Bao Weihong and her Haimi muskmelons. [Photo provided by Huang Tianling to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Recognizing germplasm resources as the key to the development of modern agriculture, the Haimen Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Nantong has brought in over 200 variations over the past two decades, developing the renowned Haimi muskmelon agricultural brand.

Bao Weihong, deputy director of the Haimen Institute of Agricultural Sciences, has worked in the institute for nearly 30 years. From the germplasm resources, she has discovered a gene capable of simplifying hybrid seed production.

Through years of research, Bao has cultivated over 300 stable inbred lines from the 200 variations of germplasm resources, making a key contribution to the development of Haimi muskmelons.

With the inbred lines, Bao and her team have bred 10 kinds of Haimi muskmelons, with each new strand an upgrade over its predecessor.

Haimi muskmelon. [Photo provided by Huang Tianling to en.nantong.gov.cn]

The Haimi No 9 muskmelon features a dark green peel, crisp pulp, and high yields, and is easy to store and transport. The latest Haimi No 10 muskmelon, meanwhile, not only possesses an improved flavor, but also grows fast and boasts a high commercial value, with output value per mu reaching 15,000 yuan ($2,062.54).

In their work with melon breeding, Bao and her team stick to the mantra that farming requires a persistent heart and a quiet heart.

They understand that the improvement and innovation of melon varieties cannot be separated from the in-depth research of germplasm resources. At present, they have three new Haimi melon varieties in the breeding process. They have high hopes for making Haimi melons stronger in the future to help increase the income of more local farmers, according to Bao.