Shelengo (Viranşehir)

Viranşehir şelengosu (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis) is an endemic plant species belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family and is unique to the Viranşehir district of Şanlıurfa province. This vegetable, also known as "encûr" in Kurdish by the local population, is cultivated exclusively in the Viranşehir Plain in Türkiye.

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The plant exhibits a prostrate growth habit, spreading horizontally along the soil surface and developing lateral branches. During the seedling stage, the hypocotyl is of medium length and the cotyledons are large and light green. The leaves are of medium size, with strongly bubbled surfaces, prominent serrations along the margins, and distinct waviness. The flowers are monoecious with a yellow coloration.

The fruit morphology shows distinct changes during development stages; in its early formation phase, it resembles a watermelon and a mango, but upon full maturity it assumes the structure of a cantaloupe. Fruits are generally oval, flattened oval, or elliptical in shape. Technical measurements indicate a fruit weight ranging from 46 to 156 grams, a diameter of 4 to 8 cm, and a length of 5 to 8 cm.

The ground color of fresh fruits varies from light green to dark green and features secondary colors distributed as spots and blotches. As fruits ripen, the ground color turns yellow or yellowish-green, while the flesh takes on a cream-white hue. The flavor profile varies with developmental stage: immature fruits have a cucumber-like taste, while ripe fruits develop a cantaloupe aroma.

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This variety demonstrates high tolerance to heat and drought and is typically cultivated in Viranşehir’s climate conditions using fertilizer-free and water-deficient farming methods. Sowing is carried out in May and harvesting takes place in July.

Studies have recorded an average yield of 1,500 kilograms per decare, with an average of 12 fruits harvested per plant in a single growing season. Due to its physiological structure, the fruit has a very short shelf life and must be consumed within two to three days after harvest.

The fruit is consumed in various ways: eaten fresh, and also used as a raw ingredient in pickles, stuffed dishes, salads, and cacık. It can be consumed with its skin intact. Regional folk medicine observations indicate that şelengosu has blood sugar-lowering and blood detoxifying properties, while bitter genotypes are used in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema.

To preserve its genetic heritage and enhance its economic value, the Southeastern Anatolia Project Agricultural Research Institute (GAPTAEM) has conducted breeding and local variety registration studies since 2017. Technical evaluations of seven distinct genotypes from the region led to the official registration of one variety as a local variety by the Directorate of Seed Registration and Certification under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Additionally, to protect its commercial value and affirm its local identity, an application has been submitted to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office for geographical indication registration.