Establishing gene pools for superior plant and fruit characteristics in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Melon is one of the most important vegetable species grown all over the world and in Turkey. The most important melon types grown in Turkey are Galia and Kırkağaç types. The aim of this study is created gene pools (populations) for the purpose of breeding in both types and selection of midway lines (F3 and F4 lines) in created populations with selfing and selection methods. Than characterization of selected quality breeding lines are made for plant and fruit charecteristics. In this study, 6 Galia F1 varieties, 2 Japanese type F1 varieties and 8 Kırkağaç F1 varieties were planted which are popular/grown in the Turkish market. Also some crossings are made between these F1 hibrits. Plant and fruit observations were made of selected F3 and F4 lines from these populations. In addition powdery mildew strength was controlled by natural inoculation in greenhouse conditions. Observations were made according as modified of UPOV Melon Description List criteria. Then the most important features of the selected midway lines were tested with Principle Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis Methods. According to these statistical analysis, correlations between observations made to the lines were determined. In addition dendograms were created for the analyzed lines and the degrees of Interline kinship were determined with this dendograms.After statistical analysis on selected 55 Galia F3 lines and 46 Galia F4 lines, genetic diversity was found quite high between lines. It is found Earlyness has the most important effect on genetic diversity in F3 and F4 Galia lines. 128 Kırkağaç F3 lines were analyzed. It is also found genetic diversity between lines. The most effective charecter on genetic diversity was found as wrinkle on fruit surface. And also 122 Kırkağaç F4 lines were tested statistical. Genetic diversity were found quiet high in F4 lines. TSS was found the most effective charecter on genetic diversity for these lines. On created dendogram, it is seen 2 main and 6 sub groups for Galia F3 lines. 2 main and 7 sub groups are seen for Galia F4, Kırkağaç F3 and Kırkağaç F4 lines. In addition, according to the distribution of the lines on the diagram, lines that are far from each other were determined to be used in F1 breeding. As a result, 132 Galia and 250 Kırkağaç half-way quality lines were obtained to be used in F1 breeding, whose plant and fruit characteristics were defined and whose resistance was determined for the local PM strain.