Melon Breeding Images

Here are a few steps in the process of developing a new specialty melon cultivar (click the image for a larger version).

The selection process involves establishing transplants in the field using drip irrigation and black plastic mulch on raised beds. Here is a selection block at the Cunningham Research Station in Kinston, NC.
The plants have tipped over, and are beginning to run.
The plants have begun to flower, and the harvest will begin soon.
There is a lot of variability among the small melons having white skin and white flesh (note: some have green flesh).
Selecting among single plant hills of yellow skinned melons to find an attractive type with sweet taste.