New melon varieties for greenhouses have been created — export-oriented and high-yielding

In Uzbekistan, scientific research in the agricultural sector is reaching a new stage — the Ministry of Agriculture has reported that high-yielding, disease-resistant, and export-potential melon varieties are being created in the melon-growing sector.

The breeding work carried out by scientists from the Research Institute of Vegetables, Melons and Potatoes is based on modern approaches and innovative technologies. They are conducting research to create F1 hybrids suitable for greenhouse cultivation.

Within the framework of the research, more than 30 local and foreign genetic collections, as well as about 10 breeding lines, are being thoroughly studied. The most promising varieties are selected based on climate adaptability, yield, and market demand.

It is noted that growing melons in greenhouses not only enables efficient land use, but also makes it possible to double yields. For example, by placing 10–12 thousand seedlings per hectare, up to 60 tons of quality crop can be harvested.

Furthermore, if irrigation, fertilization, and disease control measures are carried out on time, the quality of the product will be even higher. This makes it possible to supply the population with delicious and healthy melons even outside the regular season.

In addition, early-harvest melons grown in greenhouses are expected to be competitive in the domestic market and in high demand in foreign markets as well. All this is turning the melon-growing sector into a profitable and stable branch.

For information, 24 million dollars have been allocated in Uzbekistan for seed production and expansion of gene banks. In 2023, scientists of this institute also created a new potato variety called “Tashkent Early” — which is also adapted to our climate and is early-maturing.

The varieties created as a result of scientific research serve not only to develop the agricultural sector, but also make a great contribution to ensuring national food security. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!