Syngenta Vegetable Seeds Gears Up to Showcase Watermelon Varieties at 2026 Southern Exposure; Rebecca Wente-Naylor Discusses

WOODLAND, CA - Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is excited to promote its firm-flesh watermelon varieties and introduce its newest sugar baby-type watermelon, Bahama, at the upcoming Southern Exposure, held February 26–March 1, 2026.

“Going into Southern Exposure, our top priority is to reinforce our commitment to innovation and partnership throughout the value chain,” Rebecca Wente-Naylor, Product Specialist – Cucurbits, shared with me. “We aim to connect with our growers and retail partners on how our new varieties, such as Cato, Golden Crisp, and Bahama, offer solutions to their challenges.”

Rebecca noted that Cato and Golden Crisp are unique varieties because they are both well-suited for sale as fresh-cut or whole fruit.

“Compared to traditional watermelon varieties, they have demonstrated resilience to long-distance transport. They are both also strong performers in the field, making them an ideal choice for growers and retailers alike,” she added.

Bahama is Syngenta's newest small-to-medium-sized sugar baby watermelon, offering growers high fruit-count potential and outstanding internal quality.

“Compared to traditional sugar baby-type watermelons, Bahama has an ideal rind thickness and flesh firmness that helps to improve shipping ability,” Rebecca explained.

At the event, Syngenta wants to make clear to attendees that it is committed to delivering innovative genetics that address customer challenges.

“Our team will be available to discuss how Cato, Golden Crisp, and Bahama can integrate into their programs, offering benefits like improved shelf-life, disease resistance, and excellent flavor,” Rebecca said. “We believe these varieties represent the future of watermelon production and retail, and we're excited to partner with stakeholders throughout the value chain to take advantage of their full potential.”

The team will be found at booth #802, so be sure to stop by and learn more about these watermelon varieties.