Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report 1:19 (article 19) 1978
J. D. Norton
Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn, AL 36830
Multiple disease resistance, including resistance to M. citrullina has proven to be adequate for high yields of excellent quality fruit for ad-advanced breeding lines and released varieties. The Hollar and Company, Inc., Rocky Ford, Colorado, has exclusive right to the ‘Gulfcoast’ and ‘Chilton’ cultivars.
Plant Variety Protection Certificates Number 73071, Muskmelon, ‘Gulfcoast’ and Number 73072, Muskmelon, ‘Chilton’, were granted by the Plant Variety Protection Office in 1977.
Some reports of infection of ‘Gulfcoast’, ‘Chilton’ and PI 140471 by M. citrullina can be verified. Although infection also occurred on PI 140471, the level of resistance is still very high. Infection of ‘Chilton’ and ‘Gulfcoast’ occurred late, therefore damage to production and fruit quality was negligible.
Further attempts to cross Cucumis melo (PI 140471) with C. metuliferus and C. anguria were unsuccessful. One backcross of the C. metuliferus x (C. melo (PI 140471) x C. metuliferus) F1 was made. Seed from the backcross plants germinated very slowly and lacked vigor in the seedling stages. The backcross plants and progeny are currently being evaluated for plant characteristics and fertility in crosses.
Levels of resistance to the root knot nematode equal to that in C. metuliferus have not been secured in progeny from the original interspecific cross. Two methods are currently being utilized to possibly overcome this deficiency. Further attempts to backcross progeny to C. metuliferus and sib crossing of F2 plants which exhibit tolerance levels will be continued.
Resistance to the pickleworm (Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll)) is present in a number of breeding lines. Source of resistance is PI 140471, as reported by W. L. Corley (1). Gautney (2) found that resistance was controlled by multiple recessive genes.
Literature Cited
- Corley, W. L. 1973. Response of muskmelon botanical varieties to pickleworm infestation. HortScience 8:326-8.
- Gautney, L. T. 1975. The Inheritance of Resistance to Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll), in Muskmelon, Cucumis melo L. M.S. Thesis, Auburn University.