The Level of Implementation by Farmers of Watermelon Cultivation and Production Practices in the Nubaria Agricultural Region and the Agricultural Extension Requirements for Its Improvement

The research aimed to identify the level of implementation by the respondents' awareness of watermelon cultivation and production practices. determine the extent of marketing problems facing watermelon production. and identify the extension services needed by respondents from agricultural service organizations to improve watermelon productivity in Beheira Governorate. The research was conducted on a sample of 324 respondents from the West Nubaria monitoring station in Beheira Governorate. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered through personal interviews between August and October 2024. The data were statistically analyzed using frequencies. percentages. arithmetic means. weighted means. and standard deviations.The most important findings of the research were as follows:It was found that approximately two-thirds of the respondents (64.52%) implement land preparation practices for planting. selecting the appropriate variety. and determining irrigation and fertilization schedules to a low or moderate degree. Furthermore. the majority of respondents (84.52%) implement pest and plant disease control practices to a low or moderate degree.The respondents' level of awareness regarding practices related to watermelon cultivation and production varied. with a weighted average of (61.7 and 106.8) points. The most important indicators of watermelon maturity were: tendril drying. yellowing of the part in contact with the soil. fruit reaching its normal size according to the variety. a shiny rind that is difficult to scratch. and the fruit easily detaching from the stem. The least important indicator was the need for approximately 500 grams of seeds per feddan.(85.81%) of respondents indicated that marketing problems facing watermelon production in the study area were moderate to significant.Regarding the extension services needed by respondents from agricultural service organizations. (93.23%) expressed a moderate to significant desire for services from the Agricultural Cooperative Society. (82.91%) a moderate to significant desire for services from the Agricultural Bank of Egypt. and (80.32%) a moderate to significant desire for services from the Farmers' Syndicate.