The annual commercialization of melon in CEASA of the Piauí State, from 1991 to 1996, was of 5,597 t of fruits, with an increase of 137.2% in relation to the period 1986-1991. During the whole year, most of the melon fruits in CEASA come from Pernambuco, Bahia and Rio Grande do Norte States, with an annual average of 2,195 t (39%), 2,138 t (19%) and 842 t (15%), respectively, resulting in a total of 5,187 t, or 73% of the market. The largest supply and amount of marketed melon fruits comes from Petrolina, Juazeiro and Mossoró. The amounts offered from the different States changed during the year: From Bahia, the lowest offer was observed during December-January and April-June, and from Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte the lowest offer occurred during July-November, and April/September, respectively. Regarding the fruits produced in the Piauí State, the marketed amount increased from 106 to 218 t, resulting in an increase of 0.36% when compared to the period 1986-1991.
Cucumis melo; seasonality; production period; market; economy
