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Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Hollow Heart

Watermelons occasionally develop growth cracks or hollow cavities inside mature fruit.

This condition is often associated with uneven growth caused by rapid fluctuations in either temperature or soil moisture.  The fruit are most susceptible to day-night temperature swings during fruit sizing and development.

Hollow heart is most common in seedless varieties. Some varieties are particularly susceptible to this condition.

Maintain even soil moisture conditions and a regular fertility schedule using drip irrigation.  Excess nitrogen applications may also contribute to increase incidence of hollow heart.

Hollow Heart Hollow Heart
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