This study was conducted to analyze and provide information about the supply, source and commercialization of watermelon in the state of Piauí, Brazil, from 1991 to 1996. Monthly data of commercialized fruits were obtained from CEASA-PI, which is a central market for vegetable and fruit commercialization for the whole state. The average total commercialized annually within the period was 11,250 t of fruits, which meant an increase of 33.8% in comparison to the average total of 8,409 t, commercialized annually from 1986 to 1991. Pernambuco (PE), Bahia (BA) and Piauí (PI) were the most important states in terms of watermelon supply, with average annual totals and average percentages of 5,140 t (45.68%), 3,765 t (33.48%) and 1,799 t (15.97%), respectively. The greatest quantities of watermelon fruits originated from Petrolina (PE), Juazeiro (BA), Barreiras (BA), and Barras (PI), which were also the states most regularly supplying watermelons to CEASA-PI. The periods from June to July, September to October, and December, were those with the lowest watermelon supplies from Bahia and Pernambuco states. These are thus the most advisable periods for Piauí farmers to commercialize their production, as long as economic production levels are reached.
Citrullus lanatus; seasonality; production period; market; economy
