Selection of potential genotypes and traits evaluation of honeydew (Cucumis melo L.)

Abstract

Quality improvements of honeydew (Cucumis melo L.) can be carried out by developing new superior hybrid varieties. This study aimed to identify potential genotypes having good fruit quality for breeding improved hybrid honeydew varieties. The experiment was conducted from March to May 2019 at the Tajur II experimental station of PKHT, IPB University, Bogor. The experiment was arranged in a single-factor randomized complete block design with three replicates. There were six test genotypes from S2 generation, namely IPB HD1, IPB HD2, IPB HD3, IPB HD4, IPB HD5, IPB HD6; three inbred lines, namely SMM, SMF, and OMM; and also one check variety (Alisha F1). The results indicated that genotypes had significant effects on all observed quantitative characters, namely leaf width, leaf length, stem diameter, internode length, days to harvest, fruit length, fruit weight, and total soluble solids. The SMM genotype had the highest average fruit weight as well as the other characters, i.e. leaf width, leaf length, stem diameter, and fruit length. There were also IPB HD1 and HD4 having the highest average of flesh thickness and sugar content, respectively. These three genotypes are predicted to have good potential for developing improved hybrid honeydew varieties.