Enabling the Future of Mechanical Harvest

How BASF | Nunhems is shaping the next generation of melon and watermelon harvesting

As labor scarcity intensifies and cost pressure continues to rise, growers around the world are facing the same pressing question: how can harvesting become more efficient - without compromising quality?

For melons and watermelons, the answer lies in innovation. Mechanical harvesting is no longer a distant vision. It is becoming a necessity.

At BASF | Nunhems, we believe the future of harvesting starts long before the harvest itself. It starts with genetics, designed not only for performance in the field, but for versatility across different conditions, systems, and market needs.

In this interview, our Melon & Watermelon experts Valentina Bracuto (R&D Crop Lead) and Diego Maestre Claramunt (Global Crop Manager) share how targeted breeding and close collaboration with growers and partners are already enabling semi-mechanical harvesting today - and how we are building the genetic foundation for fully mechanical harvesting tomorrow.

Why is mechanical harvesting becoming essential?

Valentina: “Across regions, growers are facing the same reality: labor is becoming harder to find, and manual harvesting is increasingly expensive. At the same time, the market expects consistent quality, reliability, and minimal waste. Mechanical and semi-mechanical harvesting can help address these challenges - but only if varieties are developed to support it.”

Diego: “For melons and watermelons, mechanization is not just about introducing machines. It’s about enabling those machines to work precisely and reliably. That’s only possible when the varieties themselves are designed for it.”

From human intuition to data-driven harvesting

How do traits enable mechanized harvesting?

Diego: “Humans can rely on experience and all their senses - they can see, smell, and feel when fruit is ready. They move carefully through the field, avoiding damage. Machines don’t have that flexibility. They need very clear signals and more uniform conditions to operate effectively.

Today, we are in a transition phase. Fully automated harvesting is not yet here, but semi-mechanical solutions already help improve efficiency in handling, collection, and field operations. Our role is to bridge that gap - by providing varieties that support today’s practices while preparing for tomorrow’s technology.”

Valentina: “That’s why we think in terms of a ‘toolbox.’ Mechanical harvesting doesn’t rely on one single trait. It’s the combination of several characteristics that together make harvesting more efficient, more consistent, and more predictable.”

What is already possible today?

Valentina: “A key requirement for mechanical harvesting is clear ripeness recognition. Machines need a reliable signal to determine when a fruit is ready.

That’s where harvesting indicators come in. They make ripeness visible - not only for growers, but also for machines - ensuring fruit is harvested at the right moment to protect taste and quality.”

Diego: “Another essential trait is holdability - the ability of fruit to maintain firmness and quality after reaching ripeness.

In mechanical harvesting, this is critical. When fruit can remain in optimal condition for longer, growers gain flexibility. It allows more fruits to be harvested in a single pass, reducing the need for multiple field entries and minimizing the risk of damaging unripe fruit.”

Valentina: “Machines inevitably create more physical stress on fruit than manual harvesting. That’s why postharvest robustness is another key focus.

We are developing melons with firmer structure and optimized flesh characteristics, making them more resistant to handling. This helps reduce damage, protect yield, and limit waste.”

Looking ahead: the next step in harvesting innovation

Which traits will shape the future of fully mechanical harvesting?

Valentina: “One of the most transformative traits is fruit setting concentration - when plants flower and set fruit more uniformly.

This allows fruits to ripen at the same time, enabling harvest in a single pass. That’s a major step toward improving efficiency, reducing labor needs, and minimizing field losses.”

Diego: “We are also exploring more future-oriented concepts, such as dwarf plant types. These allow higher planting densities and better compatibility with harvesting systems.”

One thing remains unchanged: taste comes first

Will these innovations impact quality?

Valentina: “For us, taste and quality are non-negotiable. Mechanical harvesting only makes sense if the consumer experience remains excellent.

Our goal is to combine efficiency with flavor, texture, and consumer satisfaction - so growers don’t have to compromise.”

Working together to shape the future

What makes this work exciting?

Diego: “We are not just improving a single characteristic - we are building an entire genetic toolbox for the future of harvesting. That makes this work incredibly dynamic and meaningful.”

Valentina: “And we don’t do this alone. We work closely with growers, partners, and the entire value chain. We learn from each other and develop solutions together - combining genetics with practical field experience and technological innovation.”