Variety traits

Watermelon ploidy

Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai

The ploidy of watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, defines the genetic status of the plant: diploid (2n=22), tetraploid (4n=44), and triploid (3n=33) forms, which is critical for the production of seedless hybrids.

In the reference 100 varieties crop Watermelon, where this is mentioned in the description.

In watermelon breeding, three ploidy levels are distinguished: diploids with a set of 2n=22, tetraploids with 4n=44, which serve as parent lines, and triploids with 3n=33, which represent seedless hybrids. Cytogenetic analysis, flow cytometry, and indirect indicators such as stomatal size and chloroplast count are used to identify the ploidy level.

Triploid plants are sterile and require the planting of diploid pollinator varieties in schemes, such as 3:1, to ensure fruit set. The cultivation of triploids is characterized by higher requirements for germination due to the dense seed coat, which makes direct seeding in the soil undesirable and necessitates strict control of temperature and substrate moisture.

Polyploidization aimed at obtaining tetraploid forms leads to structural changes in the plant: stem thickening, increased cell size, and changes in leaf shape. These morphological alterations can affect the crop's resistance to stress factors, including soil salinity.

General information about the subject — on the page Ploidy.

Sources8

Varieties of Watermelon mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.