Screening of melon populations for resistance to Didymella bryoniae in greenhouse and plastic tunnel conditions

Abstract

Studies were carried out to evaluate melon populations for resistance to Gummy Stem Blight, caused by Didymella bryoniae for use in breeding programs under greenhouse and plastic tunnel conditions. Were evaluated reactions of half-sib populations of PI 140471 and Anô nº 2 had as with susceptible check Eldorado 300. Plants were inoculated 45 days for needle prickling followed by application of 0.05 ml of 5.0 x 10(5) spores/ml suspension in axis of third and fourth true leaves.Resistance evaluation was made after 90 days of age using a scale varying one to five. PI 140471 and Anô nº 2 progenies were found superior and differed significantly with the checker Eldorado 300 for the F Test. Anô nº 2 possessing multiple resistance to diseases and desirable commercial characteristics, constituted the best resistance source to be used in breeding programs.