Corrida watermelon F1 is a mid-season diploid hybrid that matures within 72-75 days from germination to fruiting onset. The plant is dinoplantistic with a powerful root system and a well-developed foliage apparatus that effectively covers the fruits, reducing the risk of sunburn. Leaves are dark green, deeply lobed, and medium to large in size. Fruits are round, weighing 8 to 10 kg, with a smooth glossy rind 1.5-2.0 cm thick and a characteristic pattern of medium-thickness dark green stripes on a green background. The watermelon flesh is juicy, crunchy, dark red, fiberless, with high sugar content (11.7-12.5% on the Brix scale) and lycopene, giving it a sweet taste and beneficial properties. The Corrida hybrid is characterized by good resistance to fusarium wilt and anthracnose, making it a reliable choice for cultivation in various climatic conditions and soil types. The plant is recommended to be trained on a single stem, leaving 2-3 fruits for optimal development. Cultivation is possible both through seedlings and direct sowing into open ground, with seeds sown at the end of May when the soil warms to 15 degrees, at a depth of 8-10 cm. Seedlings aged 30-35 days are transplanted at the end of May with row spacing of 140×100 cm, allowing for cultivation on a trellis or flat. Successful cultivation of the Corrida watermelon requires timely weeding, fertilization, and moderate irrigation, as well as a preference for light, air- and water-permeable soils. The hybrid is suitable for open-field cultivation in various regions, including Ukraine, Moldova, and Russia. Thanks to its market qualities, juicy and sweet flesh, the Corrida watermelon is widely used for fresh consumption, ensuring high yield and stable fruiting.
