Genetic variation in melon (Cucumis melo L.) landraces and wild relatives of Karnataka state of southern India

Abstract

AbstractMelon (Cucumis melo L.) is an economically important vegetable crop worldwide. Karnataka state of southern India is rich in melon landraces and wild relatives, which are potential sources of genetic diversity for crop improvement. Here we report on the collection, characterization and documentation of previously unexplored landrace and wild material to broaden the availability of this genetic diversity for use in melon improvement. Accessions of botanical groups, momordica, kachri, chandalak, reticulatus, acidulus and indicus, intermediate forms of acidulus and momordica, and three melons of an unknown group were sourced directly from farmers of eight agro-ecological regions. Twenty-three representative melon landraces and wild relatives, along with four reference varieties of different botanical groups, were evaluated for agronomic traits during the year 2016. Very wide and distinctive genetic variations were observed among the melon accessions for ovary characters, sex expression, days taken to first fruit maturity, external and internal fruit traits, and fruit cracking (splitting). The remarkable variability displayed among the melon accessions as observed from the study demonstrates the importance of them as a valuable genetic reservoir for melon improvement.