Today we sowed watermelon seeds for our summer breeding fields. Watermelon appreciates hot weather, so we take advantage of the climate and space (at the Hort Farm) that summer provides. This year we have three fields for our breeding program. In the Single Plant Field we will select fruit for various traits, including taste and rind pattern; these selections will then be cloned and brought to our greenhouse to breed. Our Advanced Field is planted with later generations (F7, BC1F5, etc) from our breeding lines, which means they're a little closer to being released to the public. The Diversity Field helps us learn more about the cultivars we use for breeding, such as Crimson Sweet and Charleston Gray. This year we also planted many other delicious varieties, such as Orangeglo, Cracker Jack, and Hopi Yellow. This field is an end-of-summer reward for everyone's hard work. Can't wait to taste some watermelon in July!
