Robust F1 Watermelon is an early-maturing, high-yielding hybrid from the American company Hollar Seeds, designed for cultivation in open fields without artificial coverings. The vegetative period ranges from 65 to 90 days, allowing the first harvest as early as day 65-70 after planting. The plant features large, thick vines with well-raised leafy canopies, promoting effective photosynthesis and protection against fungal diseases. Maximum yield reaches 70 tons per hectare with drip irrigation.
The fruits of Robust F1 Watermelon have an attractive oval or round shape with golden-orange or yellow-brown rind fully covered with netting. Average fruit weight varies from 2.8 to 3.5 kg. The flesh is dense, soft, orange in color, without green spots or cavities, with a caramel-sweet flavor and sugar content of 7-13% (brix 12-13%). The seed cavity is compact and dense, facilitating processing and consumption.
The hybrid exhibits high resistance to major fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and Fusarium (races 0 and 1), significantly reducing the need for chemical protection. Robust F1 is versatile in application: its fruits are suitable for fresh markets, canning, freezing, processing, juice production, and drying. The hybrid’s seeds are suitable for various cultivation methods, including flat-bed, ground cultivation with mulch, greenhouses, tunnels, and heavy soils.
