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Title: LSW-177 and LSW-194: Red-fleshed watermelon lines with low-total soluble solids

Author
item Davis, Angela
item COLLINS, JULIE - EOSU, WILBURTON, OK
item Perkins Veazie, Penelope
item Levi, Amnon

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/2/2007
Publication Date: 3/13/2008
Citation: Davis, A.R., Collins, J.K., Perkins Veazie, P.M., Levi, A. 2008. LSW-177 and LSW-194: Red-fleshed watermelon lines with low-total soluble solids. HortScience. 43(2):538-539.

Interpretive Summary: Increasing fruit sugar content has been a priority of many breeding programs, and the sugar content of modern watermelon cultivars is considerably higher than their heirloom counterparts (12-14% TSS compared to ~10% TSS respectively). Because of their high TSS and low fiber content watermelons are considered high glycemic index foods. Several countries, recommend lower glycemic index foods for diabetics to prevent postprandial glycemia and weight gain. It is estimated that there are 20.8 million people in the U.S. with diabetes. Although watermelon is a high glycemic food, it is a good source of health promoting compounds such as lycopene, vitamin A, and potassium. The goal of this research was to develop a watermelon variety adapted to modern farming practices that has a firm, crisp, red (lycopene containing) flesh and very low sugar content for consumers interested in fruit with low sugar and carbohydrate content. In this article, the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture announces the release of LSW-177 and LSW-194, watermelon lines that incorporate full-color and low-sugar content.

Technical Abstract: Increasing fruit total soluble solids (TSS) content has been a priority of many breeding programs, and the TSS content of modern watermelon [Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai)] cultivars is considerably higher than their heirloom counterparts (12-14% TSS compared to ~10% TSS respectively). Because of their high TSS and low fiber content watermelons are considered high glycemic index foods. Several countries, recommend lower glycemic index foods for diabetics to prevent postprandial glycemia and weight gain. Additionally, the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization endorse the glycemic index system for classifying carbohydrate foods. It is estimated that there are 20.8 million people in the U.S. with diabetes. Although watermelon is a high glycemic food, it is a good source of lycopene, vitamin A, and potassium. The goal of this research was to develop a watermelon variety adapted to modern farming practices that has a firm, crisp, red (lycopene containing) flesh and very low TSS for consumers interested in fruit with low sugar and carbohydrate content. In this article, the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture announces the release of LSW-177 and LSW-194, watermelon lines that incorporate full-color and low-TSS content.