Central Queensland University (CQU) will host up to 25 members of the Australian Melon Association at a growers workshop at CQU Rockhampton on Monday 16 August.

The purpose of the meeting is to enable Central Queensland growers in the local $4million-melon-market to review the latest research on rockmelon production and become familiar with industry marketing programs, funding and strategic plans.

CQU - a pioneer in agricultural sorting technology that differentiates produce by how good it tastes on the inside, not by how it looks on the outside - currently conducts research on a wide range of fruits and vegetables, including melons, so farmers and producers can increase their chances of growing and harvesting guaranteed-quality fruits and vegetables.

CQU's Dr Kerry Walsh and his team of researchers use a technique called Near Infrared spectroscopy to determine the sweetness of intact melons. They're also working on mandarins to help detect the problem of dryness before the skin is peeled and even potatoes to make better chips. CQU's PhD candidate Robert Long has undertaken work on the national melon agronomy program, looking at how to grow sweeter fruit.

The total value of the melon industry in Australia is approximately $80 million, according to the Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers Ldt., and Central Queensland represents 5% of national production.

There are about 25 melon farmers in CQ who grow watermelon, rockmelon and honeydew in Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Biloela, Emerald, Thangoo and Wowan.

"This is a good opportunity for local growers to be updated on current research and industry activities," said Melon Industry Development Officer Joanna Embry.

Presenters at the workshop include Miss Embry, Chairman of Australian Melon Association Judy Greensill and researcher Gordon Rogers of Applied Horticulture Research.