Watermelon Arsenal

Watermelon variety Arsenal belongs to mid-late maturing types with a vegetation period of 85 to 100 days. The fruits have a round shape and medium size, usually weighing from 2.5 to 3.7 kilograms, but can reach up to 8 kilograms. The rind is light green with a distinctive pattern of medium-sized, dark green, warty stripes. The flesh is pink, dense, juicy, and sweet, with a high content of dry matter (about 9%), total sugar (6.5%), and vitamin C (6.3 mg%). The taste quality is highly rated, at 4.6–4.8 points, making this variety especially attractive for table use and pickling.

Arsenal variety is characterized by good transportability and fruit resistance to cracking, ensuring crop preservation during transport and storage. It is drought-tolerant and relatively resistant to diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew. Watermelon is heat-loving and requires plenty of sunlight, preferring light, fertile soils. For sowing, seeds should be planted at a depth of 3–5 centimeters with a seeding rate of 0.2–0.3 grams per square meter. Under optimal germination temperature of 20–25°C, seedlings emerge within 5–6 days.

With proper agronomic practices, one hectare can yield 32–37 tons of marketable fruits. The variety is suitable for cultivation in moderate climates due to its drought and frost resistance. Due to its characteristics, Arsenal is a versatile variety suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, including pickling.