| Abstract: In order to select suitable cultivars of watermelon for planting in South Taihang area, the
phenological period, growth indexes, fruit traits, quality, yield and leaf photosynthetic characteristics of seven
watermelon cultivars such as 'Xiudu' 'Meidu' 'Qilin' 'Zhongke No.3' 'Zhongke 182' 'Meishate' 'Yuyi Tianbao' were
compared and evaluated comprehensively with subordinate function analysis method of fuzzy mathematics. The
results showed that the growth periods of the seven tested watermelon cultivars were basically the same and
with mid-early maturity. The cultivar 'Qilin' had strong growth vigor, with a vine length of 322.6 cm and a stem diameter of 6.4 cm. 'Yuyi Tianbao' had the highest selenium enrichment capacity with the total selenium content
of 0.30 mg/kg in flesh, which was significantly higher than other cultivars. The central soluble solid contents of
'Xiudu' 'Yuyi Tianbao' and 'Meishate' were 11.8%, 11.8% and 11.4%, respectively, which were obviously higher
than that of other cultivars. The yield of 'Zhongke 182' was 4 565.00 kg per 667 m2
, which was significantly
higher than that of other cultivars. 'Meidu' had the highest net photosynthetic rate of 24. 87 μmol/(m2
·s), but there
was no significant difference among all cultivars. The total subordinate function value of 'Yuyi Tianbao' ranked
the first with 3.88 in comprehensive ranking by subordinate function analysis method of fuzzy mathematics, and
'Yuyi Tianbao' 'Xiudu' and 'Meishate' all had good comprehensive performance and could be used as the primary
choice for watermelon cultivar introduction in South Taihang area. Subordinate function analysis method of fuzzy
mathematics could objectively evaluate the performance of various cultivars, and could assist introducers to
evaluate the cultivars comprehensively. |