Water scarcity is one of the greatest challenges for agriculture in Chile and globally, significantly impacting fruit crop production. Watermelon, a crop with high water demands, has been especially affected by dwindling water resources. To address this issue, scientists at the Center for Advanced Studies in Fruit Growing (CEAF) in the O’Higgins Region are developing genetic improvement strategies to enhance the crop’s drought tolerance.
One of the most promising strategies in this research is the use of rootstocks from Lagenaria siceraria, a watermelon-related species known for its higher tolerance to water stress. Through detailed studies, researchers have identified Chilean ecotypes of this species with an exceptional ability to retain water and minimize transpiration, which could enhance the drought tolerance of watermelons grafted onto these rootstocks.
Dr. Guillermo Toro, CEAF researcher and project leader, explains that the selected ecotypes originate from various regions of Chile and have demonstrated remarkable water-use efficiency. Their potential application in watermelon cultivation marks a significant advancement for the agricultural industry, enabling farmers to sustain crop quality and productivity even in areas with limited water resources, according to a press release.
Adaptation Mechanisms and Water Efficiency
This research goes beyond selecting rootstocks — it also explores the mechanisms that enable these plants to withstand drought. In collaboration with institutions in Denmark and Spain, scientists have found that Lagenaria siceraria genotypes develop root barriers that minimize water loss while optimizing absorption. Additionally, these ecotypes exhibit an impressive ability to adjust their metabolism in response to water scarcity.
Impact on the Agricultural Industry
Integrating drought-resistant rootstocks into watermelon production could revolutionize how this fruit is grown in Chile. With many farming regions facing irrigation restrictions, producers are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions to maintain crop profitability.
This breakthrough in genetic improvement not only ensures production under water-stressed conditions but also reduces reliance on inputs such as fertilizers and water, promoting a more sustainable agricultural model.
Future Outlook and Challenges
The CEAF research team continues to assess the performance of these rootstocks under various growing conditions to develop specific recommendations for commercial production. The next phase involves large-scale field trials on farms in the O’Higgins Region and other key watermelon-producing areas, validating the laboratory and controlled-environment findings.
Beyond watermelons, these discoveries could benefit other fruit crops facing similar water scarcity challenges. The integration of genetic improvement and agronomic management strategies may play a crucial role in helping Chilean fruit production adapt to climate change and increasing water limitations.
This research is supported by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID), the Regional Government of O’Higgins, and collaborations with renowned international universities.
Ultimately, CEAF’s work represents a significant step toward more resilient and resource-efficient agriculture, offering long-term benefits for both producers and consumers.
