made possible selection of an extremely early-ripening, green-fleshed melon 

 somewhat like a honeydew. The ripe melons have smooth golden rind and 

 weigh about one pound. They mature ten days before the Granite State 

 Muskmelon. The new melon has been named Nectarmelon. While having 

 some of the flavor of a honeydew, it is quite distinct from an ordinary 

 honeydew. When ripe the fruit separates from the stem like a muskmelon 

 rather than remaining attached to the stem as does the honeydew. Both in 

 New Hampshire and other northern states, Nectarmelon has been the first 

 variety of all to ripen. The early ripening habit may be associated Avith 

 relatively poor production of viable seeds, particularly during a cool sum- 

 mer in northern states such as occurred in 1956. A poor season for seed 

 production has delayed increase of the Nectarmelon for release by the 

 seed trade. Because of its extreme earliness and convenient small size, 

 Nectaremelon should appeal particularly to home gardeners in the north 

 who have difficulty in ripening melons. 



Nectarmelon, a honeydew type which will mature in very short growing seasons. 



Other Muskmelon Breeding 



While the Nectarmelon is a satisfactory and desirable fruit, a larger melon 

 of the honeydew type would be better for market. No variety of the honey- 

 dew is sufficiently early to mature most years in the northeastern states 

 from seeds planted directly in the field. Nectarmelon was, therefore, back- 

 crossed with Jaune Canaire. Third generation plants have been grown in 

 the field and some fine high quality honeydew melons up to six pounds in 



16 



