No abstract

No abstract

The variability of 14 landraces belonging to a Madrilean village historically specialized on melon cultivation, Villaconejos, was evaluated based on 58 quantitative and qualitative morphological traits. These landraces were compared to a reference array composed of 14 accessions which represented the main varieties cultivated in Spanish fields. Individual data related to plant, fruit, seed and phenology have been analysed using a multivariate analysis. This analysis showed intra-and inter-varietal diversity, as emphasized the most discriminant morphological traits in order to define similarities. Villaconejos accessions were morphologically distinct from the reference accessions (RA). Only the landraces belonging to Piel de Sapo market class showed common morphological affinities with the RA, grouping with them. The majority of Villaconejos traditional varieties clustered in five different groups, with no RA within, showing distinctive morphological singularities not described previously. Two of these groups showed some particularities in fruit traits, which are appreciated as quality marks for Spanish consumers. These results indicate that these accessions must be conserved as valuable genetic resources to enrich the Inodorus genetic bases for future breeding proposes worldwide. Furthermore, it should be considered the opportunity of promoting their cultivation under the shelter of a Protected Geographical Indication as a high quality melon. Finally, the discovering of such a high variability presented in a very small area, gives a clue for focusing, with an elevated probability of success, future surveys in similar ancestral European villages which in the past times, also supplied more populated cities with their farming products.

No abstract

Sensory proWling was applied as an eVective tool in melon characterization to evaluate twenty-six melon varieties, landraces and commercial hybrids over 3 years of harvesting. The landraces were from Villaconejos, a Madrilean village historically specialized in melon cultivation. These landraces have remarkable morphological and molecular diversity according to previous studies. Individual panel results related to color, Wrmness, juiciness, sweetness, acidity and Wbrosity, and seven diVerent aromas of melon fruits were analyzed using a multivariate analysis. The results of these analyses showed that Villaconejos accessions were highly diverse and distinct from the reference accessions. The comparison of speciWc and homologous traditional and commercial varieties indicated that genetic improvement programs have had a remarkable eVect on some sensorial attributes. Most Villaconejos varieties exhibited noteworthy particularities that the consumer panel considered quality marks, such as the sweetness and acidity of 'Mochuelo Tradicional' or the juiciness of 'Melón Azul'. The most preferred group was composed of seven varieties. The Wrst three preferred varieties were Villaconejos landraces, as was the Wfth variety in this group. In conclusion, these results indicate that Villaconejos landraces could provide Inodorus genetic resources with priceless sensorial attributes that are appreciated by consumers and are currently unavailable in the melon market. Therefore, these landraces constitute an irreplaceable resource for farmers, breeders and seed companies.