A watermelon sits on the red dirt of a southern Guam farm. (Photo courtesy of the University of Guam)
Gardeners and farmers interested in learning how to grow seedless watermelon are invited to a special Watermelon Field Day at the University of Guam’s agricultural experiment station in Inalåhan. The two-hour event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Watermelon thrives in warm, humid climates, making it an ideal crop for Guam growers. Additionally, it is a popular fruit among Guam consumers — seedless varieties, in particular. Seedless watermelon has a longer shelf life than seeded varieties, has a more flexible window of time for harvesting, and can usually be sold at a higher price.
In a new initiative to introduce seedless watermelon as a commercial crop for island farmers, the Cooperative Extension & Outreach service under the University of Guam’s Land Grant has conducted a variety trial with four different seedless varieties. Participants at the field day will learn which of these varieties is recommended in Guam as far as yield and resistance to insect pests and plant diseases.
Participants will also learn how seeds for seedless watermelon are produced, what special techniques are required for producing seedless watermelon, and about the important role of honeybees and pollenizers in growing seedless watermelon.
The workshop will be facilitated by extension horticulturalist Dr. Robert F. Bevacqua, and each participant will take home sample seed packets of seedless watermelon varieties.
Registration is required to attend, and space will be limited to the first 30 registrants. To sign up, contact Glenda Hall at (671) 735-2080 or ghall@triton.uog.edu. There is a $10 fee payable upon registration or at the door.
A watermelon nestled among its vines on a clear, sunny day on a southern Guam farm. Watermelon thrive in warm climates and grow well in Guam’s dry season. (University of Guam)
(University of Guam)
