Melon Selection for Breeding Based on Traits and Diversity

Abstract

Genetic improvement of vegetables like melons needs information on its phenotypic diversity and so on. To choose the appropriate breeding strategies to fulfill the goal of breeding, information on genetics and genetic resources is essential. Information on genetic diversity, genetic resource and types of breeding of vegetable crops is helpful for breeders. Based on the targets of breeding, improving of melon by scientific methods will result in useful varieties or hybrids. Increasing genetic diversity is vital for the production of hybrid seeds. Hence, determining the distribution of genetic relationships between popular and commercial melon accessions and foreign accessions could improve the proficiency of melon genetics. The recent breeding effort has developed several hybrids aiming to enhance storage and shelf life, disease resistance and resistance to abiotic stresses in the world. Generally, cultivars with a longer shelf life are thought of by customers as having low fruit quality and therefore, present minimal acceptability. Africa and Asia have been proposed as possible regions of origin. Besides the domestication of melon might have occurred independently or in parallel in Asia and Africa.