Mabel F1 is a mid-early hybrid watermelon variety of the Pie de Sapo type, developed by the Dutch breeding company Rijk Zwaan. The maturation period is approximately 65-70 days from transplanting seedlings to the field, allowing for harvest at optimal times. The plant is strong, vigorous, and heavily leafed, developing well and growing rapidly under various weather conditions. It can be grown both in open ground and in plastic tunnels, making this hybrid versatile for different climatic zones and cultivation technologies. Mabel watermelon fruits are oval-shaped with smooth dark green rind, sometimes slightly ribbed, weighing on average 2.5 to 3 kg. The flesh is white or cream-yellow, dense, juicy, and very sweet, with sugar content of 14-15%. Due to its excellent flavor and aroma, the watermelon is in high demand in fresh markets and is ideal for large retail outlets as well as for export. Upon overripening, the flesh becomes soft, so for storage and transportation, harvesting is recommended before full ripening. The Mabel hybrid is characterized by high yield — up to 50-70 tons per hectare, and 5-10 kg per plant. The plant is tolerant to soil quality and agronomic practices, possesses a strong immune system, and is resistant to powdery mildew, necrotic spot, and other fungal diseases of melon crops. This resistance and ability to quickly recover from stressful conditions make Mabel a reliable choice for farmers aiming for stable, high-quality yields.
