Thorn melon (Cucumis metuliferus) – which is called names kiwano, jelly melon, or African horned cucumber – produces showy and edible fruits that feature distinctive stippled skin and spiky protrusions. It is indigenous to South Africa. Fruits have no flavor, which greatly limits their potential to eat fruit.
However, they are quickly gaining popularity, and production in Kenya is increasing due to high demand as consumers become aware of its medicinal and nutritional attributes. The fruits have orange peel when ripe and spikes on their external surfaces, but are luscious inside with a refreshing fruity taste. They are peeled and consumed at the immature or mature stages, or processed into juices and leaves can serve as vegetables. Thorny melons are farmed, but they also grow on their own in bushes and fields. Thorny melons are also planted in greenhouses because of their high market value.
Health benefits of thorn melons.
1. Benefits of thorny melon. Assist in weight loss and reduce the risk of obesity. Fruit is highly recommended for people who are trying to lose weight because it has fiber and nutrients that keep them from feeling hungry fast. Thorn melon is low in fat and calories, so it is mostly eaten by those who have problems with their weight.
2. Thorn melon stimulates metabolic rate and relieves stress. A thorn melon provides 1 mg of zinc, which is 7% of the 15 mg you need daily. Zinc is essential in the diet mainly because it plays a role in the development of protein, which repairs wounds and also produces blood cells. Zinc additionally takes part in the function along with the discharge of insulin essential for normal carbohydrate metabolism.
3. Rich in antioxidants: alpha and beta-tocopherol, two kinds of vitamin E, are present in edible seeds of kiwano melons.
4. This is an excellent source of hydration. Thorny melon is also a good source of hydration since 90% of them are water. This makes it a great fruit to eat on a hot day or after a workout.
5. Beneficial for the eye. It is contains 307 IU of vitamin A, or even 6% of the 5000 IU suggested each day. Vitamin A is a vital nutrient for assisting retinal function in the eye, which maintains vision. Vitamin A also enhances the resistance of the mucous membrane, the very first line of protection against infection in the nasal passages, throat, and also the intestinal tract.
Ecological requirements
You can cultivate thorn melons outside or inside. However, the greenhouse tends to be more efficient.
Soil. Thorn melon can grow in a wide range of soils but does best in well-drained clay or loamy soils which are rich in nutrients and have full sunlight exposure, with a pH range of 6.0 and 6.5.
Altitude. Cultivation is good at low or medium elevations from 200 to 1800 meters above sea level and from 20 to 30 ºC.
Rainfall. Cultivation does not require particularly much water and can function well with as little as 350-600. Additional water is essential on multiple factors, prevailing weather, soil type, and crop development stage.
Propagation and planting
Thorn melon requires seed propagation, which you can sow directly or raise the seedlings in the nursery and then transplant when they have two leaves. The spacing required for optimal yield is 60 x 60 cm.
Fertilizers and manure
Compost, manure, or inorganic fertilizers require incorporation according to soil conditions. In poor soils, general fertilizer e.g., NPK 17:17:17 is vital as a basal fertilizer at planting. Top dressing is essential 3 weeks after germination with nitrogenous fertilizer and potassium fertilizer e.g., Murate or potash can also help to improve the fruit quality.
Supporting /trellising
The plants in the greenhouse erect upwards and you should support them using sisal strings which you attach to a wire 2 meters above the ground. Pruning is essential to leave 3 stems per plant
Maturities and yields. The plant matures in 3-4 months and has an average of 20-30 tonnes per acre, based on variety and crop management practices.
Pests and diseases.
Thorn melons are susceptible to cucumber mosaic virus, tobacco ring spot virus, tomato ring spot virus, watermelon mosaic virus, and fusarium wilt.
The viral diseases can spread due to vectors such as aphids and melon flies, white flies, and planting the crop away from the host plants in the j family such as cucumber, courgettes, and pumpkins. The plants are tolerant to root-knot nematodes, and powdery mildew. We recommend organic chemicals for controlling pests and diseases.
The demand for thorn melons is increasing as many people become aware of their health benefits, but farmers should be cautious of the market within their own region since thorn melons are perishable fruits if production doesn’t meet the ready market it may lead to a lot of wastage. Demand is not high in all markets as still people are reluctant to consume this fruit due to a lack of awareness.
References
https://www.tuko.co.ke/270715-health-benefits-thorn-melon.html
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/the-steps-in-production-of-thorn-melon-3365942
