Main points
- In the US, miniature watermelons the size of a chicken egg have been developed for vertical farming.
- New watermelons have a rich flavor and high sugar content, available with red and orange flesh.
Unique watermelons from the USA / Photo HortiDaily
A unique watermelon the size of a chicken egg has been created in the US, which could change the way melons are grown. The novelty has already attracted the attention of farmers, as it is ideal for greenhouses and vertical farms.
A new watermelon format for modern agricultural production
In the United States, amateur breeders Delaney Raptis and her mother have developed unusual lines of miniature watermelons, reports HortiDaily. The fruits grow about the size of a chicken egg, making them convenient for growing in confined spaces.
The main goal of the development is to adapt melon crops to vertical farming. The new plants have short internodes and do not require additional structures to support the fruits. This allows to significantly simplify the cultivation technology and reduce costs for farmers.
The breeding has been ongoing since 2021 and is carried out without the use of genetically modified organisms. To achieve the desired characteristics, chemical mutagenesis methods were used, which allows the formation of new traits without direct intervention in the genome.
Prospects for the market and farmers
Despite their small size, the new watermelons have a rich flavor and high sugar content. They are available in red and orange flesh varieties, broadening their appeal to consumers.
The development is focused on the portioned products segment – the fruits can be consumed immediately without cutting. This format opens up new opportunities for retail and restaurant businesses.
In the future, breeders plan to integrate these characteristics into commercial hybrids. This could be a breakthrough for greenhouse production and allow farmers to use land more efficiently, obtaining a stable and sought-after harvest.
The season is open: strawberry sales have started in Transcarpathia
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In Transcarpathia, the sale of strawberries grown in greenhouses with additional shelter with agrofiber has begun, which allows for an earlier harvest.
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The high price of the first strawberries is due to significant production costs and limited supply, but it is expected to decrease in early May.