Evaluation of Melon Genotypes (Cucumis melo L.) for Breeding Improved Hybrid Varieties

Abstract

Indonesia is a high producer and consumer of melon (Cucumis melo L.), but unfortunately, the value of seed import is still large. This opens an opportunity for plant breeders to develop improved hybrid varieties. The expected varieties should have a high fruit quality as well as a high production. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of several melon genotypes and to select potential genotypes as breeding material for obtaining improved hybrid varieties. The genotypes used were six genotypes from a collection of the Center for Tropical Fruit Studies (PKHT), IPB University (IPB G1, IPB G30, IPB G41, IPB 240, IPB 283, Glamour-S1), three inbred lines from PKHT IPB (IPB M13, IPB M23, IPB M21), and one commercial hybrid variety as a check (Alisha F1). IPB G1 has a unique rind pattern, while IPB 240 has a thick net with less density. IPB G41 has a high total soluble solids content and is very sweet. Glamour-S1 has a large and attractive fruit appearance. Fruit weight is positively correlated with fruit diameter and fruit length. Total soluble solids are positively correlated with days to harvest. Based on the correlation analysis, the potential genotypes selected should have a large fruit size and adequate harvest days. Four potential melon genotypes as breeding materials are IPB G1, IPB 240, IPB G41, and Glamour-S1.

 Keywords: melon breeding, melon characteristic, potential genotypes