2. Materials and methods
n 1997:Watermelon cultivars (F1 hybrid) of ‘Fujihikari TR’ and ‘Benikodama’ were sown on 4 April 1997.
The seedlings were transplanted 50 cm apart in a bed (2.3 m × 35 m) in a greenhouse on 8th May.
The bed was covered with black polyethylene mulch. Fertilization involved a pre-plant broadcast application of 10 N–10 P–10 K (kg ha−1).