The Study of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Genotypes Tolerance to Egyptian Broomrape (Orobanche aegyptiaca)

In order to study the melon genotypes to broomrape,  an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Barekat research field of Jovein  in Sabzevar, east of Iran. Seeds of 14 genotypes of melon (Melon, Magasi, Khatouni, Nishabour, Tabassi, Tallebi, Jim Abad, Eyvankay, Tashkendi, Mianeh, Mianeh atashbar, Atrak, Galia kayhan, Galia hybrid) were planted in a farm with a history of broomrape infestation and control treatments for each genotype were also planted in a farm with no history of broomrape infestation,  but with the same physical and chemical properties of soil and management. The results showed that melon genotypes were significantly different based on fruit weight and plant biomass. Infestation broomrape led to a significant reduction in fruit  weight and plant biomass. Melon genotypes tolerance to broomrape were significantly different. Among the melon genotypes, Jim Abad had the lowest fruit and plant weight loss. However its parasitization by broomrape was also the highest. This means that Jim Abad genotype is more tolerant to broomrape compared with other evaluated melon genotypes.