US Hobby Breeders Develop Egg-Sized Watermelons for Vertical Farming
A family-led breeding effort in Northern Virginia has developed ultra-small watermelon lines suitable for vertical farming and high-density production. Led by high school researcher Delaney Raptis, the project aims to address the challenges posed by traditional watermelon production in controlled environments, such as extensive vine growth and large fruit size. The new watermelon variety produces fruits ranging from 80 to 200 grams, some as small as a chicken egg, which significantly reduces spatial requirements. Despite the size reduction, the fruits maintain key commercial traits such as sweet flavor, firmness, and durable rind, making them compatible with existing postharvest processes. The breeding program began in 2021 using a non-GMO chemical mutation approach, and the ultra-small fruit trait has shown consistent expression across generations. 
