BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION, BIOECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY OF MELON CROPS

SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 24 BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION, BIOECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY OF MELON CROPS S.Sh. Khakberdiyev 1st-Year Master's Student, Institute of Agrobiotechnologies and Food Safety, Department of Horticulture and Viticulture, Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17385480 Abstract. To further develop scientific research in vegetable, melon, and potato growing, develop high-yielding varieties adapted to regional natural and climatic conditions, organize primary seed production, and further deepen the scientific approach to production, as well as in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On additional measures to improve the quality and efficiency of products through the integration of science, education, and production in the agro-industrial complex" No. PP-216 dated July 7, 2023, melons belong to the pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae Juss.). Melons include watermelons, melons, and squash, whose fruits are fleshy, sweet, and juicy. Their fruits are used for food and livestock feed. Eighty-one types of food products are prepared from the fruits of these crops. The article describes methods for feeding ripe, moist watermelons and pumpkins to livestock. Keywords: pumpkin, India, Africa, Indochina, zucchini, squash, pattypan squash, watermelon, cucumber, mushroom, Melo Adans, Citrullus Schrad, Cucurbita, Benincasa, Luffa Mill, Romitan, Ventilation. Introduction It is fundamentally important to acknowledge that cucurbitaceae is one of the largest families of indoor seed plants, comprising 103 genera and approximately 1,100 species. Most are found in tropical and subtropical regions, with only a few representatives found in temperate climates. The ecological range of this family is extremely broad, with representatives found in both humid tropical forests and arid deserts. Plants belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family are predominantly annual or perennial herbaceous plants, growing on the ground or as vines; subshrubs or shrubs are very rare. A characteristic feature of plants in most families is the presence of vines, the fruit of which is a drupe, sometimes very large. The seeds are large, without endosperm, with a straight, flat stone. It is about 20 species of plants in the pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae) are cultivated. Depending on their agricultural use, they are divided into three groups: 1. Melons, the ripe fruits of which are eaten. This group includes plants belonging to three families, widespread throughout the world and widely cultivated in Uzbekistan: 1. Melon family – Dhalon Adans; 2. Watermelon genus – Citrullus Schrad; 3. Pumpkin genus – Cucurbita L. 2. Cucurbitaceae vegetables, the developing, green, and unripe fruits of which are eaten. The most common representative of this group is the cucumber genus – Cucumis L. The classic SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 25 example is the cucumber genus. This genus includes dozens of varieties of the cultivated cucumber species Cucumis sativus L., which are grown in Uzbekistan both in open and protected ground. Another species, the West Indian cucumber (Cucumis anguria L.), is also cultivated. Cucumbers are native to the tropical countries of India and Indochina. This group also includes the pumpkin crops grown in our country. All three belong to the species Cucurbita pepo L. of the genus Cucurbitaceae: C. pepo var. patisson (Duch-patisson), or pumpkin; C. pepo var. giraumons (Duch-zucchini); C. pepo var. crucneck (Duch-crucneck, or kiyshik no'yin). Cucurbita ficifolia Bouche-malabar kovok is also sometimes grown. Other varieties include Sechium edule (Swartz-chayote), or Mexican cucumber; Momordica charantia L. (momordica, or yellow cucumber); Trichosanthes anguina L. (snake-shaped cucumber); Melo flexuosus Pang (tarrak); and Benincasa hispida L. (wax gourd, or winter squash). The young and blue fruits of some varieties belonging to the genera Lagenaria Ser. and Luffa Mill. are sometimes eaten as vegetables. 3. Industrial pumpkin, the ripe fruits of which are used to prepare household items, is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant. Representatives of one species belonging to the genus Lagenaria Ser. are cultivated in Uzbekistan. This is Lagenaria vulgaris Sergoryanka (display or table pumpkin). Lagenaria is a genus of lagenaria native to Atlantic Africa. Luffa Mill. Luffa is a genus of loofah, or potwash, native to South Asia. In our country, we cultivate Luffa cylindrica (L.) M. Roem (cylindrical loofah) and L. acutangula L. (pointed loofah, potwash). Melons— cantaloupe, watermelon, pumpkin, cucumber, and others—play an important role in human nutrition. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and biologically active substances and are of unrivaled importance for food security. The chemical composition of melons and their importance for humans. Melons are a delicacy beloved by many cultures. These fruits are eaten fresh and are considered a raw material for the processing industry. They are a relatively easily digestible and healthy product, and their taste and nutritional value are comparable to other fruits. The Institute of Endocrinology of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, taking into account the peculiarities of Central Asia, recommends a daily consumption of 270 grams of melon, including 100 grams of watermelon, 150 grams of cantaloupe, and 20 grams of pumpkin. In this case, the annual per capita consumption rate should be 98 kg, including 36.5 kg of watermelon, 54.5 kg of cantaloupe, and 7 kg of pumpkin. Most melons belong to the pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae). Their general morphological characteristics are as follows: The root system is powerful, branched, and spreads widely in the upper soil layer. The stem is mostly prostrate or creeping, hollow, and elastic. The leaves are large, heart-shaped or palmate, covered with sparse hairs. The flowers are large, mostly yellow; male and female flowers are located separately on the same plant. The fruits are thick-skinned, juicy, with large, oily seeds. It is crucial to understand that during domestication, many species, such as C. maxima, C. moschata, C. argyrosperma, and C. pepo, became morphologically distinct and were divided into different varieties. Melons are heatand light-loving. Temperature: seeds germinate at 12– 15 °C, with optimal growth occurring at 25–30 °C. Humidity: prefers moderate humidity; excess water leads to root rot. Soil: fertile, well-drained loamy and sandy soils are considered the most favorable. Pollination: mainly by insects, especially bees. Fruit growth dynamics. Melon fruit growth follows a sigmoid (S-shaped) curve: rapid growth occurs initially, followed SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 26 by slower growth. For example, the fruit formation period for cucumbers is 1:2 compared to the ripening period. Soil parasites. The study conducted in the Romitan region of Uzbekistan identified 43 species of plant nematodes in the roots of cucurbits. The species composition of nematodes depends on the crop type: they are more common in melons and watermelons, and relatively rare in cucumbers. Proper soil preparation and agricultural practices are necessary to combat these parasites. Root microbiome and drought adaptation. Beneficial bacteria living in squash roots play an important role in plant adaptation to arid conditions (Squash Root Microbiome Research, 2021). Melon cultivation technology. To obtain high melon yields, it is important to properly plan and scientifically sound agricultural practices. The technology includes the following steps: 1. Site selection and preparation. Climate: Very favorable in warm regions such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, and Surkhandarya. The average temperature during the growing season should be 20-30°C. Soil: Light loam or sandy loam, pH 6-7. In winter, plowing to a depth of 30-35 cm is required, with the addition of rotted manure or compost at a rate of 30-40 t/ha. 2. Soil preparation and planting. Soil selection: fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam. Plowing: autumn plowing to a depth of 25-30 cm, leveling, and weeding in spring. Seed preparation: selecting large, healthy seeds, soaking them in warm water for 2-3 days, and treating them with micronutrients. Sowing time: when the soil temperature reaches 12-15°C. Row spacing: watermelon and melon 70–90 cm, cucumbers 50–60 cm. 3. Care-working. Modern irrigation. Drip irrigation: saves 30-40% of water, reduces the risk of diseases. To reduce weeds, cover the soil with biodegradable mulch film. This retains moisture and keeps the soil warm. Apply a complex mineral fertilizer (NPK 1:1:1) 2-3 times during the growing season. Automatic systems controlled by moisture sensors deliver water precisely to the area of the field that requires moisture. Irrigation. Drip irrigation is the most effective. Water 5-8 times during the growing season, more during flowering and fruiting. Fertilizer - the main fertilizer is manure 30-40 t/ha, the nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio from mineral fertilizers is 1:1:1. Foliar feeding (with microelements) during the growing season gives good results. Weed and pest control: manual weeding, mulching; biological or selective chemical pest control. Planting technology. Seedlings or direct sowing: in spring, when soil temperatures are above 1416°C. Row spacing is 70-90 cm, plant spacing is 50-70 cm. Seed treatment with biological stimulants (Trichoderma, rhizobacteria) before sowing accelerates growth. 4. Along with open pollination of melon crops, hybridization and selection work is necessary to obtain future aphanomas. Therefore, the following recommendations we have developed are of practical importance. To use pollen grains in breeding and hybridizing melon, watermelon, and pumpkin varieties, pollen should be collected from the middle part of the panicle at the beginning of the flowering period and at the end of the flowering period. It is not advisable to collect pollen from the last part of the flowering period or from the top of the panicle for pollination. When hybridizing, it is necessary to use the first opened seed or hermaphrodite flowers, since even pollinating fruit-bearing (i.e., seed and hermaphrodite) flowers that open later with highly fertile pollen will not produce high-quality fruits. For hybridizing plants that bloom out of season and are located far apart, viable pollen from pollinated flowers can be stored in a SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 27 dark bag in a desiccator with calcium chloride. Pollinate with this pollen if necessary. These recommendations will be useful for breeders when creating the necessary hybrids and varieties. 5. Disease and pest control. Crop rotation (e.g., with cereals or legumes) restores the soil. Preserve beneficial insects (ladybugs, parasitoid bees). If necessary, use approved fungicides/insecticides in moderation. Phytonematodes and fungi: crop rotation, seed disinfection, treatment with biological products. Ventilation and humidity control: Ensure adequate air circulation in the greenhouse. 6. Harvesting and storage. Melons and watermelons are harvested when they are fully colored and the stems begin to dry. They can be stored in cold rooms at 0–5°C and 80–90% relative humidity for 3–5 weeks. Maintaining the cold chain during delivery to market helps preserve the quality of the crop. The crop is harvested at full maturity (when the rind changes color). Ventilated warehouses with a temperature of 10–15°C and a relative humidity of 70–80% are selected for storage. Melons are a source of vitamins and minerals essential for human health, but due to their sensitivity to climatic conditions, they require scientifically sound agricultural practices. Ensuring a stable yield requires a thorough understanding of their botanical structure, bioecological needs, interactions with pests and the root microbiome, as well as proper cultivation techniques. For example, the technology of growing watermelons from melons. It has been conclusively determined that watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) belongs to the melon family and is an important food for humans. It contains 90-92 percent water, 6-9 percent sugars, vitamins, and mineral salts. Watermelon is not only a food but also has medicinal and industrial value. Watermelon is a heat-loving plant; the most favorable temperature for its growth is around 2530°C. The seeds germinate at temperatures no lower than 14-16°C. Watermelon can be grown in almost all regions of Uzbekistan, but the highest yields are obtained in the Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Bukhara, and Jizzakh regions. Soil Requirements: Watermelon grows well in deeply plowed, sandy loam or loamy, well-aerated soils. Growth is slower in saline or waterlogged soils. A soil pH of 6.5-7.5 is desirable. Timing and sowing method: Seeds are usually sown in late April or early May. It is recommended to sow when temperatures are consistently above 15°C. Row spacing is 2-2.5 meters, and plant spacing is approximately 0.7-1 meter. 2-3 seeds are sown in each hole. Care: After emergence, excess seedlings are thinned out. Important agricultural practices include loosening the soil, removing weeds, and watering. During the fruiting period, water 5-7 times, stopping before the fruit ripens. This increases the sweetness of the fruit. Fertilization: On average, 25-30 tons of rotted manure, 60-80 kg of nitrogen, 60-70 kg of phosphorus, and 40-50 kg of potassium fertilizers are applied per hectare. Nitrogen fertilizers are applied during fruiting, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied before flowering. Disease and pest control. The main diseases are powdery mildew, anthracnose, and bacterial blight. To prevent these, seeds are treated with fungicides before planting. The most common pests are the watermelon fly and aphids. Biological and chemical methods are used to control them. Harvesting. Watermelon fruit ripeness is determined by the color of the rind, the dryness of the stem, and the sound of tapping. Harvesting is usually complete 70–90 days after planting. Ripe fruits are carefully picked and shipped to market. Conclusion. It can be reasonably concluded that the use of modern agricultural practices in watermelon cultivation, high-quality seeds, and scientifically proven fertilization and irrigation methods increase yields. Proper watermelon care not only results in high yields but also increases market demand and export potential. SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 28 REFERENCES 1. Buriev Kh. Growth Dynamics of Fruits of Cucurbitaceae Family Representatives, E3S Web of Conferences, 2023. 2. Eshova S. et al. Fauna and Ecological Composition of Nematodes of Cucurbitaceae Plants, ScienceWeb Uzbekistan, 2024. 3. Transplantation of Pumpkin Root Microbiota and Its Adaptation to Arid Conditions, arXiv preprint, 2021. 4. Buriev Kh.Ch., Zuev V.I., Umarov A.A. Practical Products for Growing Cucumbers. T., "Mehnat", 1997. 5. Buriev Kh.Ch. Breeding and Selection of Vegetable Crops. T., "Mehnat", 1999.