Welcome

The Organizing Committee is excited to invite you to the V International Symposium on Cucurbits 2015 under the auspices of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), from 22-26 June 2015 in Cartagena, Spain. This periodic event, previously held in Australia (2005) and China (2009), will take place in an ideal place for a botanic family as Cucurbitaceae. With a total production of 223,668 t of melon in 2013, out of which 87% were exported, the Region of Murcia stands as the second largest exporter of melon in Europe. Its privileged location in the Mediterranean coast and unique climate makes Murcia a great place to hold this event.

In addition, there are a number of national research groups working on different aspects of this crop (agronomy, improvement, physiology, pathogens, post-harvest and so forth), most of which are represented in the organizing and scientific committees, and the programme speakers. These groups gather scientists from the three public institutions of the Region of Murcia with the greatest relevance in agricultural research (IMIDA, UPCT and CEBAS-CSIC).

The programme will include oral and poster presentations organised from individual paper submissions for Acta Horticulturae on the following topics:

1. Genetics and Breeding
2. Genomics and Biotechnology
3. Crop Production, Physiology and Management
4. Biotic Stresses and Abiotic Stresses
5. Fruit Quality and Post-Harvest

This event will gather scientists and experts from research and industry worldwide. Participating groups will have the opportunity not only to present their work in a specialized forum of high scientific level, but also to build relationships with other researchers and private companies to further develop their research practice.

The organizing committee is delighted to organise this unparalleled symposium and will do its best to make Cucurbits 2015 an enjoyable and meaningful experience that will live on in the memories of the audience.

We look forward to seeing you in June 2015!

The Conveners, on behalf of the Organizing Committee

María L. Gómez Guillamón IHSM-UMA-CSIC, Spain

Francisco Pérez Alfocea CEBAS-CSIC, Spain