Study of Morphological, Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Some Iranian Indigenous Melon Landraces

Melon is an important economic crop and Iran is a main center of diversity for Melon. For maintenance and evaluation of some native landraces field experiments were conducted during 2011 and 2012 growing season in Kaboutar-abad Agricultural Research Station of Isfahan. Fifteen selected populations were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Field management was according to commercial practices and necessary notes were taken during growing season. The results showed that highest early harvest was obtained in Khaghani, Dastgerdi and Mashadi. Populations Saberi, Soski and Gaz produced the highest yield at the end of the season. Total yield with 44, 43 and 42 ton per hectare were obtained in Sabz Isfahan, Jalali and Saberi, respectively. The largest fruit size was picking up in Soski, Abbas shouri and Gaz and the smallest fruit size and weight was in Ananasi, Till and Saderati. Abbas shouri, Gaz and Jalali shown maximum frimness and have a relatively thick shell which are suitable for storage. While Till, Ananasi and Mashadi have least frimness and least storability. So regarding many dieases population of melon in Iran, which has good potential of vegetative and reproductive characteristics, it is necessary to study on their purification and selection to introduce for breeding.