Lubbock Center to host Watermelon Field Day

Writer: Tim W. McAlavy, (806) 746-6101, email: t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. David Bender, (806) 746-6101

LUBBOCK – Nothing beats a slice of fresh watermelon on a hot summer’s day. That’s what is on tap Tuesday, Aug. 14, along with a watermelon variety field day, at Texas A&M’s Agricultural Research and Extension Center here.

The field tour will run from 10 a.m. to noon, said Dr. David Bender, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station vegetable researcher based at the center.

“Participants will have an opportunity to view 39 seeded and seedless watermelon cultivars at this field day,” Bender said. “These melons were grown on raised, plastic-mulched beds watered by drip irrigation.”

Bender and others will explain how the melon variety trial was planted, cared for and watered during the growing season,
and discuss the results of this year’s trial.

“This trial is one of five conducted at different locations in the Texas statewide watermelon trials. The trials are funded by the watermelon seed industry. Cultivars include industry standards, and the latest releases from commercial breeding programs,” Bender said. “This is an excellent way to evaluate and compare differences in rind quality, internal texture, color and taste.
We will also discuss the developments in commercial watermelon production.

“All South Plains growers, gardeners, breeders, agribusiness representatives, Extension and research professionals interested
in watermelon production are invited to attend this free educational event.”

The Lubbock Center is located three miles north of Lubbock International Airport. From Lubbock, travel north on Interstate Highway 27, take Exit 11 (FM 1294) and proceed ½ mile east on FM 1294.

For more information on this event, call Bender or the Lubbock center at (806) 746-6101.