Melons
USDA proposes revising US standards for watermelon
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Watermelon to provide a common language for trade. In October 2019, the National Watermelon Association (NWA), a trade association representing growers, retailers, and shippers... more »
Watermelon board announces first female board president
National Watermelon Promotion Board held its biannual board meeting virtually on March 6 during which board member Jordan Carter was elected president by her peers becoming the first woman to serve in this position. Prior... more »
California cantaloupe farmers begin vaccinations for essential workforce
Essential workers employed by California cantaloupe growers are among some of the first front-line food workers to receive COVID vaccines in the state which grows the vast majority of our nation’s fruits and vegetables. “We’re... more »
Black History Month: ARS scientist heads top entomology group
There was no denying it; the kid liked bugs. But who could have known then that he would preside over the world’s largest organization devoted to the science of entomology? Growing up in rural New... more »
USDA names National Watermelon Promotion Board appointments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the appointment of nine members to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Appointees will serve three-year terms from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2023. Members newly... more »
Georgia explores options for reducing soilborne pathogens
Georgia growers can grow watermelons without methyl bromide fumigation – they just need several other tools to pick up the slack. That’s the message University of Georgia Assistant Professor Abolfazl Hajihassani had in a paper... more »
Sun World opens new Center for Innovation
For more than three decades, Bakersfield, California-based Sun World researchers have worked diligently to develop new and more flavorful fruits and vegetables. Beginning this month, they now have an impressive new home from which to... more »
BASF to acquire melon breeding company ASL
BASF formally agreed Oct. 28 to acquire ASL, an innovative melon breeding company, to continue expanding its position as a preferred partner in the fruit and vegetable value chain. According to a news release, the transaction... more »
