Innovation in every Melon
Growers face rising costs and increasing disease pressure, while consumer preferences continue to evolve. At Rijk Zwaan, we respond with innovative melon varieties across all segments, combining efficiency with advanced genetics. Our commitment is to deliver consistent quality, sustainable solutions, and long-term value for growers and partners, ensuring trust and excellence in every melon segment.
All about Melon
Rijk Zwaan is active across a wide range of melon segments from Galia and Charentais to Piel de Sapo and Honey Dew. Our focus is on delivering innovative, high-quality varieties that meet diverse market needs and consumer preferences worldwide. With expertise and passion, we support growers and partners in creating value across every melon segment. Our Melon brands & labels
Ag Defense™
Our Ag Defense melon varieties have high and natural resistance against aphids (Aphis gossypii).
Px Defense™
Px Defense™ melon varieties offer natural, intermediate resistance to powdery mildew, helping growers reduce disease pressure.
Galuna™
Melons in the Galuna™ line have a very good taste and an excellent shelf life.
Looking for advice in your country?
We have Rijk Zwaan locations in more than 30 countries worldwide. Our local representatives are happy to help you. News
Highlights from the Global Melon & Watermelon Event 2026
Over two weeks, Rijk Zwaan’s CED La Palma demonstration centre in Cartagena (Spain) welcomed nearly 300 professionals from across the value chain to discover the latest melon and watermelon solutions and explore new opportunities to drive category growth.
Px Defense in Galuna™: “We succeeded in combining vigour, taste and quality”
At the Global Melon & Watermelon Event in Spain, Rijk Zwaan is presenting two new Galuna™ melon varieties that are also resistant against races 6 and 7 of Podosphaera xanthii (Px). These are exciting times for Breeder Alba Garcia Martinez and her team, who have been intensively involved with the varieties over the past years: “We are very eager to hear growers’ reactions. I believe we have succeeded in selecting Galia melon varieties that combine resistance against powdery mildew with vigour while also meeting our high Galuna standards for taste and quality.” In this Q&A, she answers five questions about the journey so far and the path ahead.
“The power of Px Defense lies in its combination of resistant sources”
Two Galuna™ varieties with Px Defense resistance represent a new solution for melon growers in their battle against powdery mildew. The launch of the new varieties is the result of years-long research, including work by Rijk Zwaan’s Phytopathology Researcher Denis Losdat and Pre-breeder Ingrid Vilmus. Here, they share a glimpse of the complex world of genetic evolution, DNA and markers. “We’re delighted that our research is helping growers to control powdery mildew more naturally.”