Origin
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey is a wild species of watermelon that is native to southern Africa and is commonly found in the Kalahari Desert.
Common Names
Common names for Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey include egusi, wild watermelon, and desert watermelon.
Uses
The edible seeds of Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey are commonly used in African and Asian cuisine as a soup thickener and are also roasted as a snack. The fruit of this plant is bitter and not commonly eaten, but the leaves and shoots of the plant are used as a vegetable in some cultures. Additionally, the plant has medicinal uses in African traditional medicine, particularly as a treatment for intestinal parasites and kidney problems.
General Appearance
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey is a trailing vine that can grow up to 3 meters long. The leaves of the plant are large and lobed, reaching up to 20 cm in length. The flowers are yellow and produce watermelon-like fruit that, unlike domesticated watermelons, are small, round, and bitter. The seeds of the fruit are white, oval-shaped, and measure about 1 cm in length.
Light Conditions
The Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey plant is a warm-season crop that requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. Therefore, it is crucial to plant the crop in an area that receives ample sunlight, without any shade or obstruction from surrounding structures or trees.
Temperature Requirements
Since the Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey is a warm-season crop, it thrives in temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. These plants are susceptible to frost and cannot withstand temperatures lower than 10°C. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the temperature is warm enough to support the growth of the plants before planting.
Soil Requirements
The Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey plant grows well in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not compacted and has good drainage as standing water can harm the plant's roots. Soil amendments such as compost, aged manure, and bone meal can help improve the quality of the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey is best grown in warm regions with ample sunlight and well-draining soil. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil after the danger of frost has passed. Plant the seeds one inch deep and space them about three to four feet apart. The plant can also be grown in containers.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering for optimal growth. Ensure that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during periods of rainy weather.
Fertilization
Citroides Bailey requires regular fertilization to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting can also aid in providing nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to ensure the plant's healthy growth and fruit production. Remove the side shoots that emerge from the main stem to encourage the growth of the main stem. Also, remove leaves that are blocking the sunshine from reaching the fruit. Prune the plant lightly to ensure that the fruit is well-supported and gets sufficient nutrients.
Propagation of Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The plant can be propagated from seeds, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation from Seeds
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey seeds are easily obtainable, making sexual propagation a popular choice for growers. The seeds require proper preparation to achieve the best results. For instance, soaking the seeds in water for 12 to 24 hours before planting is recommended. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 1 inch, and kept warm and moist for optimal growth.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
This method of propagation requires taking cuttings from the parent plant. Stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy parent plant and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a suitable rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment for optimal growth. This method allows growers to produce copies of the parent plant with similar genetic characteristics.
Grafting
Grafting involves joining two different plants to create a single plant with the desired traits from both. Rootstock from one plant is combined with a stem cutting or scion from another plant. This method is often used to propagate plants that are difficult to root or hybrid plants that do not produce fertile seeds.
Disease and Pest Management for Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey Plant
As with any plant, Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can damage or even kill the plant. Therefore, it is important to know how to identify common pests and diseases, as well as ways to prevent and manage them.
Common Diseases
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey can fall victim to various fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases. The following are some of the most common types of diseases that affect this plant:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that primarily affects the leaves and fruits, causing dark lesions and cankers. It can be managed by practicing crop rotation, and using copper-based fungicides.
- Mosaic virus: This is a viral disease that causes the leaves to yellow and become mottled or marbled. It can be managed by removing infected plants, controlling aphids, and planting virus-free seeds.
- Bacterial wilt: This is a bacterial disease that causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. It can be managed by removing infected plants and controlling the cucumber beetle that transmits the disease.
Common Pests
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey can also be affected by several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of the most common pests include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cucumber beetle: This beetle feeds on the leaves of the plant, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. They can be managed by using insecticides, covering the plants with row covers, and removing infected plants.
- Squash bug: This bug is a common pest that can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be managed by removing infected plants and using insecticides.
Preventative Measures
Prevention is the best way to manage diseases and pests. Here are some preventative measures that can be taken:
- Plant disease-resistant varieties
- Maintain proper sanitation around the plants
- Ensure proper crop rotation to reduce the buildup of pests
- Provide adequate plant nutrition and irrigation
- Use insecticides and fungicides only when necessary, and follow the instructions carefully
By being vigilant and taking appropriate precautions, gardeners can effectively manage diseases and pests of Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. var. citroides Bailey plant, leading to healthy and abundant harvests.
