ANTILOP

The ANTILOP watermelon is a mid-season variety with a period from germination to the first harvest of 77-97 days. The plant is moderately climbing with green dissected leaves. Fruits have an oval or wide-elliptical shape, a light green background with spiny green stripes of medium width. Fruit weight varies from 3.0 to 5.7 kg, while the breeder data indicates a possible weight up to 21 kg. The rind is thin, the flesh is red and of medium density, with good to excellent taste. Dry matter content is 7.3-8.8%, and total sugar content is 6.1-7.2%. The variety is characterized by high yields of marketable fruits when grown on dry land (baraniya) — from 141 to 395 centners per hectare, which meets or exceeds standard indicators. The ANTILOP watermelon has good transportability and storability, maintaining market quality for 30 days after harvest. The recommended planting density is 7–8 thousand plants per hectare, and the best predecessors for cultivation are potatoes, cabbage, and legumes. This variety was developed by SYNGENTA SEEDS B.V. and is intended for commercial production in regions with suitable climatic conditions. The ANTILOP watermelon belongs to first-generation hybrids and is used primarily for table purposes, i.e., for fresh consumption. The mid-season maturity period and high fruit quality make this variety attractive to farmers and consumers who value tasty and juicy watermelons with good storability.