Lycopene and polyphenolic levels in watermelons grown in Malta

Abstract

Watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunberg) Matsumura et Nakai, a member of the Cucurbitaceae botanical family has been widely grown in the Mediterranean. Throughout the last few years Mediterranean farmers have sought different strategies as to improve on the quality of watermelons, perhaps the most popular about both consumers and producers a like is the introduction of triploid watermelons. The research shows that triploid watermelon when managed well can be a promising crop having, on average, higher nutritional properties. Recently introduced diploid cultivars may also have promising lycopene levels. The seedless trait has however accomplished a steady increase of popularity, especially in medium sized watermelons, giving a positive perception on triploid watermelon cultivation in Malta.