Development of an Earl^|^prime;s-Type Melon, ^|^lsquo;Earl^|^prime;s Kagayaki^|^rsquo;, with Resistance to Cotton-Melon Aphid, Powdery Mildew and Fusarium Wilt

Abstract

‘Earl′s Kagayaki’, an Earl′s-type melon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus) with resistance to cottonmelon aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover), powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii (Castaggne) U. Braun & N. Shishkoff), and fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (Leach et Currence) Snyder et Hansen) was registered as melon cultivar ‘Norin Kou No.7’ and released in 2004 in Japan. The fruit weight is around 1,500 g, the shape is spherical, the rind color is greenish gray, and the skin is finely netted. The flesh is yellowish green with a desirable aroma, and the taste is superior to common Earl′s-type cultivars with the Brix value of 13 degrees. The shelf life is 5 to 7 days after harvest. ‘Earl’s Kagayaki′ can be grown in all the Earl′s-type melon production areas of Japan and also in other temperate and sub-tropical regions. This cultivar is primarily recommended for production in suburban areas, in farmlands with sightseeing tours, and by the farmers having fruits-stores. This cultivar is suitable for spring cultivation and summer-autumn cultivation under greenhouse conditions.