Watermelon genetic resources in Bulgaria

The local watermelon populations in Bulgaria have been preserved thanks to amateur gardeners and, should they disappear today, they would be considered archaeological artifacts tomorrow. The watermelon accessions in the Bulgarian national collection are derived from expeditions to various parts of the country. They have been supplemented by 94 accessions of foreign origin derived from various countries and from commercial sources. The collection and study were conducted from 1978-1998. Accessions that are promising to growers as well as for breeding purposes have been designated. The list of watermelon cultivars now grown in Bulgaria has been supplemented by new, introduced cultivars.