Soil Wealth ICP team member, Umberto Calvo, recently participated in a study tour of the US melon industry, alongside a group of Australian growers, supply chain operators, and research providers. Organised by Melons Australia, the tour focused on exploring cutting-edge innovations in breeding, post-harvest technologies, and biosecurity practices in California, a key region for US melon production.
Before the official tour began, the group visited the USDA-ARS station in Salinas, California, where they gained valuable insights into current research on viral diseases affecting cucurbits – many of which have not yet reached Australia, making biosecurity a key focus.
The main tour kicked off in California’s Central Valley, beginning in the Davis-Woodland area, home to numerous seed companies with laboratories and trial plots. The group also visited the University of California, Davis, to discuss melon diseases and food safety with local experts.
The next leg of the journey took the group south, starting with a visit to a large grower in Manteca, followed by a stop in Fresno to visit a post-harvest technology company developing Modified Atmosphere Packaging for long-haul transport and export.
Key insights for the melon industry
Reflecting on the experience, Umberto emphasised the importance of connecting with Australian growers and understanding their needs in the context of the Australian melon industry.
“I am grateful to Melons Australia for organising such an incredible tour and for having me along,” he said.
Following the study tour, Umberto extended his trip to visit two additional USDA-ARS stations in West Virginia and South Carolina. These visits provided further insights into disease resistance research, genetics, pre-breeding programs, and modern irrigation control solutions.
Umberto noted the similarities between challenges faced by melon growers in the US and Australia.
“Both countries are prone to pest and disease incursions, and limited crop rotation increases the risk of soil-borne pathogens,” he observed.
“USDA researchers and breeders are working hard to develop varieties with improved disease resistance and climate adaptability – traits that are also highly attractive to Australian growers.”
He added: “We’ll be keeping a close eye on future developments and will ensure that relevant information is shared with the Australian melon industry.”
The group visited some of the seed companies headquartered in Davis, CA to look at their labs and greenhouses and talk to their expert breeders about the needs of Australian melon growers.
Top image: The group at one of many variety showcases organised by the seed companies in Woodland, CA, looking at new watermelon genetic lines.
Funding statement
The US Study Tour was funded by Hort Innovation using the melon research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.
Additional travel to USDA-ARS stations was supported using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.
