The Ataman watermelon variety is an early-maturing, high-yielding variety with round-elliptical fruits characterized by light green, smooth rinds. Fruit weight varies depending on the growing region: in the central belt, it ranges from approximately 2.9-4 kg, while in southern regions it can reach 5-8 kg. The watermelon has a thin rind, medium-sized and few seeds, making the fruit particularly appealing to consumers. The flesh is intensely red, granular, tender, juicy, and very sweet, with a dry matter content of 9-10% and sugar content of 7-8%, ensuring excellent taste qualities. Plants of the Ataman variety are of medium power and vining, with a long main vine. The maturation period from full germination to the first harvest is 65-80 days, allowing for an early harvest with a uniform yield of up to 80%. The variety is characterized by drought resistance and low susceptibility to diseases such as fusarium and anthracnose, enhancing its reliability during cultivation. Plants can be grown both in film greenhouses and in open ground. For optimal growth, sowing for seedlings is recommended at the end of April, followed by transplanting into the ground at the end of May – beginning of June, while plants are tied to trellises and side shoots are removed to form a quality harvest. The Ataman watermelon boasts high commercial yield, reaching 3.0-3.5 kg/m² and a yield of 30-35 tons per hectare. The fruits are characterized by high transportability and storability, facilitating their realization and storage. Thanks to their taste qualities and juicy flesh, this variety is widely used in cooking for preparing various dishes and drinks, such as salads, fresh juices, cold fruit soups, jelly, smoothies, and puddings. The honey-sweet, aromatic, and juicy Ataman watermelon is excellent for cultivation in various climatic conditions, including the central belt and southern regions.
