Use of the genetic collection of the morphological sphere in the selection of melon

Abstract

Goal. To determine the selection directions for the use of genetically labeled melon lines and create on their basis a new early-ripe heterosis hybrid of melon with valuable economic indicators. Methods. Field (accounting, observation) — to assess the main features, laboratory — to determine the content of dry matter in the fruits, measuring-weight — to determine productivity, and mathematical-statistical — to conduct statistical processing of the study results. Results. The features of the collection of genetic diversity of the common melon with the determination of breeding sources of morphological features (genes L, ri, w, W) were characterized. The prospects of using new lines with recessive marker genes (dl, v2) were established, because this increased the productivity of hybrids by 0.23–0.48 kg/plant. The range of economic value was determined, and hybrid combinations of RL2/T1 and RL2/T2 with improved adaptive and productive parameters were allocated. Based on the genetically marked melon line Feia, a new heterosis hybrid Khvulia was created (group of early ripeness — 67 days, yield — 18.5 t/ha, content of dry soluble matter — 9.2%). This hybrid, in terms of yield, prevailed over its foreign counterpart by 5.1 tons/ha (38.1%), and the content of dry soluble matter by 0.4%. The economic effect was provided at the level of 16.7 thousand UAH/ha. Conclusions. It was proved that the use of genetically marked lines as a parent component contributed to the effective creation of new heterosis hybrids, which were distinguished by a combination of adaptive features and were able to form high yields. As a result of breeding work, a new heterosis hybrid of melon with increased levels of yield and biochemical parameters was created and recommended for cultivation in industrial melon growing zones.