[Convenient New Feature: ARCHIVE of All Articles]
MELON BALLS
Watermelons have always been a tricky crop for greenhouse and vertical farming systems, primarily because of the extensive vine growth and the large size of the fruit, but one mother-daughter duo may have found a solution to this problem.
Using chemical mutation approach, they managed to reduce the size of watermelons to that of chicken eggs, without altering their main characteristics.
“In preliminary observations, the fruits retain sweet flavor, red and orange flesh types, and sufficient firmness for handling,” high-school student Delaney Raptis said. “The objective was to minimize fruit size while maintaining the characteristics expected by consumers and supply chains.”
Young researcher Delaney Raptis and her mother began their unique breeding program in 2021, with the goal of producing ultra-small fruit.
After several generations, they have reduced the size of watermelons from several kilograms to approximately 80 to 200 grams, with some no larger than chicken eggs.
The main goal of the breeding program was to make watermelon crops viable in high-density greenhouse systems and vertical farms, where maximizing output per square meter is a priority.
The reduced fruit size also reduces food waste and is sure to be a hit with the single-portion fruit market.
Multiple generations have been grown to rate the stability of the ultra-small fruit trait.
"We have observed consistent reduced fruit size across several generations. Trait stability remains a key focus as the fruit is further developed."
Consistency is essential for commercial production.
The two horticulturists noticed that the seeds of their miniature watermelons are considerably smaller than those of regular-sized fruits.
So, watermelons may now join the ranks of apples and oranges in kids’ lunch boxes.
But will the rind be edible like apple skin or just bio-waste like oranges? The research is silent on that point.
SOURCE: odditycentral.com
LEARNING TOOLS
English questions about this article or about English in general?
Ask Teacher Jack at: asktjack1@gmail.com
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PAGES:
ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW AT
Offbeat English
https://linggle-offbeatenglish.blogspot.com/