Abstract
High yield is a major goal for watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] breeders. The objective of this study was to measure yield in a diverse set of watermelon cultivars to identify high-yielding germplasm for use in breeding programs. Phenotypic variation for fruit yield in a diverse set of 80 watermelon cultivars was studied in the field in North Carolina. Yield was evaluated in replicated experiments of three environments (combinations of 2 yr and two locations), and two to four replications per environment. Plots were harvested one to two times, depending on the average maturity of the fruits at the first harvest. The highest yield overall was obtained from ‘Mountain Hoosier’ and ‘Starbrite’. Some of the new, elite hybrid cultivars were in the top-yielding group, but there were old, inbred cultivars in the top group as well. Consistent and significant yield differences among the 80 cultivars across environments indicates genetic variation for the trait. In addition, high-yielding cultivars for use in breeding programs were identified. Watermelon breeders interested in developing new, high-yielding cultivars should make use of top performers in this study in their breeding programs.
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