First evaluation of melon (Cucumis melo. L) landraces under high tunnel condition in Sistan

Abstract

In order to evaluate a number of agro-morphological characteristics in 10 melon population, an experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out in two years (2017-2018) at high tunnel condition at Zahak Agriculture Research Station. The relationships among the related traits evaluated using by statistical methods. The combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among landraces in evaluated traits. A highly and significant correlation was observed between fruit width and yield (0.81**). Mean comparison using Duncan?s multiple rang test revealed that maximum yield belonged to landrace Zardeivanaki with 29160 kg/ha. Factor analysis was used for understanding the data structure and trait relations. The factor analysis showed that five factors explained 84% of the total variation among the traits. Therefore, the selection may be done according to the first component and it was helpful for a good breeding program for development of high yielding genotypes also landraces Dargazi, Zardeivanaki and Sabzsooski were placed very closely indicating that the responses of these landraces to be similar to high tunnel cultivation condition.