Rectangular peppers and courgettes, aimed at improving packaging and transportation efficiency, could be on their way after a successful experiment to grow square watermelon for easy storage, packaging and transportation.
The experiment was carried out at a model farm and will now be extended to farms across the United Arab Emirates.
Cube-shaped tomatoes and cucumbers have also been produced in Abu Dhabi.
Ali bin Mohammed bin Rassas Al Mansouri, assistant under-secretary for forestry at the Court of the Ruler's Representative, told the Khaleej Times: "The experiment has proved 100 per cent successful. Now, in addition to square melons, we also have cube-shaped tomato and cucumber.
"People don't have to struggle any more to fit large round fruits like watermelon in their refrigerators or in boxes for export."
The experiment was first carried out in Japan where farmers in Zentsuji came up with the idea of making a cube-shaped watermelon which could be more easily packed and stored.
They inserted the melons into square glass cases while the fruit was still growing on the vine. The square boxes allow full-grown watermelons to fit on refrigerator shelves, as well as allowing them to be more tightly packed together for transportation. This enables the fruit to be packed far more efficiently, saving space and cutting down on transportation costs.
Mansouri says the UAE's experiment was aimed at doing away with the age-old packing and storing problem.
He said melons were grown in the glass boxes and the fruit then naturally assumed the same shape.
The next project will see fruits and vegetables such as pepper and courgettes grown in rectangular and other space-efficient geometric shapes.