Screening Melons for Adaptability in North Carolina

INTRODUCTION Cantaloupe or muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. cantaloupensis, Cucurbitaceae) production is an important industry for North Carolina. In 2000, North Carolina produced 729 ha (1,800 acres) of cantaloupes valued at $20 million. Besides cantaloupe, there is a tremendous diversity of melons in the Cucumis melo species, each having unique flavors, texture, and appearance. Because of low profit margins in agronomic crops such as corn, soybean, and small grains; and because of nearly a 50% reduction in the tobacco quota over the past four years, North Carolina growers are in desperate need to find other crop options that are profitable. Growers are seeking to diversify the crops they grow to maintain viable farm operations. It is critical to the economic prosperity of eastern North Carolina. There are several groups of melons other than cantaloupes that are not traditionally grown or are unique to production in the southeastern United States. Honeydew (Cucumis melo var. inodorus) is the second most grown melon in the United States; however, nearly all significant commercial production is located in the southwestern United States where more favorable conditions of a dry, warm climate exist (Rubatsky and Yamaguchi 1997). With increased breeding efforts on honeydew, there may be some cultivars that are more adapted to the humid, hot, southeastern United States growing conditions, especially earlier maturing cultivars (Elmstrom and Maynard 1992). Another melon type grown for export to Europe is green-fleshed cantaloupes. These melons were developed by breeders in Israel (Simon et al. 1993a). One of the first cultivars developed was named ‘Ha Ogen’ (Goldman 2002) followed later by an improved cultivar ‘Galia’. These melons are sometimes referred to as Galia types of melons in the United States. Besides having green flesh, a Galia type of melon differs from an orange flesh cantaloupe by having the rind turn from dark green to golden yellow when ready for harvest. The fruit are harvested from the vine prior to slip. Additionally, the green flesh of a Galia melon is much softer than the firm flesh of a honeydew and is typically softer than an orange flesh cantaloupe. Galia melons typically are very fragrant but with limited shelf life. Juan Canary melons are another type of melon that is primarily grown in hot, dry climates. Juan Canary melons are sold in the United States as a specialty item. The fruit are attractive with a smooth rind becoming golden yellow as the fruit ripen. Fruit are harvested prior to slip stage and can be difficult to determine when ready for harvest. The interior flesh is firm, and is usually light green or white sometimes with a hint of orange near the cavity of the fruit, depending on the advanced line or cultivar. Some seed companies have renewed their efforts to improve this melon with regards to adaptability in more humid growing conditions and disease resistance. Several new cultivars are available. However, one of the drawbacks with this melon type, as well as several other types that are mentioned in this paper, is the lack of familiarity with the product by the consumer. Like Galia melons, Japanese melons have green flesh. However, Japanese melons have a much firmer flesh than Galia melon types and have more pronounced netting when they near harvest. These melons are often grown in greenhouses in Japan and command a very high price with some fruit costing over $50 each. Japanese melons are often given as gifts. These melons are harvested prior to slip. Other melon types include the Piel de Sapo (Christmas), charentais, oriental crisp-flesh, crenshaw, and ananas melons. The Christmas melon is a favorite in Latin America but not well known to the American