Summary
This study evaluated eight treatment combinations of two biostimulant formulations and mineral fertilisers on watermelon crop performance and fruit quality. Treatment W5 produced the highest yield through increased fruit formation, whilst treatments W4 and W5 achieved the highest sugar content and W4 showed the highest organic acid and α-tocopherol levels. All biostimulant-treated extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting that biostimulant application represents a practical agronomic approach to enhance both yield and nutritional quality in sustainable watermelon production.
Regional applicability
The study does not specify the geographic location of the trial; transferability to United Kingdom horticultural conditions would depend on climate similarity and protected-cropping availability, as watermelon is typically grown under glass or polytunnel in the UK. The methodology and biostimulant approach may be applicable to UK horticulture, though local validation would be warranted given differences in growing season and cultivar adaptation.
Key measures
Fruit yield; proximal composition (fat, protein, ash, carbohydrates); sugars (sucrose, fructose); organic acids (malic, citric); α-tocopherol content; antioxidant activity (IC50 OxHLIA); anti-inflammatory activity; antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria and fungi
Outcomes reported
The study measured yield parameters, proximal composition (fat, protein, ash, carbohydrates), sugar content, organic acids, tocopherols, and bioactive properties (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, antimicrobial efficacy) of watermelon fruit under different biostimulant and mineral fertiliser treatments.
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