Abstract
The concentration of fructose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose in the leaves, stem, and fruit of the muskmelon plant (Cucumis melo L.) was determined using paper and gas chromatography. Stachyose was the predominant sugar in the leaves but was absent in the developing fruit. Most of the 14C label in 14CO2-treated leaves was associated with stachyose, while the 14C label in the fruit was associated with fructose and glucose. The concentration of stachyose was highest in the leaves, intermediate in the stem, and lowest in the fruit.
Abstract
Resistance of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) to low levels of pickleworm (Diaphania nitidalis [Stoll]) was heritable whether expressed as percent damaged fruit or number of punctures per damaged fruit.
Abstract
‘Green Ice’ is a green-fleshed muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) adapted to the climatic conditions prevalent in the southeastern United States and is well-suited for both commercial and home garden production. It is a high-yielding ‘Honey Ball’-type muskmelon that produces round to oval, pale gray-green, medium-sized fruit that turn cream-colored and slip from the vine at maturity. The thick light-green flesh has a pleasing aroma and sweet flavor and is high in vitamin C. The vigorous plants are resistant to race 3 of powdery mildew [Spaerotheca fuliginea (Schlect ex Fr.) Poll.] and tolerant to most pests and environmental stresses of the region.
Abstract
N,N-bis(phosphonomethyl)glycine (glyphosine) was sprayed at 0, 200, 400, 800, 1600 ppm on vine foliage of ‘PMR-45’ muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) once about 2 weeks after initial flowering. Branch length and number of leaves were reduced at 1600 ppm. Melon weight was increased at 200 ppm about 6.6%, while soluble solids content was increased at all concentrations above the control about 10%. Both effects were most evident toward the end of the season. Triacontanol, applied at 0.01, 1.0, and 10.0 ppm as a foliar spray at the 8 to 10 leaf stage had no effect on muskmelons.
Abstract
Preharvest application of (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon) to muskmelon (Cucumis melo L., Reticulatus group) significantly reduced the soluble solids content and the sucrose concentration of fruits harvested at the full-slip stage. Texture and flavor ratings were also reduced. During 5 days at 20°C, the flesh of fruits from treated plants softened more rapidly and was more aromatic than the fruits from untreated plants.
Abstract
Muskmelons (Cucumis melo L.) at standard harvest maturities tolerated mechanical stresses, such as dropping 90-120 cm or squeezing with 31.8 kg force, without showing increased damage rates. There were no important differences found between 4 cultivars and 1 breeding line.
Abstract
Feeding of pickle worm Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll), on muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) differed, but more definitive laboratory testing under controlled condition is needed to determine if usable resistance mechanisms are involved. Few differences were detected in larval feeding on muskmelon seedlings with various characteristics. However, adult pickleworms laid fewer eggs on glabrous muskmelon and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants than on pubescent ones.
A procedure for the regeneration of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) cv. Topmark via shoot organogenesis from cotyledon explants is described. The best induction medium for a morphogenic response was MS salts and vitamins medium with BA at 1.0 mg·liter-1. Further vegetative bud development was completed by transferring organogenic tissue to MS medium containing BA at 0.05 mg·liter-1 . The shoots were rooted in MS medium containing NAA at 0.01 mg·liter-1. Morphologically normal plantlets were obtained. Chemical abbreviations used: 6-benzylaminopurine (BA); indoleacetic acid (IAA); naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
Abstract
Plant and fruit characteristics of the parents and progeny from the interspecific cross Cucumis melo L. (PI 140471) × C. metuliferus E. Mey. (PI 292190) are described. An electron microscope scan (EMS) indicated that F1 seed exhibited both the netting from C. metuliferus and the ridging from C. melo but pollen from both parents and the F1 appeared to be identical. The F1 plants had lobed leaves as in the staminate parent (C. metuliferus). Trichomes of the F1 were intermediate. The F1 consisted of light green fruit with raised dark green areas and dark green fruit. Thirteen plants with spiney fruit were found in the F2. Ribbing and netting of fruit and andromonoecious flower types occurred in F2 progeny but did not occur in either parent. Weight, flesh and rind thickness, length, and diameter of F1 and F2 fruit greatly exceeded those of either PI 140471 or C. metuliferus. Attempts to duplicate the original cross were unsuccessful due to embryo abortion except for one plant grown by embryo culture. Backcrosses of the F1 to C. metuliferus were unsuccessful in the greenhouse and field due to embryo abortion except for 1 plant produced by embryo culture.