KP4HM-15: an inbred line of muskmelon resistant to Fusarium wilt

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis L.) is a serious threat to muskmelon cultivation in India. It causes heavy losses to the crop at maturity stage sometimes resulting in a total failure of the crop. Limited efforts have been made in India or abroad to utilize the non-dessert melon sub-species, snap melon (Cucumis melo var. momordica) which is a good source of desirable genes for resistance to Fusarium wilt and other diseases. In the current study, inbred lines of muskmelon have been developed possessing high level of resistance against Fusarium wilt. Both the dessert types and non-dessert types of muskmelon were subjected to screening against Fusarium wilt and downy mildew in the hot and humid conditions of the rainy season. Using non-dessert types, the inbred lines of muskmelon were developed possessing desirable horticultural traits and wilt resistance. These non-dessert types have been involved in the backcross breeding programme with cultivated types. A promising inbred line, KP4HM-15 has been developed by transferring resistance genes from snapmelon into ‘Hara Madhu’. It has been developed through a backcross breeding method using KP-4 (locally called Kariam Phut) as a donor parent and ‘Hara Madhu’ as a recurrent parent. From BC₄ generations onward, it was subjected to inbreeding and selection for desirable horticultural traits coupled with Fusarium wilt resistance. KP4HM-15 has attractive round and sutured fruits weighing about 900 g with light green firm flesh possessing 13% total soluble solids. It can be used in muskmelon breeding programme.