The history of melon cultivation in China can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty around 2000 BC. At that time, melons were mainly wild varieties. Later, in the Han Dynasty, people began to cultivate and choose melons consciously, and gradually cultivated some high-quality varieties. By the Tang Dynasty, melon varieties were more abundant, and different regions began to cultivate different melon varieties. Now there are many varieties of melons in China, and the varieties and planting techniques have been greatly improved.

Besides, melon has a rich cultural background in China. In ancient poetry, melon is called "the king of melons" and is known as "excellent flavor, cool and refreshing". In modern times, melon is also an important part of China people's daily diet, and melon juice is regarded as one of the best drinks in summer. In a word, China has a long history of cultivating melons with rich varieties, which is also an indispensable part of China people's daily diet.

Plant introduction

Melon belongs to Cucurbitaceae. The stems, branches and petioles of melon are rough and have shallow ditches; Leaf blade is nearly round or kidney-shaped, with white bristles at the top and dense bristles along veins at the bottom; Corolla yellow, lobes ovoid oblong; The skin is smooth and spineless, and the flesh is white, yellow or green; Summer flower and fruit period. Melon is named after its sweet taste, and it is also called Hami melon because of its fragrant smell.

Melon is native to Africa and India, and is mainly distributed in northwest, central and east China. Melon likes warm and sunny environment and is not tolerant to drought, cold and barren; Suitable for loose, fertile and well-drained sandy soil. Melons are generally propagated by seeds, but sometimes by grafting to achieve the purpose of disease resistance and even immunity. China is the primary and secondary origin center of thin-skinned melon, which was introduced to Russia from Central Asia in the12-13rd century and to America from Europe in the early16th century.

The above contents refer to Baidu Encyclopedia-Melon.