Dongming Watermelon

Dongming Watermelon

Dongming Watermelon is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Dongming Watermelon is an agricultural product geographical indication.

　　Dongming County is one of the watermelon production bases in Shandong Province and enjoys a longstanding reputation. In 1959, an exceptionally large watermelon was produced, shaped like a stone roller and weighing 51.5 kilograms. After being exhibited at the Henan Agricultural Exhibition Hall, it gained national fame. In 1968, another giant watermelon weighing 53 kilograms was grown and hailed as the "Watermelon King" of China. In 1981, farmers in Liumaitun Village grew a "Dragon-Phoenix Watermelon" plant that bore 14 melons with a total weight of over 80 kilograms, setting a national record for the most fruit per plant. In 1986, among the three top-quality watermelons evaluated at Shandong Province’s first watermelon competition, Dongming’s "Zhengzhou No. 3" ranked first and "Zhongyu No. 6" ranked third. In 1987, at the province’s second watermelon competition, Dongming’s "Zhongyu No. 6" was again named a "Top-Quality Product," while "Zhongyu No. 1" and "Yixuan" were rated as provincial quality products.

　　Dongming has a long history of watermelon cultivation and has accumulated rich experience in farming techniques. In recent years, many superior varieties have been introduced along with scientific cultivation methods. By combining early, mid, and late-season varieties, the harvest period has been advanced from mid-July to mid-May, and the supply can last until the end of November. Among more than 30 traditional varieties, Liutiaoqing (also known as "Sanyi"), Hetaowen, Sanbai, Shuangbai, and Shoujintiao are known for their large size, sweet taste, and good storage and transport qualities. Newer premium varieties such as Zhongyu No. 6, Jiali, Zhengzhou No. 3, Luofeilin, Yixuan, Xin Hongbao, and Xincheng feature fine flesh, minimal fiber, and sugar content of 10–13.2%, making them top-tier watermelons.

　　In 1986 and 1987, the county’s watermelon planting area reached 80,000 mu each year, with an annual output of 3.5 billion jin (1.75 million tons), averaging 2,000 kg per mu, and peaking at over 6,500 kg per mu. In addition to meeting local demand, large quantities were transported to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Jinan.

　　The area around Suzhai Village in Matou Town, Dongming County, Heze City, Shandong Province, is a famous watermelon production base. Located 23 kilometers south of Dongming County, this region is part of what the State Council designated in 1995 as China’s first "Hometown of Watermelon." The area has a perennial planting area of 400,000 mu, yielding 1.2 billion kg annually and generating sales revenue of over 500 million yuan. This single crop contributes nearly 1,000 yuan to the per capita income of local farmers. Major watermelon varieties in Dongming include large-seeded, black-skinned types such as the Bianza series, Yuyi 2000, Zhonghua Quanwang, Heijubà, Dongyan No. 8, Kaiza No. 18, and Dongming Heida’ge. These are high-round black-skinned watermelons, each weighing over 10 jin (5 kg), known for their premium quality, safety, tough rinds for storage and transport, and sugar content of around 12 degrees. They are mainly harvested from July to the end of August, with key producing towns including Matou, Xiao Jing, Datun, and Sanchun.

　　Newly introduced and cultivated hybrid watermelon varieties offer even better quality. Since Shandong’s first watermelon competition in 1986 and the first national watermelon quality evaluation in 1991, these varieties have consistently earned accolades—winning the top prize four times, placing second or third six times, and receiving provincial or ministerial-level quality awards for eight varieties. On August 12, 1998, the National Green Food Development Center certified Dongming Watermelon as Grade A green food (LB-07-980115211). In 1999, it won a gold medal at the Kunming World Horticultural Exposition. In 2000, the "Dongming Hong" watermelon trademark was registered. Dongming’s watermelon offerings now feature a strong variety system led by large-seeded, black-skinned types, supplemented by striped and seedless varieties. The production model emphasizes summer planting with peak supply in July and August, complemented by early spring, delayed autumn, and winter off-season cultivation—resulting in year-round fresh supply. Large scale, premium quality, strong branding, and robust sales have become the four defining strengths of Dongming Watermelon. Currently, the county has six wholesale markets covering over 100 mu each, with peak daily supply reaching nearly 2.5 million kg.

　　Thanks to its location on the Yellow River alluvial plain, vast sandy loam soil, irrigation from high-quality Yellow River water, favorable climate conditions, superior watermelon varieties, and over a thousand years of cultivation history combined with continuously introduced advanced farming techniques, Dongming Watermelons are known for their sweet, refreshing taste, pure flavor, attractive appearance, and excellent marketability. They have long been famed for their premium quality and enjoy the reputation of being "the best under heaven." Traditional local varieties are especially celebrated for their large size. In 1994, a single plant grown by a farmer in Matou Town produced 28 watermelons weighing a total of 167.8 kg (reported by the DaZhong Daily on August 30, 1994, under the headline "Dongming Discovers a 'Watermelon King'"), setting three national records: largest single watermelon, most fruit per plant, and highest yield per plant.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographic indication area for "Dongming Watermelon" agricultural products spans between 114°58′–115°15′ east longitude and 34°59′–35°11′ north latitude. It includes administrative regions of Datun Town, Matou Town, and Xiao Jing Township. The terrain gently slopes from southwest to northeast, with elevations ranging from 54.5 to 66.5 meters. The total production area is 6,667 hectares, yielding 300,000 tons annually and generating 200 million yuan in income.

　　Natural Ecological Environment and Humanistic Historical Factors

　　(1) Soil and Topography: The protected area for "Dongming Watermelon" lies within historical Yellow River courses and flood zones, forming a unique alluvial plain landscape dominated by sandy loam. The natural environment is highly suitable for watermelon growth: the land is flat (with an average slope of about 1/5000), has deep soil layers, and consists of breathable, well-draining sandy loam that promotes deep root growth, enhancing drought resistance and nutrient absorption. The soil’s low heat capacity allows rapid daytime warming and early spring thawing, while fast nighttime cooling creates a large diurnal temperature range that aids root development, mineral uptake, and sugar accumulation—boosting both yield and quality. The soil is also potassium-rich, with average nutrient levels: organic matter 0.62%; total N 0.051%, available N 54 ppm; available P 4 ppm, available K 112 ppm. The high potassium content significantly improves flavor and sugar content, laying an ideal foundation for premium watermelon production in Dongming.

　　(2) Hydrology: The area has abundant water resources and shallow groundwater. The underground water is weakly mineralized, and

　　the region benefits uniquely from Yellow River irrigation (with 124 li of accessible riverfront). Nutrient-rich Yellow River water enhances irrigation efficacy compared to regular well water, playing a key role in developing premium watermelon quality. Average groundwater depth is 1.5–2 meters, and watermelon roots can reach about 1.5 meters into the soil, allowing direct use of groundwater to meet growth needs. Thus, even without additional irrigation, watermelons can generally achieve optimal moisture levels for high-quality, high-yield production.

　　(3) Climate: The climate is highly favorable. Watermelons thrive in sunny, warm conditions with large diurnal temperature variations. Dongming has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate with mild weather, moderate rainfall, and distinct seasons. The annual average temperature is 13.6°C, with a total accumulated temperature of 5,136°C and an effective accumulated temperature above 10°C of 4,584.9°C. The average frost-free period is 222 days, with frost typically ending by March 24 (with an 80% assurance rate). Spring warms up quickly—the average temperature stabilizes above 0°C by February 19 and above 10°C by April 5, 3–15 days earlier than neighboring counties. The daily temperature range averages 10.3°C. During late spring and early summer (April–June), days with a diurnal range over 10°C average 63 days (69.2% of the period), and those exceeding 15°C total 24 days (26.4%), greatly aiding sugar accumulation. Annual sunshine duration averages 2,440 hours (55% of possible), with particularly abundant light in May–July (totaling 739 hours monthly, averaging ~250 hours, peaking at 270 hours)—ensuring robust growth and premium quality.

　　(4) Humanistic History: Historical records indicate that watermelons were introduced to China’s Xinjiang region from Iran around 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty, then spread inland during the Five Dynasties period (907–960 CE)—a history spanning over 1,000 years. Among early inland cultivation areas, "Dongling" was the earliest, largest, and highest-quality growing region. A poem reads: "Plucking melons in the rain o’er two mu I toil, / What say you, old man of Dongling? / I’ve found a wondrous Western strain, / Its spotted rind like tadpole script." Where was Dongling? Research suggests it lay east of the Northern Song capital Dongjing (modern Kaifeng, Henan), on sand dunes or sandy soils formed by Yellow River floods—terrain known for large diurnal temperature ranges and ample sunlight, ideal for transplanting watermelons. Dongming sits at the heart of such terrain, indicating Dongling likely referred to the Yellow River–adjacent region centered on Dongming. Thus, Dongming’s over 1,000-year watermelon cultivation history dates back to the Song and Jin dynasties.

　　For millennia, the people of Dongming have viewed watermelon farming as a symbol of a better life, laboring diligently

　　and continuously exploring to amass rich cultivation expertise. They developed over 30 outstanding local varieties—including Liutiaoqing, Shoujintiao, Shiba Tiancao, Sanbai, and Heirenqing—and trained numerous skilled growers. Around the 1970s, over 3,000 Dongming melon farmers annually traveled to other regions to grow watermelons, leaving their mark from Heilongjiang in the east to Xinjiang in the west, Inner Mongolia in the north, and Hainan Island in the south. Even Beijing’s famous Daxing Panggezhuang watermelon hub saw early development led by renowned Dongming grower Dai Huidian and his apprentices. The Dongming people have made outstanding contributions to national watermelon production and created a storied legacy in specialty watermelon agriculture.

　　Production Technical Requirements

　　(1) Site Selection and Special Provisions: Watermelon should be grown in sandy loam or loamy soil plots with higher elevation, convenient drainage and irrigation, deep soil layers, loose and fertile texture. Avoid using plots previously planted with peanuts or legumes. The soil must be well-drained, deep, fertile, and loose (sandy loam or chernozem), with organic matter content above 2% and pH around 7.

　　(2) Variety Selection and Specific Requirements: Choose varieties with strong stress resistance, high yield, and premium quality—such as 8424 and Hongfeng—with purity no less than 95%, cleanliness no less than 98%, germination rate above 90%, and moisture content no higher than 12%.

　　(3) Production Process Management: Typically, strong seedlings are raised in small arch sheds. Sow when the daily average temperature stabilizes at 15°C and shed temperature reaches 25°C. From sowing to emergence, maintain sealed warmth with bed temperature at 30–35°C; once over 50% of seeds emerge, reduce temperature to 20–25°C (day) and 15–17°C (night). After the first true leaf unfolds, adjust to 25–30°C (day) and 17–20°C (night). From 4–5 true leaves until one week before transplanting, lower temperature further to harden seedlings and increase ventilation. Use high ridges (ridge spacing 70 cm, height 15–20 cm). Transplant when the daily average temperature stabilizes at 10–13°C: early crops in early May (small arch sheds), mid-season in mid-to-late May, and late crops from July 15–20. Spacing: for single-row planting (small high ridges, 15 cm height, 70 cm width, 15 cm ridge surface, 0.5 m × 1.4 m plant spacing, 1:1 pattern), or double-row planting (small high beds, 15–20 cm height, 50 cm top width, 60–80 cm bottom width, 0.5 m × 1.4 m spacing, vines crawling in opposite directions, 2:2 pattern). Density: 800–1,000 plants per mu. As vines elongate, increase fertilizer—apply 600 kg well-rotted cake fertilizer and 20 kg biological bacterial fertilizer (containing Bacillus, Actinomycetes, etc.) per mu during intertillage.

　　Spray 2 kg edible high-calcium milk powder per mu on leaves from fruit-setting to pre-enlargement. During fruit enlargement, apply 8 kg edible soybean oil per mu and 15 kg potassium sulfate foliar fertilizer. Prune to two main vines, retaining the second female flower on the main vine, pinching tips after 10 leaves, and removing lateral shoots promptly. Press vines after fruit set. Hand-pollinate using morning (6–9 AM) open male flowers to boost fruit set. For the main vine’s second female flower, cushion and turn fruits to ensure uniform shape and color. Integrate pest control via agricultural, physical, and biological methods; prohibit high-toxic chemicals, rotate low-toxic approved pesticides, and strictly follow safety intervals.

　　(4) Harvest, Post-Harvest Handling: Pick when fruits show variety-specific maturity traits—typically 35–40 days post-pollination for seeded types, 42–45 days for seedless. Sample-test for pesticide residues and sugar content before harvest. Grade and package fruits; store temporarily in cool, dry, ventilated areas if needed.

　　(5) Production Records: Accurately document inputs (especially fertilizers and pesticides)—including names, sources, usage, dosages, application/stopping dates, harvest dates, quality tests, and sales. Retain records for two years.

　　Product Quality Characteristics and Safety Standards

　　(1) External Sensory Traits: Fruits develop normally, intact, free of damage, fresh, and clean; exhibit typical shape, color, and striping for the variety; show no mold, rot, off-odors, or pests/diseases.

　　(2) Internal quality indicators: For large melons, the rind thickness should be less than 1 cm, and for small melons, less than 0.3 cm. Large melons (single fruit weight greater than 5 kg) should have a central sugar content of more than 10.5 degrees, while small melons (single fruit weight less than 2.5 kg) should have a central sugar content of more than 11.5 degrees.

　　(3) Safety requirements: Watermelons entering the market must meet the hygiene standards for "Pollution-Free Food Watermelon" (NY5109-2005) issued by the Ministry of Agriculture (see table below). Those falling under the circumstances specified in Article 33 of the "Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law" shall not be sold on the market.

　　Hygiene standards for pollution-free food watermelons

　　No. Hazardous Substance Name Standard/(mg/kg)

　　1 Dimethoate ≤1.0

　　2 Phoxim ≤0.05

　　3 Pirimicarb ≤1.0

　　4 Fenvalerate ≤0.2

　　5 Deltamethrin ≤0.2

　　6 Cypermethrin ≤1.0

　　7 Carbendazim ≤0.5

　　8 Arsenic (as As) ≤0.5

　　9 Fluorine (as F) ≤0.5

　　10 Nitrite and Nitrate ≤4.0

　　Note 1: Export products shall be tested according to the requirements of the importing country.

　　Note 2: In accordance with the "Regulations on the Administration of Pesticides of the People's Republic of China," highly and extremely toxic pesticides are prohibited from being used in watermelon production and must not be detected.

　　Note 3: Watermelon producers shall voluntarily report the types of pesticides used when their produce is tested. Refusal, concealment, or false reporting will result in the product being deemed non-compliant.

　　Packaging, labeling, and related regulations

　　Watermelons of the same variety, with regular shape, uniform size, and consistent appearance are considered qualified. Those with small or deformed shapes, mechanical damage, or pest and disease damage are deemed unqualified and handled separately. Packaging materials must comply with national mandatory technical specifications. Before packaging, each watermelon shall be bagged, then placed in packaging bags or boxes. The packaging must indicate the geographical indication of the agricultural product: "Dongming Watermelon."