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 superior hybrid varieties. This study aimed to identify potential genotypes with good fruit quality for breeding improved hybrid varieties. Two experiments were conducted from March to September 2019 at the Tajur II experimental station of the Center for Tropical Horticulture Studies (PKHT), IPB University, Bogor. The first experiment was the evaluation of S2 genotypes, and the second was the evaluation of the test crosses. Both experiments were arranged in a single-factor randomized complete block design with three replications. The first experiment evaluated ten genotypes, i.e., six S2 genotypes (IPB HD 1, IPB HD 2, IPB HD 3, IPB HD 4, IPB HD 5, IPB HD 6), three inbred lines as testers (SMM, SMF, and OMM), and one check variety (Alisha F1). Fourteen hybrids from S2 x testers were produced and subsequently tested in the second experiment with one check variety (Alisha F1). The results from both experiments indicated that the genotype had significant effects on fruit traits, except skin thickness in the S2 experiment and total soluble solids in the testcross experiment. IPB HD 1 and IPB HD 4 had good fruit traits and produced good hybrids as well. These genotypes are therefore predicted to have good potential for developing improved hybrid honeydew varieties.