Growth Chemical Blamed for Bursting Watermelons in China

Watermelons have reportedly been bursting on farms in eastern China during
recent wet weather, a phenomenon that state media attribute to the growth
chemical forchlorfenuron. Jumping into a burgeoning watermelon market,
approximately 20 first-time users of the chemical reportedly lost up to 115
acres after applying it too late in the season on an inappropriate variety of
melon. Dubbed the “exploding melon” because of its tendency to split, most
of the ruined fruit was apparently fed to fish and pigs. Legal in the United
States on kiwi and grapes and allowed in China in general, forchlorfenuron is
safe when used properly, according to a horticulture professor quoted by a
news source. See Associated Press, May 17, 2011.