Nunhems® presents a new Santa Claus melon with moderate resistance to the New Delhi virus and continues to expand its Galkia range

“The cornerstone on which Nunhems® varietal development rests has always been, and continues to be, internal quality” asserted José Ramón Naranjo, Melon Sales Specialist at BASF Vegetable Seeds, adding: “Our goal is to introduce varieties with optimum resistance and good storage properties without relinquishing flavour.” Coliseo F1*, the first Santa Claus variety with moderate resistance to the New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), is the proof. “It is a very comprehensive melon”, said Naranjo, who highlighted its production performance, attractive external format and great flavour, in addition to its resistance. Coliseo F1 is recommended for late-season transplants in Almeria (in greenhouses) and La Mancha, as well as early season planting in Murcia. Coliseo F1* was one of the stars of the new edition of the Business Event For Experts on melons and watermelons organized by Nunhems® between 25 June and 4 July at its experimental field station in La Palma (Cartagena), but by no means the only one. The seeds developer introduced a new Santa Claus melon with moderate resistance to the New Delhi virus for late-season transplants in Murcia, the NUN 68307 MEM F1*, a variety of outstanding quality, a high Brix level, attractive external appearance and towards the heavier end of the scale, weighing in at around 3.5 kilos. Toround off the growing cycle in Murcia, Nunhems® also introduced the Salgado F1 for mid-season transplants, a melon that offers excellent production, very uniform fruits towards the heavier end of the scale, excellent flavour and good postharvest performance. With the Coliseo F1* and the NUN 68307 F1*, Nunhems® offers farmers additional assurance at times of the season when there is greater white fly pressure, a carrier of the New Delhi virus. Galkia all year roundKirene F1, Kinder F1, Kinetic F1 and, from this season, Kinium F1* are the varieties that make up the Galkia Galia melon range from Nunhems®. With the aim of extending the harvest window and thus providing the market with high quality Galia melons for as long as possible, the seed producer currently has four varieties in the development phase which also have improved resistance. All of them have the excellent flavour of Kirene F1, the first variety in the Galkia range, which has become a benchmark in the market. Galkia was created with a mission: to deliver better quality consistently. Consequently, the varieties in this range have a very clear ripeness indicator, turning from green to yellow as soon as they reach their optimum cutting point. Nunhems® is now working to continue supporting farmers with the inclusion of new resistance properties without relinquishing the high flavour standard set by Galkia. The watermelon leadersNunhems® has played a key role in the last 20 years in watermelon development, helping to double the area under cultivation of this crop, its exports and per capita consumption figures, which now stands at just over 10 kilos per person per year. Over all these years, both market demand and the typical consumer profile have evolved: there have been changes in the marketing and distribution channel, consumers are more concerned about their health, online sales have increased, etc. However, one thing has remained a constant: consumer demand for high quality. “Our mission is to contribute to more sustainable farming by adding value to every link in the chain, from production through to the end consumer, not forgetting our social and environmental responsibilities,” noted Pere Montón, the Watermelon Account Manager at BASF Vegetable Seeds, who also noted that Nunhems® is a force in all the main market segments: top quality striped and black seedless watermelons, mini, midi and individual portion sizes, and watermelons for processing. In the first of these market segments, Montón highlighted the striped Moon Gem F1 and the Bazman F1 watermelons as well as the black seedless Stellar F1. In the midi watermelon range, the novelty is Kalanda F1*, a pollinator with Premium F1 micro-seeds of between 3 and 4 kilos, while in the individual portion segment the newcomer from Nunhemsâ is the Hiromi F1*, a striped watermelon of between 1.5 and 2.5 kilos. “With Hiromi F1* we are offering farmers a productive variety that is easy to grow, while consumers can expect a small-calibre watermelon with crispy red flesh and a great flavour,” explained Montón. For processing, Nunhems® offers varieties such as the NUN 31609 WMW F1* which addresses industrial needs without relinquishing a great taste experience for consumers. These are crispy, flavoursome watermelons with a deep red flesh. Finally, in the yellow watermelon segment and as a complement to the Pekin F1, this year Nunhems® is presenting the NUN 09003 WMW F1* with a higher calibre that is more suited to processing. * APC granted and currently in the application process for inclusion in the EC Common Catalogue of Vegetable Varieties. About BASFAt BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 122,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €63 billion in 2018. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com. About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions divisionWith a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. Working with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others, it is our role to help make this possible. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline and broad portfolio, including seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control anddigital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we connect innovative thinking and down-to-earth action to create real world ideas that work – for farmers, society and the planet. In 2018, our division generated sales of €6.2 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.