How Big is the World's Largest Watermelon
In the fascinating world of fruit and vegetable cultivation, a watermelon weighing over 300 jin (approximately 150 kilograms) once caused a global sensation! Where did this colossal creature, known as the 'Watermelon King,' originate? How did it break through the limits of plant growth? Let's delve into the secrets of cultivating巨型 watermelons and uncover the story behind this agricultural marvel.
The Legendary Birth of the Watermelon King
An Agricultural Miracle Weighing 158 Kilograms
In Nashville, Tennessee, in 2013, Chris Kent set a Guinness World Record with a watermelon weighing 350.5 pounds (about 158 kilograms). This watermelon, equivalent to the weight of two adults, was monitored for 128 days by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (an international authoritative认证 institution for巨型 fruits and vegetables) and eventually stood out in the annual fruit and vegetable competition.
Analysis of Special Cultivation Techniques
Growers use the day-night temperature difference control method, maintaining a temperature difference of 12-15°C in specially designed greenhouses. Each plant is kept to only 1-2 fruits, and a custom nutrient solution is used to achieve an astonishing daily weight gain of 1.2 kilograms. This unconventional planting model provides a new approach to cultivating巨型 watermelons.
The Unique Mysteries of Watermelon Varieties
The Cause of Special Taste
The flesh of this watermelon king is a milky white color, with a fiber density three times that of ordinary watermelons. Laboratory tests show that its sugar content is only 8.2%, far below the 12% standard for edible watermelons. Special cell expansion genes cause the flesh to have a honeycomb-like structure, which is the key to its astonishing weight.
Commercial Value Transformation
Although the taste is not ideal, the seeds of this variety are sold for $5 per seed on professional websites. Growers have developed a complete set of cultivation courses, including "The Giant Watermelon Nutrition Cycle Management Manual" and "The Day-Night Temperature Control Practical Guide," forming a complete industrial chain.
The Growth Code of Giant Watermelons
Decoding Environmental Factors
This type of watermelon requires a consistent day temperature of 28-32°C and a night temperature of 16-20°C, with a light intensity of 40,000-50,000 lux. Israeli drip irrigation technology is used, along with a nutrient solution containing 34 trace elements, to achieve precise water and fertilizer control.
Disease Prevention System
A three-tiered protection system is established: physical insect nets to keep pests out, biological agents to control fungi, and spectral adjustment to enhance disease resistance gene expression. Through this three-dimensional protection, the disease rate is reduced from 35% in conventional planting to below 5%.
From the birth of the watermelon king in Tennessee, it has not only rewritten the records of fruit and vegetable cultivation limits but also driven the innovation of modern agricultural technology. This 158-kilogram miracle tells us: When natural potential meets human wisdom, the possibilities in agriculture are endless. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, we will see more plant miracles that defy our understanding bloom on Earth.