Scientists at national research authority Inta’s station in Colon have been working on the trial since last year and have narrowed the selection process down to seven, from the 15 planted out in field trials, that have adequate sugar levels to appeal to the European market.
“We are focusing primarily on the EU market, as with a 25-day journey we feel that if we can get our product to arrive in Europe, we can get it to arrive anywhere,” said agronomist Juan Valiente, who is leading the project.
“We would normally pick with more than 16° brix for the local market, but have been looking at picking fruit at 14° to withstand the journey time,” he said.
The melons are being trialled in south-eastern Argentina and the Entre Rios area, which is well known for citrus.
So far, the earliest varieties have been harvested at the end of December, with later varieties starting their harvest in early January.
Valiente’s team is working on Galia, Cantaloupe, Piel de Sapo and Honeydew hybrids. “What we are looking at now is post-harvest techniques to ensure that our fruit has the necessary shelf life,” added Valiente.
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