the row middles to avoid inspecting them again. In watermelons, only two 'good' fruit will usually mature on a single plant, even in the small ('icebox') cultivars.