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Melons


Overview

Melons belong to the cucurbit family, which also includes cucumbers. Southern Mexico and Central America are thought to be the source origins of cucurbits. Today’s predominant melon varieties include cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon. For more information about  watermelon, please see the Watermelon profile.

Historically, cantaloupe production accounts for the greatest share of production value. In 2008 the value of U.S. cantaloupe production was $370.8 million, the highest on record since 2003. On the other hand, U.S. honeydew production was valued at $68 million in 2008, the lowest on record since 1992.  (ERS)  June 2009 ... Melons


Other Links

  • Cantaloupe (production, costs, IPM, postharvest), University of California, Davis.
  • Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons, Vegetables, NASS, USDA - This report, issued five times a year, provides data on melons, including area harvested, prospective area, yield and production for major states.
  • Cantaloupe Production in California, Vegetable Research and Information Center, University of California Cooperative Extension, 2008.
  • Enzor Farms, Fair Bluff, North Carolina - This sixth-generation family farm has raised melons and sweet potatoes since 1850. The farm offers cantaloupes as well as watermelons for sale.
  • Food Availability (Per Capita) Data System, ERS, USDA.
  • Larriland Farm, Woodbine, Maryland - This pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farm is owned by Larry and Polly Moore. The  farm has 15-plus acres of vegetables, including cantaloupes. It also has a 14-acre strawberry patch, peach, apple and cherry trees and several types of berries.
  • Melon Profiles, The New American Farmer, Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education (SARE), USDA - Provides profiles of melon producers in New York, North Carolina, Tennessee and Washington.
  • PlantFacts, Ohio State University - This Web site provides a full-text search engine of all extension and academic department information from all land-grant universities in the United States. Additionally, there are significant image and video databases, an FAQ database and a glossary. 
  • South Texas Melons, Marketing Orders, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), USDA.
  • U.S. Trade Internet System, FASonline, USDA.
  • Vegetables Annual Summary, NASS, USDA.
  • Vegetables and Melons, ERS, USDA.
  • Vegetables and Melons Yearbook, ERS, USDA.
  • Weed Control in Cucurbit Crops (muskmelon, cucumber, squash and watermelon), University of Florida, revised 2007 - This research-based University of Florida document contains management practices for the control of weeds.


Links checked June 2009.

 

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