The EL WAFI F1 watermelon is a mid-early hybrid of the Charleston Grey type, developed by Sakata from Japan. The vegetative period is 60-70 days after transplanting seedlings, enabling harvest within relatively short timeframes. The plant exhibits strong growth and high fruit-set capability, contributing to a stable and high-quality yield.
The fruits are oval or round-oval in shape with light green or light salad-colored rinds. Each fruit weighs between 6 and 11 kilograms. The flesh is bright red, juicy, and sweet with high sugar content, making the watermelon particularly appealing to consumers. The seeds are small and black, which is also an advantage for consumption.
The hybrid demonstrates resistance to major diseases such as anthracnose and Fusarium wilt (race 1), significantly reducing the risk of yield loss and minimizing the need for intensive chemical protection. EL WAFI watermelon is suitable for both fresh market sales and processing, expanding its applications in agriculture and food industry.