The next melon and watermelon campaign will be shaped by the evolution of Thrips parvispinus and viral diseases, whose pressure could trigger earlier transplanting dates and a slight increase in planted area, particularly in the Levante region.
In this context, BASF | Nunhems is offering varieties that prioritise quality, flavour and agronomic stability.
In melon, cantaloupe materials continue evolving towards more specialised genetics. Mercedes Fernández, Sales Specialist, highlights the field performance of Thebes (early), now entering its second year. It includes resistance to powdery mildew and aphids, and is characterised by high internal quality and a very small seed cavity.
For mid and late cycles, the company offers Magverick (greenhouse) and Delphes, suitable for both protected and open-field production. “With these varieties, producers have zero complaints upon arrival at destination.”
The Sunup® line continues to grow with Sunbeat F1 (early) and Sunsilk F1 (mid/late), both noted for flavour, sweetness and uniformity, reaching 18° Brix. Their intense yellow skin colour helps identify the optimal harvest point. In parallel, the company is driving the “return of Dino in Europe” with softer-texture, high-flavour materials such as the new Dino Crispy, NUN 71443 F1*, a 1.5–2 kg mini type that complements Mayan Ball.
The company is also introducing innovations in orange-flesh piel de sapo types (1.5–2 kg) with distinctive organoleptic traits and a yellow halo around the peduncle indicating maturity.
More options in watermelon
In watermelon, Senior Sales Specialist José Luis Vizcaíno highlights significant expansion across several segments. Within the Premium Universe concept, the new Crimson Mini304º further reduces fruit size and seed count without compromising flavour, joining Premium F1, Kalanda F1 and Kalimba F1.
In black seedless watermelon, Beladream expands the Fashion programme with larger size potential in early cycles while maintaining flesh quality.
The personal-sized segment is reinforced with Mini302º, complementing Takemi, and the Dual Purpose programme incorporates Amazo F1 and Zenium F1, varieties offering firmness and versatility aimed also at fresh cut. To complete the cycle in white seedless types like Bengala, the portfolio now includes JB408º (mid-late).
Growing Concept
Pere Montón, Senior Account Manager for open-field watermelon, notes that the sector is facing “an important challenge: producing watermelon in safer and more stable areas that allow us to guarantee the necessary supply at the required quality throughout the entire campaign.”
BASF | Nunhems is working with growers on the development of the Growing Concept model, which optimises the performance of each variety based on region and cultivation period. This allows crops to be adapted to new agro-climatic realities: geographical mobility; the establishment of criteria for selecting safer zones (especially in June and July); climate assessment of new areas; and soil recovery and regeneration.
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Examples of these improvements include the Ercole rootstock, which ensures a healthier, more vigorous and longer-lasting plant until harvest and into successive pickings. “It is the best alternative for watermelon cultivation in areas with tired soils and high electrical conductivity levels.” Another example is the company’s irrigation-probe project combined with absorption curves, used to apply fertigation adapted to each variety.
* APC granted and application in progress for inclusion in the EC Common Catalogue of Vegetable Varieties.
° Variety for trial and visual inspection only. Material not available to third parties without agreement.
