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# Ancient DNA reveals early use of melons in China's Song dynasty

## Details

**Authors** Renner et al.

**Year** 2026

**Publisher** Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

**Discipline** Archaeology

**Secondary disciplines** Genetics

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2610284123) 
10.1073/pnas.2610284123

## In authors' words

### What they found (results)

Ancient DNA from melon seeds at a 10th-13th century Song-dynasty port in southeastern China showed light-green flesh and yellow peel unlike modern dessert melons, and traced the fruit's origin to South Asia rather than local wild Chinese ancestors, most likely via a southern route through the Himalayas.

## Commentary

### In short

A categorical distinction (a non-dessert melon type unlike modern varieties) is explained by a relational/historical connection — a trade-route origin — rather than by independent local domestication.

**Patterns it shows** D, R

**Added** 2026-09-10

**How to cite this** Renner et al. (2026). Ancient DNA reveals early use of melons in China's Song dynasty. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.