Japanese Research Team Develops Longer-Lasting, Export-Friendly Melons with an Eye on Increasing Sales to U.S.

TSUKUBA, Ibaraki — Researchers have engineered a melon that remains fresh for up to a month after harvesting and allows growers to control peak ripeness. Developed by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) in collaboration with Hiroshi Ezura of the University of Tsukuba and startup Sanatech Life Science Co., the melon uses genome editing technology to suppress ethylene production, the gas that causes fruits to soften and spoil.

The technique enables melons to maintain firm rinds and green flesh for a full month after harvest, as opposed to the typical one-week shelf life. This breakthrough could boost long-distance exports, as the fruit would arrive in peak condition. Currently, U.S. exports of Japanese melons are limited to air freight, resulting in low quantities and high costs.

Domestic consumption and production of melons are declining due to aging farmers and a smaller workforce, presenting an opportunity for the new technology to increase sales, especially to markets like Hong Kong and Singapore where exports are already growing. Despite meeting full-scale export standards to the U.S. in 2021, melon producers have faced prohibitive air freight expenses.

Dr. Ryozo Imai, a researcher at NARO, noted that the technology does not impact sugar content, juice volume, or texture. The extended shelf life also minimizes the risk of waste. The melons are set to be sold commercially within three years following government approval and trial cultivations. Kazunori Ishida, a long-time melon farmer, expressed optimism about the new melons' potential to expand U.S. exports, currently limited to just 200 kilograms annually.