Innovations in Melon: Syngenta Extended Shelf Life Varieties

In recent years, the melon market has become more interested in extended shelf life (ESL) melons. To meet grower and retail demands, Syngenta developed several ESL melon varieties. Syngenta’s ESL varieties are earlier and easier to harvest at their prime than standard long shelf life (LSL) varieties. In addition, ESL varieties also have a better flavor profile, making them more marketable for retail and satisfying to the consumer. These ESL varieties also hold very well in the field and reduce the number of harvests compared to historic Western Shippers, consequently keeping labor cost and shrink at retail level low.

New ESL Varieties for the West

Desert Express: An extended shelf life variety that produces round to oval fruits with a tight seed cavity and dense netting on the exterior. This variety is currently being grown in early season planting in the Desert Southwest region (USA) and has good marketable fruit yield potential. It features benefits such as improved ease of harvest and post-harvest shelf life as well as good eating quality. Disease Resistance, HR: Px: 1, 2 / Fom: 0, 2 T: https://www.syngenta-us.com/seeds/vegetables/melon#desertexpress

Garth: An extended shelf life melon with a tight seed cavity. Like Desert Express, Garth is being grown in early season planting in the Desert Southwest region (USA).  It produces well-netted melons with firm, dark orange flesh and has excellent eating quality for high market appeal. Featuring improved post-harvest shelf life. Disease Resistance, HR: Px: 1, 2 / Fom: 0, 2 T: https://www.syngenta-us.com/seeds/vegetables/melon#garth

New ESL Varieties for the East

Syngenta is developing extended shelf life (ESL) melon varieties for multiple regions including the Eastern (USA) market in order to meet grower and retail demands. New ESL varieties currently in the pipeline feature strong plant vigor due to comprehensive disease and insect resistance packages and are widely adapted to different growing conditions for season-long supply. Along with good flavor, their uniform fruit shape and size make them ideal for both carton and bin packing. “We are committed to improving the way crops are grown and creating solutions for our customers,” said Regional Veg Seeds Cucurbits Portfolio Lead, Juan Sabater-Fortea, “our collaborative efforts allow us to evaluate specific value-added traits that can be promoted throughout the supply chain.”

Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is dedicated to supporting its customers and partners around the world. With our resources and scale, we drive innovation to improve flavor, quality, convenience and productivity – for the benefits of growers, marketers, retailers and consumers.

For more information on Syngenta vegetable varieties, visit http://www.syngenta-us.com/crops/vegetables