Significant differences in somatic embryogenesis from melon seeds were observed among 18 cultivars; especially, cultivars 'Earl's Favorite' and 'Barnett' which produced a large number of somatic embryos. F 1 seeds were obtained by reciprocal crosses between cultivars. Some lines produced a large number of somatic embryos whereas others showed no or poor embryogenic response. Most of the F1 seeds formed somatic embryos. The frequency of somatic embryogenesis decreased as compared to the parents with the highest potential, Transfer of the frequency of somatic embryogenesis from superior responding cultivars to inferior cultivars was proved. It was difficult to determine the mode of inheritance of somatic embryogenesis because there was a large variation in the range of somatic embryogenesis from F2 seeds, and cytoplasmic effect was recognized in certain combinations.