Sweeter, juicier watermelons possible with genome info

An international team has managed to sequence the watermelon genome in the hopes that it could help create a sweeter, more nutritious and more disease-resistant fruit.

More than 60 scientists from China, the U.S. and Europe worked together and have published the genome sequence in the journal Nature Genetics.

Due to the domestication and large-scale farming of watermelons, much of the fruits disease-resistant genes were lost.

Researchers examined the genomes of 20 different watermelons and developed what they call a first-generation genetic map for watermelon. This means breeders can now try to produce new crops using genetic information that specifies size, colour and taste among many other factors.

"Decoding the complete genome of the watermelon provided a wealth of information and toolkits to facilitate research and breeding," said Zhangjun Fei of Cornell University and one of the leaders of the project.

The report said domesticated watermelons contained 23,440 genes, about the same as humans.

Watermelon, one of the top five fresh fruits consumed in the world, are believed to have originated in Africa and then cultivated by the Egyptians more than 4,000 years ago.

With China being the No. 1 producer, there are now about 400 varieties in commercial production around the world.

Watermelons contain nutrients such as vitamins A and C and lycopene, a compound which is believed to reduce certain types of cancer.

The genome sequences of the watermelon are publicly available at the Cucurbit Genomics Database.

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Sweeter, juicier watermelons possible with genome info