MELON PRODUCTION IN CHINA
As the biggest producer of melon in the world, China annually produces about 8 million tons on 350,000 ha since 2000. Majority of the melons produced in China are oriental thin skin melons.
Melons are produced in almost all provinces.
There are six melon production zones, and the northwest zone is known for Hami melon and Honeydew melon production.
There are hundreds of cultivars adapted to different production regions.
Hami melon and Honeydew melon are mainly grown in open fields.
Major diseases for melon crop in China are downy mildew, powdery mildew and Phytophthora rot.
Aphis and spider mite also cause serious damage to melon crops.
Most Hami melon and Honeydew melon need to be shipped at least 1,000 km because main markets are big cities in the east and south of China, such as Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing.
Some Hami melons can be stored for several weeks to several months in cool room or underground tunnels.
However, postharvest rots are a big problem during shipment and storage.
Yang, B., Yonghong, G., Chunling, W. and Xuewen, L. (2007). MELON PRODUCTION IN CHINA. Acta Hortic. 731, 493-500
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.731.68
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.731.68
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.731.68
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.731.68
melons (Cucumis melo L.), production, China
English