Diallel Analyses for Yield and Maturity Characteristics in Muskmelon Cultivars1

Abstract

Abstract The diallel cross was used to evaluate 10 muskmelon cultivars for several characteristics related to maturity, fruit size, and yield. From data obtained in 2 or 3 locations, both additive gene action (general combining ability, GCA) and nonadditive effects (specific combining ability, SCA) were significant in crosses for expression of days to 1st fruit harvested and avg wt of 1st 3 fruits harvested. GCA was significant for all traits when evaluated from single location data, and was more important than SCA for explaining differences among crosses. Heterosis was significant and favorable for 1st fruit harvested, avg wt of 1st 3 fruits and wt of all fruits per plant, but unfavorable for days between 1st and 3rd fruits harvested. Evaluation of these cultivars and predicted values for the characters in synthetic breeding populations formed from selected parents are presented. Breeding schemes for population improvement and cultivar development in muskmelon are discussed.