Karahallı Melon

It is a local watermelon variety unique to the Karahallı district of Uşak province. This agricultural product, protected under registration number 1359, has fully adapted to the region’s soil and climatic conditions and developed distinctive characteristics. Scientifically classified under the species Cucumis melo, this watermelon is also known locally by various names such as Karahallı Düğleği, Cemile Düğleği, Cezik Kavunu, or Çoban Almaz. The geographical indication registration of the product was granted on 22 May 2023 following an application by the Karahallı Municipality.

This watermelon is typically small to medium in size (2–6 kg) and has a shape ranging from slightly round to oval. It has a thin rind with a yellow-green color. On the outer surface of the rind, irregular white veins and irregular green streaks on a yellow background (a mottled appearance) can be observed. The flesh inside is a tone ranging from orange to light yellow.

Its key physical and chemical properties are as follows:

• The content of water-soluble dry matter (WSDM), an indicator of high sugar levels, ranges between 11% and 14%.
• The flesh has a firm and juicy texture with a distinct melon aroma.
• It is a local variety that reproduces through open pollination.
• The maturation period (100–130 days) is longer than that of other watermelon varieties, resulting in a harvest period extending from the second week of August to the third week of September.
• As a plant, it has a robust structure with dense foliage and significant lateral branching.

The production of Karahallı watermelon continues using traditional farming techniques and the preservation of local seeds.

• Soil Preparation: The field is plowed to a depth of 25–30 cm during autumn months. A second tillage in February or March prepares the soil for planting.
• Seed Sowing: Seeds obtained from the previous year’s harvest are stored in a cool, shaded environment. Planting is carried out between 23 April and 6 May, depending on weather conditions.
• Planting Method: On leveled fields, planting holes are arranged with 1.5–2 meters between rows and 1 meter between plants. The bottom of each hole is filled with soil mixed with manure. After placing 3–4 seeds in each hole, the seeds are covered with a layer of fertilized soil approximately 2.5 times the seed’s own thickness.
• Thinning: When seedlings emerge and develop 2–3 true leaves, thinning is performed along with weeding. Excess plants are removed by cutting or breaking them at the base to avoid damaging the root system.
• Cultural Practices:
• • Irrigation: Rainfall during April and May is generally sufficient, so no additional irrigation is applied during planting. The plant requires water during its growth and fruit maturation stages.
  • Weeding: Weeding is performed 3–4 times until the vines begin to spread outward. The first weeding is done when the plant has 2–3 leaves, and each weeding is followed by hilling (mounding soil around the base of the plant). Since roots are near the surface, weeding must not be done deeply.
  • Fertilization: No additional fertilization is applied during the growing season beyond the manure incorporated into the planting holes at sowing.
  • Pruning: To produce higher quality and larger fruits, terminal pruning (pinching off the growing tip) and fruit thinning are carried out after the fourth or fifth leaf on each main shoot to prevent excessive vine growth.
• Harvesting: Harvesting begins in the second week of August and continues until the third week of September. Maturity is indicated by the drying of the two small ear-like structures at the point where the fruit stem connects to the vine, and by the rind developing a brighter color. Harvesting is done by twisting the fruit stem or cutting it with a knife or scissors.
• Storage and Transport: After harvest, watermelons are sorted by weight and placed in local baskets known as “küfe”, “keleter”, or “bağbozan”. Due to its thin rind, careful handling is required during transport; they must be transported only in single layers in special crates without stacking. These watermelons can be stored for approximately 10 days at temperatures between 20°C and 40°C.

The geographical boundary for the cultivation of Karahallı watermelon encompasses the areas of Karahallı district in Uşak province at elevations between 905 and 1036 meters.

Monitoring is conducted by a minimum three-member inspection body composed of experts from the Karahallı Municipality, the Karahallı District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Karahallí Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the coordination of the Karahallı Municipality.

Inspections are carried out regularly once a year, and may also be conducted whenever deemed necessary or upon complaint. The inspection body verifies compliance with the production method, including seed sourcing, planting, cultivation period, cultural practices, harvesting, and storage conditions. It is also responsible for monitoring the proper use of the designation Karahallı watermelon and the “Place of Origin” emblem.