Abstract: ‘Shannong 12’is a new early maturing watermelon cultivar which was selected from the hybrid of Y2M and J4F. It has vigorous growth potential. The fruit shape of‘Shannong 12’is oval and its shape index is 1.1. The average single fruit weight is 6.0 kg. The fruit skin is deep green with dark green stripes，and the pericarp thickness is about 1.1 cm；and the peel has good toughness and is more resistant to storage and transportation. The flesh is red，fine and crispy. The center sugar content is 11.9%，with little differentiation from the edge. The whole growth period of‘Shannong12’is about 89 d，and the period for fruit development is around 29 d. The yield is 62.1 t ? hm-2. More importantly，this cultivar has high resistance to disease and other adverse stimuli. It is suitable for protected cultivation in Shaanxi Province in spring.

Key words: watermelon, cultivar