Melon Groups Research Articles

Investigation of the Influence of a Bitter Melon Product on Indicators of Cardiometabolic Health in Adults with Prediabetes

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of bitter melon extract supplementation on glycemia in individuals with prediabetes. Methods This was a 12-week randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled study where 75 adults with prediabetes were randomly allocated into the low-dose bitter melon (300 mg/day) (n = 26), high-dose bitter melon (600 mg/day) (n = 24), or control (n = 25) groups. Results At baseline and weeks 6 and 12, anthropometrics were measured, and fasting blood samples were obtained. The high-dose (1.05% ± 10.2%) and low-dose bitter melon (3.35% ± 13.2%) groups showed smaller increases in blood glucose levels at 12 wk, compared to the control group (11.0% ± 16.3%) (p < 0.05). A subgroup analysis of participants with age ≥ the median demonstrated a greater reduction in glycated hemoglobin at 12 wk in the high-dose bitter melon group (median change: −0.20%; IQRL: −0.20%, −0.05%) vs. the control group (median change: 0.00%; IQRL: −0.10%, 0.20%) (p = 0.017). Compliance with the interventions was >95%, and the study products were tolerated well. Conclusion The bitter melon extract may help maintain a healthy level of glucose in adults with prediabetes.

Characteristics and variability of melon genotypes under shade conditions in greenhouse

The utilization of controlled greenhouses can be an alternative for melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivation. Growing melon in greenhouses lowers the risk of pests and infections by diverse pathogens. Low solar irradiation during the rainy season and pollution in the greenhouse roof, may cause shade stress conditions for the plants inside. This study aimed to elucidate the plant and fruit characteristics of nine genotypes of melon grown under shade conditions in a greenhouse and the variability among them. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of Cikabayan Experimental Station, IPB University, Bogor, from November 2016 to January 2017. The genetic materials evaluated were nine melon genotypes from the Center for Tropical Fruit Studies at IPB University. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was followed. Shade intensity in the greenhouse was approximately 25%. The results showed that the genotype effect was significant for internode length, petiole length, plant height fruit, flesh thickness, fruit rind thickness, fruit weight, and total soluble solids. Genotype means for fruit weight were small in this experiment (&lt; 300 g), whereas the total soluble solids were moderate to high (8.7-14.3 °Brix). Fruit diameter had a positive and significant correlation with leaf length, leaf width, and fruit length, whereas fruit weight had a positive and significant correlation with fruit diameter and fruit length.&#x0D; Keywords: correlation, honeydew, melon breeding, melon group, traits

Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure in Cambodian melon landraces using molecular markers

Genetic diversity of Cambodian melons was evaluated by the analysis of 12 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 7 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers using 62 accessions of melon landraces and compared with 231 accessions from other areas for genetic characterization of Cambodian melons. Among 62 accessions, 56 accessions were morphologically classified as small-seed type with seed lengths shorter than 9 mm, as in the horticultural groups Conomon and Makuwa. Gene diversity of Cambodian melons was 0.228, which was equivalent to those of the groups Conomon and Makuwa and smaller than those of Vietnamese and Central Asian landraces. A phylogenetic tree constructed from a genetic distance matrix classified 293 accessions into three major clusters. Small-seed type accessions from East and Southeast Asia formed clusters I and II, which were distantly related with cluster III consisting of large-seed type melon from other areas. All Cambodian melons belonged to cluster I (except three accessions) along with those from Thailand, Myanmar, Yunnan (China), and Vietnam (“Dua thom” in the northwest), thus indicating genetic similarity in these areas. In addition, the Cambodian melons were not differentiated among geographical populations. Conomon and Makuwa were classified into cluster II, together with melon groups from the plains of Vietnam. The presence of two groups of melons in Southeast Asia was also indicated by population structure and principal coordinate analysis. These results indicated a close genetic relationship between Cambodia and the neighboring countries, thus suggesting that Cambodian melons are not directly related to the establishment of Conomon and Makuwa.

The Value of a Headless Pear Shape in Percutaneous Balloon Compression for Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) has been regarded as a simple and effective remedy for trigeminal neuralgia. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the correlation between intraoperative balloon shapes and postoperative outcomes. Those consecutive PBC cases performed in our department between 2019 and 2022 were reviewed. According to the intraoperative balloon figures, they were cataloged as headless pear, slim pear, bottle gourd, and winter melon groups. The degree of pain or numbness was quantified using the visual analog scale. Those pain-free or pain score <3 and satisfied by the patient were called effective, and those numb score >3 were taken into account of numbness incidence. Except for missing cases, 160 were finally recruited in this study with a mean follow-up for 23.6 ± 12.8 months. Postoperatively, the pain score plunged from 8.8 ± 1.0 to 0.8 ± 2.0 immediately, which rose slightly over time and maintained at 2.4 ± 3.1. The maximal pain score drop occurred in the headless pear group ( P < .001) and the minimal in the winter melon group ( P < .001). The early efficacy of PBC was 100%, 84.1%, 91.4%, and 50.0%, respectively. However, the long-term efficacy was 88.2%, 75.0%, 82.1% and 25.0%. The ipsilateral numbness occurred in most of the cases immediately after PBC with a score of 3.5 ± 2.3, which decreased significantly within 3 months to 2.3 ± 2.0 and turned to 1.7 ± 1.8 finally ( P < .05). The highest and lowest numb score appeared in bottle gourd and winter melon groups, respectively ( P < .05). A headless pear shape emerged in lateral fluoroscopy as the balloon was fully inflated indicates that the entire Meckel cave is suffused, and hence, the anterior semilunar ganglion has been solidly compressed, which may lead to a successful outcome.

Melon diversity on the Silk Road by molecular phylogenetic analysis in Kazakhstan melons.

To uncover population structure, phylogenetic relationship, and diversity in melons along the famous Silk Road, a seed size measurement and a phylogenetic analysis using five chloroplast genome markers, 17 RAPD markers and 11 SSR markers were conducted for 87 Kazakh melon accessions with reference accessions. Kazakh melon accessions had large seed with exception of two accessions of weedy melon, Group Agrestis, and consisted of three cytoplasm types, of which Ib-1/-2 and Ib-3 were dominant in Kazakhstan and nearby areas such as northwestern China, Central Asia and Russia. Molecular phylogeny showed that two unique genetic groups, STIa-2 with Ib-1/-2 cytoplasm and STIa-1 with Ib-3 cytoplasm, and one admixed group, STIAD combined with STIa and STIb, were prevalent across all Kazakh melon groups. STIAD melons that phylogenetically overlapped with STIa-1 and STIa-2 melons were frequent in the eastern Silk Road region, including Kazakhstan. Evidently, a small population contributed to melon development and variation in the eastern Silk Road. Conscious preservation of fruit traits specific to Kazakh melon groups is thought to play a role in the conservation of Kazakh melon genetic variation during melon production, where hybrid progenies were generated through open pollination.

Diversity and similarity of melon (Cucumis melo L.) groups and determination of distinguishing morphological characters

Abstract. Saputra HE, Syukur M, Suwarno WB, Sobir. 2022. Diversity and similarity of melon (Cucumis melo L.) groups and determination of distinguishing morphological characters. Biodiversitas 23: 6254-6261. Characterization is an important activity for the study of genotype diversity and similarity. The study was aiming at obtaining information about the diversity and similarity of melon groups and to determine morphological characters as differentiators between melon groups. The genotypes tested were IPB240, IPB283, IPBM21, IPBM23, IPBME5, IPBMETA9, UME20, UME38, UME39, UME90, UME91, UME98, UME99, UME100, UME101. Characterization was based on UPOV and IPGRI guidelines for qualitative and quantitative characters. Two qualitative characters showed no variation in all tested genotypes, namely sex expression (EK) and secondary skin color outside the groove (WKSDA). Qualitative characters that have high diversity were groove color (WA), maximum width between grooves (LMAA), groove color intensity (IWA), and flower stalk thickness (KTBN). The UME98 genotype had the most different color appearance from the other genotypes on the heatmap. The color and depth of fruit grooves are distinguishing characteristics of all genotypes. There were genotype differences in the inodorus and reticulatus types. Unlike the IPBMETA9 genotype, UME100, UME101, and UME38 formed the same clusters with the characteristics of the makuwa group. Melon group makuwa had different characteristics with the inodorus and reticulatus groups. The distinguishing characters for the makuwa type were groove depth, ratio length to diameter, the diameter of hermaphrodite flower stalks, fruit diameter, and fruit skin thickness. Melon groups in the inodorus and reticulatus groups had high similarities, making it difficult to find specific characters in all melon genotypes observed.

Pan-Genome Analysis Reveals the Abundant Gene Presence/Absence Variations Among Different Varieties of Melon and Their Influence on Traits.

Melon (Cucumismelo L.) is an important vegetable crop that has been subjected to domestication and improvement. Several varieties of melons with diverse phenotypes have been produced. In this study, we constructed a melon pan-genome based on 297 accessions comprising 168 Mb novel sequences and 4,325 novel genes. Based on the results, there were abundant genetic variations among different melon groups, including 364 unfavorable genes in the IMP_A vs. LDR_A group, 46 favorable genes, and 295 unfavorable genes in the IMP_M vs. LDR_M group. The distribution of 709 resistance gene analogs (RGAs) was also characterized across 297 melon lines, of which 603 were core genes. Further, 106 genes were found to be variable, 55 of which were absent in the reference melon genome. Using gene presence/absence variation (PAV)-based genome-wide association analysis (GWAS), 13 gene PAVs associated with fruit length, fruit shape, and fruit width were identified, four of which were located in pan-genome additional contigs.

Screening of South Indian Culinary Melon (Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis var. acidulus) Accessions for Downy Mildew Disease under Natural Epiphytotic Condition

Culinary melon also known as non dessert cucumber (Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis var. acidulus) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is widely cultivated in Southern parts of Indian subcontinent. It is mainly utilized for preparation of lentil soup, sambar, dosa, palya and chutney. 70 accessions were collected from six South Indian states namely Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Goa. The accessions were evaluated for incidence of downy mildew resistance during Kharif 2018 under natural condition. The percent disease index (PDI) for downy mildew ranged from 3.70 to 48.64%. 10 accessions showed resistance to downy mildew. Among them, accession MS21 showed resistance with average least PDI of 3.70 followed by MS 6 (6.54). 50 accessions were found to be moderately resistant with average PDI ranging from 20 to 39.80. 12 accessions were found susceptible with PDI ranging from 41 to 49. None of the accession was found highly susceptible to the disease. The resistant accessions can be utilized as donor parents for resistant breeding in the improvement of culinary melon as well as melon group of vegetables.

Genetic analysis and inheritance of floral and fruit traits in melon (Cucumis melo) in the full diallel cross

AbstractTo evaluate gene effects and heritability of fruit and flower characters in melon, three experiments were performed. In the first experiment, 48 genotypes of different melon groups were planted to choose the monoecious melon. To investigate the sex modification regarding fruit traits, seven parents, including a monoecious type and andromonoecious types, crossed in a full diallel scheme to obtain all possible combinations. Evaluation amongst all genotypes revealed one Cantaloupensis and all Flexuosus genotypes with monoecious flowers. Floral and fruit characters of F1 hybrids obtained from the diallel cross, were recorded. All hybrids that have been crossed with the monoecious parent revealed the monosexual progenies. Most of the floral characters with high GCA/SCA values remarked the additive gene effect. There were also cytoplasmic effects on flower and fruit traits. The significant GCA /SCA estimates observed for fruit traits such as yield, fruit length, fruit length to width, flesh thickness referred to the importance of additive gene effects. It could be demonstrated that classic hybridization holds great potential in controlling flowering habit and yield‐related fruit traits.

Population structure, genetic diversity and fruit-related traits of wild and cultivated melons based on chloroplast genome

The melon is an important fruit crop. Chloroplast genomes are widely used to analyze plant genetic diversity. The chloroplast genome was used to study melon population genetics. We identified 192 SNPs in the chloroplast genome of 348 melon tissue samples. These SNPs were mainly distributed in the large single copy and small single copy of the chloroplast genome. The two inverted repeat (IR) regions (IRa and IRb) contained almost no SNPs. The melon population structure, fruit-related traits, and genetic diversity within each group were analyzed based on these SNPs. The 192 SNPs effectively divided the melon populations into three groups: wild, thick-rind type cultivated melon, and thin-rind type cultivated melon groups, with genetic diversities of 1.12 × 10−3, 4.71 × 10−4, and 2.85 × 10−4, respectively. This study analyzed the single fruit weight, soluble solids content, flesh color value, and flesh thickness (FT) traits in the population to understand differences in important fruit-related traits, and there were remarkable differences in FT among the three groups. These results suggest the chloroplast genome can be used to study the population genetics of the melon, and they contribute to the classification and identification of core germplasm resources.

Hypoglycemic efficacy and safety of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

IntroductionMomordica charantia (bitter melon) is widely used for its glucose-lowering effects. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of M. charantia as an adjuvant treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes. MethodsWe performed a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and adverse events were investigated after 12 weeks of treatment. Ninety subjects were included in the final analysis for glucose lowering efficacy of bitter melon. ResultsThere were no differences in age, sex, or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between the bitter melon extract and placebo groups. After treatment with bitter melon extract for 12 weeks, the HbA1c levels of the bitter melon and placebo groups remained unchanged; however, the average fasting glucose level of the bitter melon group decreased (p = 0.014). No serious adverse events were reported during the treatment period. ConclusionsOur data showed that bitter melon has effects of glucose lowering in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Comparative Metabolomics and Molecular Phylogenetics of Melon (Cucumis melo, Cucurbitaceae) Biodiversity.

The broad variability of Cucumis melo (melon, Cucurbitaceae) presents a challenge to conventional classification and organization within the species. To shed further light on the infraspecific relationships within C. melo, we compared genotypic and metabolomic similarities among 44 accessions representative of most of the cultivar-groups. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) provided over 20,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Metabolomics data of the mature fruit flesh and rind provided over 80,000 metabolomic and elemental features via an orchestra of six complementary metabolomic platforms. These technologies probed polar, semi-polar, and non-polar metabolite fractions as well as a set of mineral elements and included both flavor- and taste-relevant volatile and non-volatile metabolites. Together these results enabled an estimate of “metabolomic/elemental distance” and its correlation with the genetic GBS distance of melon accessions. This study indicates that extensive and non-targeted metabolomics/elemental characterization produced classifications that strongly, but not completely, reflect the current and extensive genetic classification. Certain melon Groups, such as Inodorous, clustered in parallel with the genetic classifications while other genome to metabolome/element associations proved less clear. We suggest that the combined genomic, metabolic, and element data reflect the extensive sexual compatibility among melon accessions and the breeding history that has, for example, targeted metabolic quality traits, such as taste and flavor.

CmVPS41 Is a General Gatekeeper for Resistance to Cucumber Mosaic Virus Phloem Entry in Melon.

Melon production is often compromised by viral diseases, which cannot be treated with chemicals. Therefore, the use of genetic resistances is the main strategy for generating crops resistant to viruses. Resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in melon is scarcely described in few accessions. Until recently, the only known resistant accessions were Freeman’s Cucumber and PI 161375, cultivar Songwhan Charmi (SC). Resistance to CMV in melon is recessive and generally oligogenic and quantitative. However, in SC, the resistance to CMV strains of subgroup II is monogenic, depending only on one gene, cmv1, which is able to stop CMV movement by restricting the virus to the bundle sheath cells and preventing a systemic infection. This restriction depends on the viral movement protein (MP). Chimeric viruses carrying the MP of subgroup II strains, like the strain LS (CMV-LS), are restricted in the bundle sheath cells, whereas those carrying MP from subgroup I, like the strain FNY (CMV-FNY), are able to overcome this restriction. cmv1 encodes a vacuolar protein sorting 41 (CmVPS41), a protein involved in the transport of cargo proteins from the Golgi to the vacuole through late endosomes. We have analyzed the variability of the gene CmVPS41 in a set of 52 melon accessions belonging to 15 melon groups, both from the spp melo and the spp agrestis. We have identified 16 different haplotypes, encoding 12 different CmVPS41 protein variants. Challenging members of all haplotypes with CMV-LS, we have identified nine new resistant accessions. The resistance correlates with the presence of two mutations, either L348R, previously found in the accession SC and present in other three melon genotypes, or G85E, present in Freeman’s Cucumber and found also in four additional melon genotypes. Moreover, the new resistant accessions belong to three different melon horticultural groups, Conomon, Makuwa, and Dudaim. In the new resistant accessions, the virus was able to replicate and move cell to cell, but was not able to reach the phloem. Therefore, resistance to phloem entry seems to be a general strategy in melon controlled by CmVPS41. Finally, the newly reported resistant accessions broaden the possibilities for the use of genetic resistances in new melon breeding strategies.

Effect of acute bitter melon intake on postprandial glucose and insulin in sedentary, abdominally obese persons

Background: Lifestyle modifications have been considered to be the primary prevention strategies for diabetes. However, there is a lack of evidence guiding the use of functional food sthat potentially possess anti-hyperglycemic effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the acute effect of bitter melon intake on postprandial glucose and insulin levels in sedentary, abdominally obese persons.Methods: In this study, 16 sedentary, abdominally obese participants were randomly assigned to receive either 100 ml of bitter melon juice or placebo juice 30 minutes prior to an oral glucose tolerance test. Plasma glucose and serum insulin were measured every 30 minutes during the 2-hour postprandial period. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA was used to test the effects of bitter melon on postprandial glucose and insulin levels after adjustment for covariates.Results: The 2-h postprandial glucose was significantly lower in bitter melon group as compared with control group (99.5 ± 22.3 vs 133.9 ± 36.9 mg/dL, P=0.04), resulting in an absolute glucose reduction of 34.4 mg/dL (95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 67.1 mg/dL) and a relative glucose reduction of 26%. There was a fairly significant reduction in 2-h postprandial glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC) (52.9 ± 29.5 vs 94.7 ± 47.3 mg/dL·h, P=0.052), resulting in a relative glucose reduction of 44%.Conclusion: Our acute study demonstrated that the single-dose intake of bitter melon juice decreased postprandial glucose levels among sedentary, abdominally obese persons. Bitter melon juice appears to be a promising functional food to manage hyperglycemia for people who are at elevated risk of developing diabetes.Key Words: Functional Food; Momordica Charantia; Hyperglycemia; Sedentary; Obese

Re-evaluation of the role of Indian germplasm as center of melon diversification based on genotyping-by-sequencing analysis

BackgroundThe importance of Indian germplasm as origin and primary center of diversity of cultivated melon is widely accepted. Genetic diversity of several collections from Indian has been studied previously, although an integrated analysis of these collections in a global diversity perspective has not been possible. In this study, a sample of Indian collections together with a selection of world-wide cultivars to analyze the genetic diversity structure based on Genotype by Sequence data.ResultsA set of 6158 informative Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in 175 melon accessions was generated. Melon germplasm could be classified into six major groups, in concordance with horticultural groups. Indian group was in the center of the diversity plot, with the highest genetic diversity. No strict genetic differentiation between wild and cultivated accessions was appreciated in this group. Genomic regions likely involved in the process of diversification were also found. Interestingly, some SNPs differentiating inodorus and cantalupensis groups are linked to Quantitiative Trait Loci involved in ripening behavior (a major characteristic that differentiate those groups). Linkage disequilibrium was found to be low (17 kb), with more rapid decay in euchromatic (8 kb) than heterochromatic (30 kb) regions, demonstrating that recombination events do occur within heterochromatn, although at lower frequency than in euchromatin. Concomitantly, haplotype blocks were relatively small (59 kb). Some of those haplotype blocks were found fixed in different melon groups, being therefore candidate regions that are involved in the diversification of melon cultivars.ConclusionsThe results support the hypothesis that India is the primary center of diversity of melon, Occidental and Far-East cultivars have been developed by divergent selection. Indian germplasm is genetically distinct from African germplasm, supporting independent domestication events. The current set of traditional Indian accessions may be considered as a population rather than a standard collection of fixed landraces with high intercrossing between cultivated and wild melons.

Pengaruh Kombinasi Ekstrak Pahit Pare (Momordica charantia) dan Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) terhadap Pertumbuhan Bakteri Salmonella typhi dengan Menggunakan InVivo pada Tikus Kecil Usus

Salmonella typhi bacteria is a main cause of typhoid fever. The fever can be healed by using medical and traditional way. Bitter melon plantand Sapodilla have a lot of active compound, having potential as antimicroba as like salmonella typhi. The problem of this research is to find out whether the extract combination of bitter melon and sapodillais effective in inhibitingthe growing of Salmonella typhi in mice small intestine. Thisresearch aims to determine inhibitory concentration in the growing of Salmonella typhi in mice small intestine. &#x0D; This researchused experimental design with post test group. This research used experimental animals that is mice which is given Salmonella typhi and is given the extract of bitter melon and sapodilla in different kinds of concentration with sonde. The measurement of bacteria is first by taking small intestine mucosa and put it SSA media. Then, it is being identified and accounted. After that, the data result is being tested by ANOVA with the data requirement that is normally distributed and homogeneous by using SPSS with α=0.05&#x0D; The research result shows that there is 300 groups in positive control, while on the other way there is no groups found, except in 100% bitter melon group of seven bacteria groups. After being tested, the data shows that the score is not normal (sig. 0.000 &lt; α =0.005). As the result, the data is being tested by using non parametric test and Kruskal-wallis test. Lastly, the test result shows there is a significant difference among treatment groups (sig. 0.013 &lt; α =0.05)&#x0D; This research concludes that the combination extract of bitter melon and sapodilla effectively can inhibit the growing of Salmonella typhi by using in vivo in the mice small intestine.

DNA Barcodes Suggest Possible New Cryptic Species in theCodatractus melonSpecies Group (Hesperiidae: Eudaminae) in North America

ABSTRACT. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) barcode sequences revealed a deep genetic divergence (mean uncorrected p-distance = 3.5%) in populations of Codatractus melon (Godman & Salvin) from the northern and southern limits of its distribution in North America (Sonora, Mexico and Costa Rica) suggesting that the taxon is actually comprised of two closely related cryptic species. Male genitalia of C. melon from Sonora were morphologically similar to those from Jalisco, Mexico, and distinct from those of the closely-related C. arizonensis (Skinner) and C. sallyae Warren. Although the description of a new species of the C. melon group would appear warranted, we discuss taxonomic impediments that prohibit us from doing so at this time. We also provide information on the distribution and ecology of the northern population of C. melon. Preliminary barcode evidence is also reviewed which suggests that C. arizonensis may be comprised of more than one species.

Molecular Characterisation Reveals the Existence of a Hybridogenous Intermediary Form between Sweet Watermelon and Cow Melon Forms of Watermelon

Watermelon research in Southern Africa, has predominantly observed the clear existence of the sweet watermelon and cow melon forms of watermelon, cultivated on farm and even some occurring in the wild. Molecular characterization of 48 watermelon accessions collected from National Genebank of Zimbabwe using 9 SSR markers generated a total of 49 putative alleles. The average number of alleles detected by each primer was 5.4. Analysis of molecular variance within and among accessions of watermelons revealed that only 39% of the total variation resides between these two groups (cow-melons and sweet watermelons), 24% between accession within groups and 37% within accessions. Multivariate analyses employed provide evidence of the existence of introgression between sweet water melons and cow melons, as reflected by some accessions of cow melons, clustering into a hybridogenous group. Most of watermelon accessions within the hybridogenous group [A (II)] were collected from drier communal areas, while those accessions within the cow melon group [A (I)] are mostly from research centers. The separation of cow melons into distinct groups could be indicative of a possible formation of an isolated evolutionary unit.

Evaluation of Oriental Pickling Melon (Cucumis melo L. Var. conomon) Genotypes for Pest and Disease Reaction under Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka

&lt;p&gt;Cucurbits are the group of vegetables belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. Oriental pickling melon (&lt;em&gt;Cucumis melo &lt;/em&gt;var. &lt;em&gt;conomon)&lt;/em&gt; is one among the melon group vegetables belongs to &lt;em&gt;Cucurbitaceae&lt;/em&gt; family&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;with a chromosomal number 2n=24. It is also called as golden melon or culinary melon in English. In Karnataka it is called by local names as &lt;em&gt;Sambar Southe, Mogghe kayi or Mangalore southe&lt;/em&gt;. A field experiment was carried out at University of Horticultural Sciences Bagalkot, Karnataka to study the reaction of oriental pickling melon to fruit fly pest, diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew disease. The results revealed that least infestation of fruit fly was recorded in Sirsi Local (40.00 %) followed by BCMCO-01 (41.30 %), BCMCO-02 and BCMSO-03 (41.75 % each). Highest infestation of fruit fly was recorded in Sirsi-2-13 (65.07 %) followed by BCMSO-04 (59.90 %). Among the genotypes, none of them had showed resistant to infestation and found susceptible to fruit fly attack in unsprayed condition. Least infestation of powdery mildew was found in Mysore Local (37.71 %) followed by Sirsi Local (37.99 %) and BCMSO-03 (39.76 %). Whereas highest mildew in GR-3 (46.08 %) followed by Sirsi-1-13 (45.81 %) and BCMCO-02 (45.75 %). Least infestation of downy mildew was observed in BCMCO-02 (14.00 %) followed by Sirsi Local (16.29 %) and BCMSO-03 (17.43%). Highest infestation was found in GR-2-1 (27.07%) followed by GR-4 (26.58 %) and GR-4-1 (26.23 %). Most of the genotypes were moderately susceptible to downy mildew disease.&lt;/p&gt;

Genetic diversity and population structure of Indian melon (Cucumis melo L.) landraces with special reference to disease and insect resistance loci

AbstractThis study was aimed to examine the genetic diversity and population structure of Indian melon landraces with special reference to disease and insect resistance loci. Thirty‐six simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers along with seven markers at disease and insect resistance loci were used for this purpose on a panel of 91 accessions available at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, India. Model‐based structure analysis revealed the presence of four groups that were consistent with the results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The delineation of populations was mostly based on geography with improved varieties as a separate group. Ten accessions have been identified to possess beneficial alleles at all the selected disease resistance loci and shall be useful for incorporating multiple disease resistance after phenotypic validation. The results obtained in the current study demonstrate the importance of the Indian melon group as a valuable genetic reservoir and the need to plan strategies for its conservation and utilization in breeding programmes.