Murcia celebrated the Melon & Watermelon innovation Days

Spain

Friday 05 July 2024

Proper seed selection is crucial for growers, as seed genetics are important for healthy plants and quality fruit. Seed houses work closely with growers to develop varieties that offer better flavours, colours, shapes, textures, pest resistance and adaptation to climate change, a process that can take up to ten years.(foto: entrenosotros.consum.es)

During this week, the Melon & Watermelon Innovation Days were held in Murcia, events where national and international growers got to know the latest agronomic and genetic innovations in melon and watermelon.

The main seed companies opened their centres in Murcia from the 1st to the 4th July to show their latest developments in these varieties. The Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters from the Region of Murcia (Proexport) highlighted the importance of these events to adapt production to market needs.

For growers, it is crucial to select seeds correctly because their genetics are important to obtain healthy plants and quality fruit. Seed companies work closely with growers to develop varieties that offer better flavours, colours, shapes, textures, resistance to pests and adaptation to climate change, a process that can take up to ten years.

Amongst the innovations presented this year are the toad skin melon resistant to the New Delhi virus, watermelon varieties with better colour and flavour for export, and melons with resistance to the main pests and viruses.

Murcia is one of the main melon and watermelon producing and exporting regions. In 2023, Spanish melon exports totalled 320,346 tonnes, with Murcia accounting for 49% of the total. Andalusia and Valencia followed in importance. Watermelon exports in 2023 reached 678,822 tonnes, led by Andalusia, followed by Valencia and Murcia.

fuente: fepex.es