Breeding and Utilization of Watermelon

Abstract

Watermelon is thought to have originated in the Kalahari Desert and neighboring savanna zones in South Africa. The cultivation of watermelon was depicted in an Egyptian fresco 4000 years ago. Watermelon were introduced to Japan in the early Edo period. Watermelon called “Yamatosuika”, a natural cross between existing varieties and a new variety derived from America, received good publicity in the early Showa period. The Nara Prefecture Agricultural Experimental Station and Mr. Zentaro Hagihara, a private breeder, bred excellent varieties from the Taisho to the Showa period. Recently, using DNA markers based on genomic analysis technology, the breeding of watermelon and genetic purity inspection of F₁ seeds has been performed more efficiently. Watermelon contains citrulline showing vasodilating action and lycopene having antioxidant ability. It is important to develop a method using the ingredients effectively.