The Curious Case of Exploding Watermelons

BEIJINGAgriculture experts believe the use of the growth accelerator forchlorfenuron, combined with sudden rainfall after a dry spell and the type of melon planted, were factors behind thousands of watermelons that burst in the fields of eastern Chinas Jiangsu province earlier this month.

China Central Television reported about 20 farmers in the province lost more than 115 acres of watermelons. The farmers oversprayed their crops with forchlorfenuronwhich is legal under certain quotasin hopes of getting their fruit to market ahead of the peak season and increase their profits. Forchlorfenuron is approved for use on grapes and kiwi in the United States.

According to CCTV, a professor at the China Agricultural University said the watermelon problem showed China needs to clarify its farm chemical standards and supervision to protect consumer health.

Various news outlets reported the watermelons were safe for human consumption, but the majority of farmers fed them to livestock because they were misshapen and discolored.