Analysis of General and Specific Combining Ability of Postharvest Attributes in Melon

Improving postharvest and cold storage related indices is one of the main purposes of melon breeding programs. With regards to the growing global market, it is important to introduce new melon types with prolonged storability. In this experiment, six melon inbred lines were used to establish a full diallel F1 population. Harvested fruit was stored and the main postharvest indices were monitored during the storage period. The results showed that some indices were controlled by additive gene effects such as mesocarp firmness and Soluble Solids (SS). Mesocarp firmness analysis proposed that this index was controlled by additive and non-additive gene effects. General Combining Ability (GCA) analysis showed that “Khatouni” inbred line could be considered as a promising parent in breeding programs to produce melon hybrids with more appealing firmness, fewer cold storage losses, and a longer postharvest life.