A global review of watermelon pollination biology and ecology: The increasing importance of seedless cultivars

Abstract

Many commercially grown fruits and vegetables benefit substantially from biotic pollination, worth more than US$ 316 bn to the global economy. Watermelon is one of the most economically important global food crops both in terms of production quantity (118.4 million tons (MT)) and production value (GDP US$ 33.9 million). Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the pollination ecology of seeded and seedless watermelons. Specifically we compare the floral biology, pollination requirements and production. Triploid watermelon cultivars (seedless) are becoming more widespread compared to traditional diploids (seeded). However, few published studies have focused on seedless cultivars due to their relatively recent cultivation. The results of this review indicate that different watermelon genotypes require specific management to ensure optimal production.