# Data on response of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus [Thunb.] Matsum. and Nakai) varieties to potassium fertilizer rates at West Dembia District, Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

## TL;DR

This study shows that applying 150 kg of potassium fertilizer per hectare to the Lahat F1 watermelon variety significantly improves yield and quality in Ethiopia.

## Contribution

The study identifies the optimal potassium fertilizer rate for a specific watermelon hybrid in a local Ethiopian context.

## Key findings

- Lahat F1 with 150 kg K ha⁻¹ produced the highest fruit weight, marketable yield, and pulp weight.
- The marginal rate of return for this treatment was 3509.23%.
- Potassium rates, varieties, and their interaction significantly influenced growth and quality attributes.

## Abstract

Watermelon, a nutritious fruit, is increasingly popular in Ethiopia, but its productivity, quality, and storability are constrained by insufficient potassium (K) fertilizer and limited hybrid variety use. An experiment was conducted in Gorgora at the University of Gondarʼs research farm to evaluate the response of two hybrid watermelon varieties (Lahat F1 and Avallon F1) to five K fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha⁻¹). The results revealed that K fertilizer rates, varieties, and their interaction significantly influenced growth, fruit yield, and quality attributes. Lahat F1 treated with 150 kg K ha⁻¹ produced the highest average fruit weight (16.13 kg), marketable yield (69.60 t ha⁻¹), and fruit pulp weight (8.53 kg), achieving a marginal rate of return of 3509.23 %. These findings suggest that applying 150 kg K ha⁻¹ on Lahat F1 is optimal for watermelon production in Gorgora and similar agro-ecological zones. Further multi-seasonal and multi-location trials are recommended for broader validation.