Progress of collection, conservation and innovative utilization of melon germplasm resources in China

China has a long history in melon cultivation and accumulated remarkable diversity in melon germplasm across its diverse agroecological regions. As the genetic foundation for crop improvement, melon germplasm collection serve as critical assets supporting molecular breeding programs, genomic studies, and commercial cultivar development in the horticultural sector. China has established a medium- to long-term conservation, distribution, and utilization strategic framework for melon germplasm. The National Mid-term Genebank for Watermelon and Melon (Zhengzhou) was established in 2001. It mainly conserve the seed of watermelon and melon germplasms. The primary responsibilities include collection, conservation, reproduction, identification, innovation and distribution for these germplasm resources, which ensures the mid-term conservation of melon germplasm resources. As of December 2024, the National Mid-term Genebank for Watermelon and Melon (Zhengzhou) has collected and conserved 2206 melon germplasm resources from 89 different countries in the world. These melon germplasm resources have catalyzed advancements in the breeding of new varieties, and fundamental research domains, such as genomic evolution and domestication origins, trait- specific marker development (such as quality and disease resistance, stress resistance, and so on). These measures have contributed to the cultivar structural optimization of and the promotion of sustainable development of the melon industry. This review presents an overview of the development history and progress of the melon germplasms conservation. And innovative utilization and intend s to offer the theoretical and practical references for enhancing the utilization efficiency of melon germplasm resources and upgrading of the industry in China.