Organic Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Cultivation Program with Ecoganic Products

Introduction: Watermelon as a Strategic Organic Crop

The organic watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a cucurbit of high commercial value grown in warm areas of countries such as Spain (Andalusia, Murcia), Brazil (Bahia, Pernambuco), Argentina (Santiago del Estero, Tucumán) and Mexico (Sonora, Veracruz). It is a crop that demands potassium, nitrogen, and calcium, and also requires a structured soil, good aeration, and protection against root and aerial diseases.

In an international context where the consumption of residue-free and certified fruits is growing, watermelon produced under organic and ecological management represents a great opportunity for exporters and local producers. The use of certified products such as those from Ecoganic allows achieving high yields, better fruit quality, and complying with the requirements of programs such as EU Regulation 848/2018, USDA Organic, and other international regulations.

In addition, to ensure a profitable and sustainable crop, it is key to follow good management practices such as those recommended by the FAO for the ecological production of cucurbits, focused on biodiversity, balanced nutrition, and natural pest control.

It is also recommended to apply principles of sustainable watermelon cultivation proposed by FiBL Latin America, which include rotations, living mulches, and the use of bio-inputs in warm climate conditions.

Agroclimatic Requirements and Physiology of Watermelon

• Optimal temperatures: 24–32 °C.
• High demand for direct solar radiation.
• Loose, deep, and well-drained soils (pH 6–7).
• Crop cycle between 90 and 130 days.
• Needs abundant potassium and calcium for firmness and flavor.
• Efficient pollination (bees or manual) for setting.

Frequent Problems and Ecoganic Solutions

Technical Program by Crop Phases

Phase 1: Transplant and Rooting (Day 0–15)

Phase 2: Vegetative Development (Day 15–35)

Phase 3: Flowering and Setting (Day 35–55)

Phase 4: Fattening and Ripening (Day 55–80)

Phase 5: Closing and Soil Recovery

Technical Advice and Good Practices

• Use hives or manual pollination in areas of low biodiversity.
• Avoid excess nitrogen in flowering to prevent hollow fruits.
• Control humidity to prevent root diseases.
• Maintain drip irrigation without saturations.
• Apply mulch to avoid evaporation and weed competition.

Expected Results with Ecoganic Management