Evaluation of Genetic Relationships Among Melon Genotypes Based on Morphological Markers

Abstract

Selection of suitable genotypes resistant to unfavorable environmental and soil conditions and diseases is important to increase yield of melon (Cucumis melo L.). This study was undertaken to evaluate melon genotypes and to examine phylogenetic relationships between genotypes. Nineteen melon types from Iran and Afghanistan were used. Thirty-five morphologic characteristics were evaluated based on the melon International Plant Genetic Resources Institute descriptors. Flesh thickness, fruit length, fruit diameter, and cavity length were positively correlated with fruit weight. Factor analysis was used to determine effective characteristics and numbers of main factors. For each factor a loading of ≥0.65 was considered significant. Effective characteristics were categorized into 9 main factors that contributed to 92.44% of overall variance. Fruit length, fruit ratio (L/W), cavity length, cavity ratio (L/W), flesh hardiness, soluble solids content, placenta color, and secondary skin color pattern were defined mainly by the first factor contributing 26.37% of total variance. Melon genotypes were clustered based on 9 factors and at a similarity distance of 20 and further divided into 6 groups. Group Cantalupensis and Inodorus genotypes were not separated. There was a high diversity in genotypes that could be used in breeding.

Keywords:

• Cucumis melo
• Accession
• Cantalupensis
• Cluster analysis
• Inodorus