Bayer expands Nunhems watermelon product line

Bayer’s Vegetable Seed Division will officially introduce a new watermelon concept at the Produce Marketing Association’s 2017 Fresh Summit Convention & Expo Oct. 20-21 in New Orleans. The solid dark green ‘Emerald’ Type watermelon will be showcased in booth #4151 along with other vegetable crops and varieties created by the seed company.


The Emerald Type may be new to some in the industry, but varieties in the product line have been successful over the last few years” explains Kike Rossell, Bayer Regional Watermelon Product Specialist, “The Emerald Type varieties have been grown commercially throughout the North and Central America watermelon production regions over the last 3-4 years. They have proven to be consistent varieties from an agronomic standpoint while also providing high brix, excellent flavour, and a firm, crisp texture.”

Growers and shippers agree the “Emerald” work extremely well as the dark green rind makes it stand out from other watermelon varieties. Greg Leger of Leger & Son says, “I’ve had customers request them.” The Georgia based watermelon grower/shipper have grown and sold the Emerald Type for the last few seasons.


The Emerald Type line offers varieties for the fresh and processing markets with 60, 45, and 36 count offerings and a dark red firm-flesh that is desirable for processors. “After the success we’ve seen the last few years, we knew it was time to promote the Emerald Type in a big way to the industry.” continues Rossell, “We are excited about the potential of the varieties for our customers.”

Bayer will be exhibiting their Nunhems product line at the Fresh Summit Convention and Expo in booth #4151