Determination of drought tolerance levels of some watermelon types suitable to çukurova ecological conditions

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the reactions of new watermelon variety candidates against drought stress compliance with the ecological conditions of Çukurova, which is a very important region in the production of watermelon in our country. Plant growth, yield and fruit quality changes under drought stress of cultivar candidates were examined agronomically, physiologically and pomologically. The experiment was carried out in the open field trial area of Cukurova University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture and in the Plant Physiology Laboratory. Five new watermelon varieties such as 50024, Minipool, Miracle, Splendit and Starburst, were used as plant material. The study was established with three different irrigation level in order to perform drought conditions. One of these is the parcels that are considered as a control and fully irrigated (100% irrigation), second one was 50% irrigation of the control and, third one 25% irrigation of the control. Finally, they are irrigated parcels up to a quarter of the control. As a result; successful varieties have been found as Splendite and Miracle.