|
|
Post by rowan on Jan 8, 2012 4:31:00 GMT -5
Hi everyone. This is the forum I've been looking for for a couple of years - where have you been hiding?
I live in Southern Australia and have developed a passion for growing melons over the last few years. I have always had an interest in genetics and am thinking of doing some breeding next year.
This year has been terrible with low germination rates and hot, dry weather and I am expecting only half my usual melon yields.
Last year I trialled a few Turkish melons because I am interested in the huge genetic variation of their regional melons and am very impressed so far. Some taste glorious and my breeding work will start with them I think but I need to plan a bit more first.
It will be great getting to know you all.
Cheers,
Rowan
|
|
|
|
Post by cortona on Jan 8, 2012 8:10:49 GMT -5
welcome on board Rowan, if you are interested in breeding that is THE place, if you are interested in melons....no better place for you, same for good people, this forum is full, is a gold mine of good people!
enjoy!
|
|
|
|
Post by templeton on Jan 8, 2012 19:42:55 GMT -5
Hi Rowan. Would you like to be more specific about where in the south you are? I think Raymondo in Armidale will be interested in your meloning. I've only grown them once - a volunteer came up during our flood year last year, and actually produced a fruit. So I thought I would actually plant a couple this year. Got in Charentais (ex Diggers), but not setting fruit yet. And lucky you - you can import seed of cucurbits to Aust  . I've been trying to get some other seeds released by AQIS this last week. And as for trying breeding next year - start now and reduce the waiting time by a year - but then I've got little patience  As for melons - you should see the piles of different varieties in Kashgar in western china - melon heaven... T |
|
|
|
Post by 12540dumont on Jan 8, 2012 20:33:03 GMT -5
Alright youse guys from Oz, come clean and tell us the names of these melons.
This is my melon trial year, and I have to know. After all, I'm an inquiring mind.
Welcome here,
Holly
|
|
|
|
Post by templeton on Jan 8, 2012 22:46:58 GMT -5
Holly,
I was in Kashgar 20 years ago, and saw huge piles of all sorts of melons everywherre on the side of the road. No photos - that was back in the 35 mm slide days, and I haven't scanned any of them. Don't have any contacts in western china either.
T
|
|
|
|
Post by castanea on Jan 9, 2012 0:02:46 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by rowan on Jan 9, 2012 0:46:45 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by keen101 (Biolumo / Andrew B.) on Jan 9, 2012 0:53:55 GMT -5
Welcome Rowan, i think you'll fit in great here. I believe i already visited your melon website the other day. melonmaster.yolasite.com/Can't wait to see more Australian and New Zealand Gardeners. You guys always seem to bring a much needed and interesting viewpoint, so i can't wait. |
|
|
|
Post by castanea on Jan 9, 2012 1:21:57 GMT -5
Nice site.
Rowan, how did your Diyarbakir watermelons do?
|
|
|
|
Post by rowan on Jan 9, 2012 3:26:22 GMT -5
Castanea - They are on my grow list for next year, I have only just got the seeds. I wasn't going to grow them because they are too similar to others but I decided to try them anyway since I was getting other seeds from seller anyway.
|
|
|
|
Post by Penny on Jan 9, 2012 11:20:15 GMT -5
Hi there and Welcome.
|
|
|
|
Post by wolfcub on Jan 9, 2012 13:43:12 GMT -5
Welcome Rowan
|
|
|
|
Post by 12540dumont on Jan 9, 2012 14:43:22 GMT -5
Rowan,
Would you like to swap some melon seeds? I especially am interested in your Adabazaar Winter Melon and the Afghan Honeydew. I can send you some Bidwell Casaba or ??
I'm trialing melons in 2012 and I don't have any Turkish melons in the storage melons.
Thanks, Holly
|
|
|
|
Post by atash on Jan 9, 2012 17:07:35 GMT -5
Greetings, Rowan. Can't help with melons; I'm in the wrong climate. But friendly greetings just the same!
|
|
|
|
Post by raymondo on Jan 9, 2012 17:19:57 GMT -5
Welcome Rowan.
I'm in NSW on the Northern Tablelands so a very different climate to yours but I'm a melonomaniac. I've taken a leaf (well, several leaves really) out of Joseph's book and have decided to create a mix of melons suited to my climate. This season I have a mix of green fleshed melons growing which I'm hoping will cross. I planted one orange fleshed melon, Lunéville, that I like a lot in among them and am removing male flowers so that it contributes minimal pollen. Unfortunately we've had a very poor season here, too cool for melons, so I may not get any.
|
|
.
