Progeny Test by Selfing Could be Effective for Improvement of Muskmelon

Abstract

ABSTRACTBreeding of melon (Cucumis melo L.), especially native populations, is necessary to increase yield quality and quantity. The study was undertaken to assess genetic parameters and evaluate breeding methodologies for melon. Thirteen half-sib (open-pollinated) and 1 full-sib (selfed) progenies were evaluated for yield, total soluble solids, flesh thickness, days to maturity, fruit length, and fruit diameter. Values of genetic variation for selfed plants were higher than for open-pollinated plants, indicating that selfed lines are better for use in melon breeding. Correlation coefficients among progeny tests indicated open-pollinated, and selfed progeny, tests were suitable for all characters except days to maturity and fruit length. Broad sense heritability values were high for days to maturity (68%) and fruit weight (56%) in selfed plants. Genetic advance was high for fruit weight and total soluble solids in the selfed population, and these traits might be valuable for direct selection for genetic improvement. The t-square Hotelling statistic was significant in selfed and open pollinated populations, but the progeny test (selfed) plants was the better method for improvement of melon than the open pollinated method because traits donated from parents in selfed plants are known, but in open-pollinated plants, the pollen donor is unknown.