EXPRESS

Watermelon variety Express — an early-maturing hybrid ripening 70-85 days after seedling emergence. The plant is characterized by a short-to-medium vine length with the main vine reaching up to 1.8 meters, a thin round stem with minimal pubescence, and small deeply lobed leaves with narrow segments. The fruits have a spherical shape, are small in size, weighing from 1.8 to 2.5 kg, with a smooth or slightly segmented surface and black-green coloration with a hidden pattern. The rind is thin and brittle, while the flesh differs with a bright orange-red color, tender, juicy, and sweet, with good taste qualities. The Express variety is intended for cultivation both in film greenhouses and in open ground. Sowing for seedlings is recommended at the end of April, followed by growing seedlings for 30-35 days and transplanting into the ground at the end of May — beginning of June. Plants are tied to trellises, removing side shoots up to a height of 50 cm and pinching subsequent ones above 1-3 leaves to stimulate growth. It is also possible to grow in free culture on the ground. Irrigation should be moderate, especially during fruit ripening, which contributes to obtaining a commercial yield of 2-3 kg per square meter. Express watermelon is characterized by relative resistance to anthracnose and a medium degree of powdery mildew infection. Thanks to the compact size of the fruits and their sweet taste, the variety is suitable not only for fresh consumption but also for pickling. The recommended planting scheme is 70x150 cm, which ensures optimal conditions for plant development and high yield.