The fruit production of watermelon, cultivar New Kodama, grown in two positions along the stem (8th-11th node and 13th-16th node), with one or two fruits per position was evaluated, under protected cultivation. The experiment was performed in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, from October to December, 2000. The total fruit production (kg/plant), the average fruit weight (kg/fruit) and the total soluble solids were evaluated. When only one fruit was allowed to grow between the 8th and 11th node, total fruit production was lower (2,04 kg/plant) than keeping two fruits (2,57 kg/fruit). However, the fruit production was similar (2,0 kg/plant) to one or two fruits when they were allowed to grow between the 13th and 16th node. The average fruit weight (2,05 kg/fruit) and total soluble solids (8,78ºbrix) were higher in fruits grown from plants with only one fruit, than two fruits per plant. Total soluble solids were also higher in fruits grown from 8th to 11th (8,21ºbrix) node position.
Citrullus lanatus; pruning; rough-hewing; protected cultivation; fruit production
