Black-Skinned Melon Developed in Indonesia Boasts Two-Month Shelf Life, Export Potential

A novel melon variety with a striking appearance and remarkable longevity has been developed in Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Unlike typical melons with green, yellow, or golden skin, this new candidate boasts a deep black rind and a vibrant orange flesh. Developed by Astrid Ika Paramitha, a doctoral student in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology at Universitas Brawijaya, the melon's key advantage lies not only in its unique color but also in its exceptional shelf life, which can extend up to 60 days, or two months. This extended durability makes it a strong contender for export markets, as it allows for a longer distribution window. Physically, the melon features flesh approximately 3.5 centimeters thick, weighs between 1.3 to 1.5 kilograms, and has a diameter of around 13 centimeters. Its sweetness reaches 15 Brix. Achieving a balance between sweetness and shelf life is a significant challenge, as higher sugar content typically accelerates spoilage. The development process involved using seeds sourced from abroad as research material. These seeds underwent gamma irradiation treatment at various dosages in the laboratory of the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) to create genetic diversity for selection. Significant changes emerged in the third generation of mutations (M3). From approximately 1,300 new genetic variations, researchers selected unique characteristics to be transferred to the production area. Further testing was conducted in the greenhouses of the Madu Kismo Farmer Group in Permanu Village, Pakisaji, Malang. Out of 1,500 seeds sown, only one type yielded black fruit, a rare finding that has been further developed. Previously, researchers at Universitas Gadjah Mada had also produced the Tacapa Green Black, a melon developed since 2009, which features a dark green or blackish rind. Source: Mongabay Indonesia