Cultivation

Melons grow in frost-free regions. The leading producers are South Africa, Israel, New Zealand and some South American countries. In Europe, melons are cultivated in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.

Utilisation

Melon or muskmelon (Cucumis melo ssp. melo var. inodorus) is a collective term for different types of cultivated melons. These can be divided into three groups: cantaloupes that have a rough and warty skin, netted melon and honeydew melon.

Water melons do not belong to this species.

The fruit flesh of these melons is consumed.

Gene technology: aims of research and development

Agronomic traits

Resistance against pathogens

• Virus resistance

Plant development

• Altered flowing time

• Male sterility: To facilitate the production of hybrid forms (high-yield strains)

• Maturity is delayed through reduction of the natural ethylene production. Melons perish relatively quickly and have limited storage capability. If picked unripe, they do not ripen further and cannot develop their full flavour.

Field trials with GM melons