Peru is situated between 0°and l8°south latitude. The country has three distinct climatic zones : the coastal plain, the highlands and the jungle. Watermelon and melon, as well as other vegetables, are cultivated in the coastal region, characterized by a sub-tropical to temperate climate with very little precipitation and high evaporation rate. Although the production of melon amounts to only 5,500 tons, watermelon with a production of 38,734 tons, is an important summer vegetable. In the coastal region, irrigation systems are well developed, but the soil contains less than 2% organic matter and the pH is high (8.0-8.5). Seeds are sown directly in September, when the mean air temperature reaches 15°C. Yields are low and vary from year to year. The fruit quality of melon is not satisfactory. The poor quality and low yield are due to the climatic and soil conditions and to the large number of pests and diseases. The major constraint is that adapted cultivars and cultivation methods have not been developed. Many cultivars are imported, and the application of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers is inadequate. Therefore, research to solve the above-mentioned problems should be actively promoted along with the dissemination of appropriate technology and development of education programs for the farmers.