Khatooni 93, a New Melon Cultivar Suitable for cultivation in Temperate Warm Areas of Iran

Khatooni melon is one of the most important cultivars in Khorasan Razavi province that is the largest area under cultivation of melons. Non-uniformity and variability due to high cross pollination (85% to 95%) and planting for many years and the distribution of traits in a population, lowered the yield in this population. In order to improve traits in populations, a plan to row method was used as selection breeding program. In the first year (1999) with fruit ripening, ten percent of desirable plants were selected in each plot. Selection characteristics were, plant health and fruit, number of suitable fruits per plant, desirable average fruit weight, shape and color of fruit and sweet fruit. Selected fruits and seeds were scrod separately. During second year, (2000), half of the selected seed were stored and the other half was planted in 20 meters rows for comparison of plants. After selecting superior scored plans at the end of the second year, seeds were taken out of stock and mixed for cultivation during following year. In the third year (2001) seeds were planted and were selected based on desired traits similar to the first year. In the fourth year (2002) like second year, seed were planted in the rows and chosen seeds were mixed in the warehouse. At the end of the fifth year (2003) for comparing the populations modified t-test was used. In this experiment the used method improved characteristics, such as average fruit weight (66/46%), the number of fruits per plant (45.45 percent), sugar content (33/8%) and yield (60%). Purified melon population was comprised to the initial population in one experiment during 2007 to 2011. Research-extension experiments during 2012 showed that the advanced population by producing about 45/27 ton ha-1 was superior to native population which produced about and 14/20 ton ha-1 yield.