ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED QUALITY AND QUANTITY PARAMETERSIN VARIOUS WATERMELON CULTIVARS
Watermelon is a popularly consumed vegetable well known for its health and nutritional value. It is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and other bioactive compounds with high antioxidant properties. The quality and productivity of the watermelon can be enhanced by using the right cultivars and production techniques.The objective of this study was to determine the selected quantity and quality parameters between the most popular watermelon cultivars (Farao F1, Constellation F1, Red Star F1, and Bonanza F1) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research was conducted during the growing season of 2021 in the region of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The examined parameters were: fruit number and weight, rind thickness, total soluble solids (TSS), and vitamin C content in marketable fruits. All examined parameters showed significant differences between cultivars. Farao F1 exhibited the highest fruit weight (12.43 ± 0.91 kg fruit-1), TSS content (11.70 ± 0.91 Brix), and vitamin C content (6.47 ± 0.75 mg/100 g). On the other hand, Bonanza F1, a mini cultivar, exhibited the lowest fruit weight (2.26 ± 0.52 fruit-1), rind thickness (0.55 ± 0.19 cm), and TSS content (8.55 ± 1.44 mg/100 g).