In this melon and watermelon campaign, BASF | Nunhems is offering a varietal portfolio tailored to field realities while continuing to evolve towards more specialised materials. In melon, Mercedes Fernández, Sales Specialist, highlights the performance in its second commercial year of Thebes, an early-cycle cantaloupe with resistance to powdery mildew and aphids, high internal quality and minimal seed cavity. For mid and late cycles, Magverick and Delphes complete the offer in this segment.
The Sunup® line continues to develop with Sunbeat F1 and Sunsilk F1, both featuring around 18° Brix and an intense yellow colour that makes it easier to identify the optimal harvest point.
In the Dino segment, the company continues its strategy to “reclaim” this typology in Europe with Dino Crispy NUN 71443 F1*, a 1.5–2 kg mini melon with softer texture and excellent flavour that complements Mayan Ball.
The range is further expanded with new orange-fleshed piel de sapo varieties weighing 1.5–2 kg, offering distinctive organoleptic characteristics and a yellow areola around the peduncle that indicates the optimal ripening stage.
JB408°, the major new development in watermelon
In watermelon, José Luis Vizcaíno, Senior Sales Specialist, notes that Bengala has increased its sales in the Levante region thanks to its ease of fruit set under adverse conditions and its resistance to hollow heart.
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The main novelty is JB408°, a white seedless Bengala-type variety for mid-late cycles that builds on this segment. It features very firm flesh, excellent size uniformity (90% in calibres 2, 3 and 4), high Brix levels, early harvest and a robust plant that performs until the end of the cycle. Its slightly darker rind background enhances the perception of freshness.
Takemi and Dual Purpose varieties on the rise
The Takemi personal watermelon line continues to consolidate and expand across programmes from greenhouse production to Castilla-La Mancha and even Senegal, with companies already using it both as a monocrop and as a pollinator.
Meanwhile, Dual Purpose varieties continue to gain ground: Bazman F1, Amazo F1 and Harmonium F1 for open field, and Zenium F1 for both greenhouse and open field production, with sizes ranging from 3.5 to 5 kg. This programme becomes particularly relevant in late cycles, when high temperatures negatively impact the firmness of conventional varieties.
