Bayoumy, A., Sakr, M., Mousa, S., Wahb-Allah, M., Yousry, M. (2023). Efficiency of Mass Selection and Selection Indices on Improving Growth, Yield and Quality of Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo, L.).. Journal of the Advances in Agricultural Researches, 28(3), 714-732. doi: 10.21608/jalexu.2023.234440.1153
Ahmed M. Bayoumy; Mona A. G Sakr; Sameh A. M. Mousa; Mahmoud A. Wahb-Allah; Mona M. Yousry. "Efficiency of Mass Selection and Selection Indices on Improving Growth, Yield and Quality of Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo, L.).". Journal of the Advances in Agricultural Researches, 28, 3, 2023, 714-732. doi: 10.21608/jalexu.2023.234440.1153
Bayoumy, A., Sakr, M., Mousa, S., Wahb-Allah, M., Yousry, M. (2023). 'Efficiency of Mass Selection and Selection Indices on Improving Growth, Yield and Quality of Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo, L.).', Journal of the Advances in Agricultural Researches, 28(3), pp. 714-732. doi: 10.21608/jalexu.2023.234440.1153
Bayoumy, A., Sakr, M., Mousa, S., Wahb-Allah, M., Yousry, M. Efficiency of Mass Selection and Selection Indices on Improving Growth, Yield and Quality of Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo, L.).. Journal of the Advances in Agricultural Researches, 2023; 28(3): 714-732. doi: 10.21608/jalexu.2023.234440.1153
Efficiency of Mass Selection and Selection Indices on Improving Growth, Yield and Quality of Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo, L.).
1Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt
2Plant Production Department, Faculty Of Agriculture (Saba Bash), Alex University.
3Vegetable Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alex. University.
4Plant Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alex.University.
Abstract
Present investigation was carried out during three successive seasons, in years 2021 and 2022.Two cycles of inbreeding and mass selection program were applied, using the methods of selection indices, on 6 strains of melon (cantaloupe) under the green houses of Sabahya Horticulture Research station, Alexandria. Original population (S0),first and second selection generation (S1 and S2) and Boshra 411 as a check cultivar were sown in experimental evaluation in early summer season in first March of year 2022 to test the progress in the traits under studies in a factorial experiment with two factors (genotypes and selection cycle) in randomized complete block design with three replicates (RCBD) in private farm at Al-Mahmudiyah area in Al-Buhaira governorate. Analysis of variance over all mean performances, estimation of genetic parameters like, heritability; genetic advance (GA) and inbreeding depression (ID)were estimated, for vegetative, flowering and fruiting, yield, and its components characteristics. The most important results are summarized as follows: There were significant and highly significant differences between all genotypes in all traits with exception to fruit shape index trait. Differences between original population and selection cycles, were significant and highly significant for all traits under study. By comparing the inbred strains to each other (G, M, Q, S, W and X) it can be noted that line S was superior to other strains in most characteristics. By comparing the same strains with the control variety (Boshra 411), it can be noted that there was a clear superiority of the control variety in all traits under study. First and second selection generations (S1 and S2) had the highest values for traits like flesh thickness %, netting degree (1-10), placenta hardness (1-10) and dray matter%. The highest estimates of heritability in broad sense (> 75%) were observed for dray matter % (93.28%); total soluble solids % (90.67%); total number of fruits / plant (82.94%); placenta hardness (1-10) (77.26%) and flesh thickness % (76.34%). This was consistent with the close values of GCA and PCV and highest values of Genetic advance (GA) for the same traits. Estimates of inbreeding depression were positive in traits, plant length, total number of nodes / plants; fruit set percentage %; total number of fruits / plants; total yield / plant (KG) and fruit shape index. The largest inbreeding depression were in traits total number of fruits/ plant and fruit set percentages % (19.91 and 18.13 % respectively).
Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo, L.) considered a dicotyledon and diploid plant (2n = 2x = 24). It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes squash, watermelon, and cucumber. Although it is widely believed that the main origin of it is in Africa, recent data indicates that melons may have an Asian origin Melon species are subdivided into seven botanical varieties as follow: C. melo Var. reticulates (Netted melon), C. melo Var. cantaloupensis (Cantaloupe), C. melo Var. inodoruus (Hony dew), C. melo Var. aegyptiacus (Sweet melon), C.melo Var. flexous (Snape melon) , C. melo Var. chito (Mango melon) , C. melo Var. dudiam (Pocket melon) (Sebastian et al., 2010). Melon genotypes is an important vegetable crop, produced worldwide with average total production in 2021, 28.617.598 tons produced from a cultivated area estimated at 2.565.164 fed worldwide. Egyptian cultivated area and total production of all melon genotypes, reached its peak in 2016 it was 100,756 fed (40,774 ha) with total production 1066817 tons and average yield / fed 10.59 tons / fed. This increase in the cultivated area, in addition to the average productivity / fed, was interpreted as an increase during this period in the import of hybrid seeds. With the import process gradually decreasing by 2021, the harvested area for all melon genotypes has become15, 934 fed (6,452 ha) with total production 179,129 tons and average yield / fed 11.24 tons / fed. These results warn of a problem in this field (the field of improved and hybrid seed production) in general, which calls for the attention of all concerned institutions in an attempt to contribute to finding solutions to improve local breeds and produce selected strains that are later used in the production of hybrids (FAO, 2021). Genetic improvement programs mainly target factors such as modification of mean population. Mass selection considered one of the effective breeding programs in improving cross-pollinated crops, mass selection can be briefly described as, best individuals in terms of some predetermined trait phenotypically selected from population then seeds harvested in bulk to produce next generation, by repeating the selection periodically, improvement happens faster in early selective generation (Naroui Rad. 2022).
Selection indices method aiming to maximize advance in economic traits and effective in selection for several traits at the same time, selection index require knowledge of (i) the genotypic and phenotypic variance (ii) the genotypic and phenotypic covariance (iv) the economic weight for trait. The ''economic'' values may reflect the market situation, preferences (Magnussen 1990). Numerous investigations was carried out on selection indices in plant breeding like Lal and Singh (1997) on melon, Gomaa et al., (1999) on cotton, Daliya and Wilson, (2004) on eggplant, Rabie et al., (2004) on rice grain, Hussein et al., (2008) on rice, Muhammad and syed, (2010) on sweet corn, Mohammad et al, (2014) on sugarcane, Nyo et al., (2020) on rice grain and Gomes et al., (2021) on melon. The authors reported that there was more success using selection index for increasing expected response to selection than direct selection of different traits at the same time. Heritability in broad sense is very important and should be recognized as a first step before starting any breeding program. Heritability measures are the portion of the total genetic variance that are due to hereditary factors. High values of heritability associated with high genetic advance means high additive gene effects and consequently the scope for improving traits through phenotypic selection is more, (Khomphet et al.,2022). Inbreeding depression measured the reduction in performance of the F2 generation due to inbreeding. The large amount of inbreeding depression for fruit weight, and fruits yield/plant, were expected since these traits showed large amount of heterosis. (Kustanto., 2023). Current investigation aimed to try to increase the homogeneity of the six inbred lines of cantaloupe cultivar, by selfing and selecting the best genotypes for two successive seasons (selection index model). Evaluate the selection generation and original population behind commercial cultivar in separate evaluation season. Asses the magnitude of genetic variability and use of a certain genetic parameter which play a big role in cantaloupe improvement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Present study was carried out during three successive seasons in years of 2021 and 2022. The experimental sites were the green houses and the experimental field of Sabahya Horticulture Research station, Alex, Egypt, and a private farm in Al-Mahmudiyah area in Al-Buhaira governorate. Details of the materials and techniques used in the investigation are briefly described as follow:
Experimental details:
Geographic location, climate and soil and water analysis.
Experimental field of breeding technique (greenhouses of Sabahya Horticulture Research station) situated at latitude of 31°12'54.4"N and longitude of 29°58'26.4"E. regarding evaluation experiment (private farm in Al-Mahmudiyah area in Al-Buhaira governorate) situated at latitude of 31°10'30.1"N and longitude of 30°30'51.6"E. Important weather data during evaluation experiment period (summer season of 2022) is shown in Fig. (1). Soil and water analysis of both farming areas are presented in Table (1).
Plant materials
The original populations for this investigation consist of six strains of melon (cantaloupe) namely G, M, Q, S, W and X genotypes. They are a result of melon breeding program at Cross-Pollination Vegetable Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt. The origin and some special features for the six melon strains under study are listed in Table (2).
Fig. (1). Average temperature degrees (˚C) and relative humidity percentages (%), in Al-Mahmudiyah area in Al-Buhaira governorate on a weekly basis, over a period of 20 weeks, which is the period of the evaluation season for the strains under study.
Table (1). Soil and water analysis of Sabahya Horticulture Research station (pollination site) and Al-Mahmudiyah (evaluation site).
Soil analysis
Parameters
Sabahya
Al-Mahmudiyah
Measuring unit
Mechanical analysis
Sand
56.72
46.72
%
Silt
16
20
%
Clay
27.28
33.28
%
Textural class
Sandy clay loam
Clay loam
PH(1:2)
7.5
7.8
EC(1:2 water extract)
1.12
0.953
Ds/m
O.M
1.75
1.1
%
Caco3
3.9
2.3
%
Soluble cations
Calcium (Ca2+)
5
5
Meq/l
Magnesium (Mg2+)
8
4
Meq/l
Sodium (Na+)
2.5
2.6
Meq/l
Potassium (K+)
0.38
0.13
Meq/l
Soluble anions
Carbonates (Co3)+Bicarbonates (Hco3)
1
4
Meq/l
Chloride (Cl-)
11
8.4
Meq/l
Sulfate (So42-)
3.65
0.8
Meq/l
Available nutrients
Nitrogen (N)
5.2
11.5
Meq/l
Phosphorus (P)
22.3
35.9
Meq/l
Potassium (K)
300
275
Meq/l
Water analysis
PH
7.1
7.2
-
EC
0.460
0.580
Ds/m
Soluble cations
Calcium (Ca2+)
2
4
Meq/l
Magnesium (Mg2+)
3
3
Meq/l
Sodium (Na+)
1.1
1.1
Meq/l
Potassium (K+)
0.2
0.26
Meq/l
Soluble anions
Carbonates (Co3)+Bicarbonates (Hco3)
1
1
Meq/l
Chloride (Cl-)
10
8
Meq/l
Sulfate (So42-)
0.12
0.12
Meq/l
Ds/m = Dsi Siemens / m it is a unit of measurement of the degree of electrical conductivity
Meq/l = mille equivalent /litr
Table (2). The origin and some specials features for the six melon strains under study.
Genotypes
Characteristics
Genotypes
Characteristics
GF4
Segregated by selection in F2 primal hybrid down to the fourth generation (F4)
Strong vegetative growth.
Moderate maturity duration
High netting degree.
There are hollow ribs in the fruit.
Coppery yellow fruit color
Fruit flesh color is light green.
A medium-sized triangular inner cavity.
The fruit is spherical in shape
SS3
Improved strain segregated by inbreeding and selection in Mostadir Matrouh variety (local variety cultivated in Matrouh governorate) down to the third generation (S3)
Strong vegetative growth.
Moderate maturity duration.
Moderate netting degree.
Yellow green fruit color.
Fruit flesh color is light green.
A medium-sized triangular inner cavity with high flesh thickness.
The fruits are slightly oval.
MF3
Segregated by selection in F2 of hybrid Matrouh variety (improved local variety cultivated in Matrouh governorate) × charantais (imported variety) down to the third generation (F3)
Strong vegetative growth.
Short ripening period.
High netting degree.
The fruits have non-hollow ribbing.
Yellow fruit color
Fruit flesh color is dark orange.
Small internal circular cavity.
High flesh thickness.
The fruit is spherical in shape.
WS3
Improved segregated line by inbreeding and selection in Mostadir Matrouh variety but with orange flesh (local variety cultivated in Matrouh governorate) down to the third generation (S3)
Moderate vegetative growth.
Moderate maturity duration.
High netting degree.
Coppery yellow fruit color.
Fruit flesh color is light orange.
Small internal circular cavity.
High flesh thickness.
The fruit is spherical in shape.
Q F4
Segregated by selection in F2 primal hybrid down to the fourth generation (F4)
Strong vegetative growth.
Short ripening period.
High netting degree.
The fruits have non-hollow ribbing.
yellow fruit color.
Fruit flesh color is light green.
Small internal circular cavity.
High flesh thickness.
The fruit is spherical in shape.
XF4
segregated by selection in F2 of Ideal hybrid down to the fourth generation (F4)
Moderate vegetative growth.
Moderate maturity duration.
High netting degree.
Canary yellow fruit color.
Fruit flesh color is Light cream.
A medium-sized triangular inner cavity with high flesh thickness.
The fruit is spherical in shape.
control
(Boshra 411)
(Commercials cultivar)
Very strong vegetative growth.
Short ripening period.
High netting degree.
Yellow fruit color.
Fruit flesh color is Light orange.
Small internal circular cavity.
High flesh thickness.
The fruit is spherical in shape.
Development of Genetic Materials
Two cycles of inbreeding and mass selection program were applied on the six strains (G, M, Q, S, W and X) of melon (cantaloupe) in the summer and autumn season of 2021.The original population (S0) of the six strains were planted in green house at the mid of February 2021 direct by seeds on ridges 1 meters wide and 40 cm apart. Mass selection and selfing techniques was conducted as follows:10 % of the original population from each genotype were selected and its seeds were mixed (mass selection) to get the first selection generation (S1), the same practices was done to get second selected generation (S2) which was planted at end of July 2021. Selection was based on characters; plant length, total number of nodes/plants, total number of branches/plants, total number of fruits/plant, total yield (kg), netting degree (1-10), flesh thickness (%), placenta hardness (1-10), total soluble solids (TSS) and Fruit set percentages (%). Selection was carried out using the methods of selection indices, and its reference was also mentioned.
Evaluation of Genetic Materials:
Seeds of the original population (S0), first and second selection generations (S1 and S2 and Boshra 411 (check cultivar) were sown in experimental evaluation in early summer season in first March of 2022 in foam plates. After one month, in private farm at Al-Mahmudiyah area in Al-Buhaira governorate the transplants were sown on ridges 1.5 meters wide and 50 cm apart to test the progress in the traits under studies in an factorial experiment with two factors (genotypes and selection cycle) in randomized complete block design with three replicates (RCBD). Each replicate contained 24 rows 4 rows for each of the 6 genotypes So, S1, S2 and Boshra 411 (control cultivar), the rows were 12 m long and 150 cm wide. The hills were thinned to one plant each, after three weeks from transplanting.
Recorded Data
Vegetative growth traits
Plant length (cm) was measured from end of root zone to the terminal buds of the main stem. Number of branches per plant and total number of nodes per plant were counted at the end of the harvest season.
Earliness traits
Maturity duration was determined as a number of days from planting to the pick of first fruit. Number of nodes from cotyledon leaves to the picked first fruit was also determined.
Yield and its components traits
At the end of the harvest season, four traits were determined as follow: Fruit set percentage (the ratio between the number of total fruits obtained at the end of the harvest season and the number of total female flowers produced by the same plant), average fruit weight (KG), total number of fruits/plant and total yield/plant (KG).
Fruit characteristics:
Fruit shape index was determined by dividing fruit length by fruit diameter according to Wininger and Ludwing (1974). Flesh thickness % was determined as a ratio between flesh thickness and fruit diameter. Netting degree (1-10) was rating from 1 to 10, 1 denoted the extreme smooth fruit skin and 10 the heavily rough fruit. Placenta hardness: rating from 1to10, 1 denoted the juicy placenta tissues and 10 is the hard placenta. Total soluble solids (TSS)were determined using the Zeiss hand refractometer. Dray matter % was determined by weighting 100 gm of fruit flesh then chopped and dried at 70 ₒc for 5 days until constant weight.
Statistical procedures and Estimation of Genetic Parameters:
All the collected data were statistically analyzed according to the following:
1- Selection indices
Classical selection index was performed according to Smith (1936) and as illustrated by Singh and Choudhary (1985) Smith described the method as follow:
1- First function
H (Genetic worth) = a1G1+ a2G2 + ………. anGn
Were,
G1, G2 and Gn = genotypic variation values for analysis of variance and covariance for individual character and a1, a2 and an = economic weight for all studied traits.
2 - Second function
I (Phenotypic performance of various characters) = b1p1 + b2p2 +………. bnpn
Were,
b1, b2 and bn = correlation between H and I, ie, r (H, I).
p1, p2 and pn the phenotypic variation values for analysis of variance and covariance.
The maximization of r (H, I) lead to a set of simultaneous equation which upon solving give the desired values of bn. Considering 10 characters.
Selection index values formula.
(S.I) = bnxij
Were,
bn = the column vector for correlation between r (H, I),
xij = the matrix which contain the values for several traits for each genotype.
2- Analysis of variance Analysis of variance for individual character of 6 populations was done on the basis of the mean values as suggested by Sendecor and Cochran (1980).
3- Estimation of genetic parameters
Components of variance
- Genotypic and phenotypic variances were computed from ANOVA table based on the expected mean sum of squares as follows:
-
-
-
-
Where: M1, M2, M3 and M4 are the men square of the Genotypes, Selection cycle, Genotypes x Selection cycle and experimental error, respectively.
1- Coefficient of variation
Genotypic and phenotypic of variations were computed according to Burton (1952).
Where: = General mean of the trait, Genotypic variance and Phenotypic variance
2- Heritability
Broad sense heritability values were estimated for all studied traits as the ratio of genotypic variance ( 2g) to the phenotypic variance ( 2ph) and was expressed in percentage Hanson et al., (1956).
Where, Genotypic variance and Phenotypic variance
3- Genetic advance (GA)
Was computed according to the formula given by Johanson et al., (1955).
GA = i
Where: = Broad sense heritability, i = Selection differential 1.76 at 10% selection intensity and = Phenotypic standard deviation.
4- Genetic advance as percentage of mean (GAM)
Were calculated as illustrated by Falconer,(1989). Using the following formula:
Where: GA = Genetic advance and = General mean of the trait
5- Inbreeding depression (ID)
Calculated by formula suggested by Bernstein et al., (1985).
Where, S0 = General mean of original population and S2 = General mean of second selection generation
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Efficiency of Mass Selection and Selection Indices:
Data presented in tables (3) and (4) showed the selection index values for lines selected to get the first selection generation (S1) and second selection generation (S2), respectively, from each genotype under study (10 % from lines which have a best performance in characters which selection was based on it and 90 % of lines which was neglected) with selection intensity 10%.Lines selected to get first selection generation were, G30, G14 and G18 with selection index values 267.54, 252.23 and 221.96 respectively; M30, M21 and M3 with selection index values 141.38, 140.65 and 140.42 respectively; Q6, Q4 and Q13 with selection index values 207.44, 142.04 and 135.33 respectively; S8, S24 and S16 with selection index values 70.38, 68.55 and 67.29 respectively; W7, W28 and W21 with selection index values 53.49, 52.70 and 52.67 respectively and X14, X4 and X9 with selection index values 58.02, 57.90 and 57. Lines selected to get second selection generation were, G19, G3 and G12 with selection index values 521.10, 494.92 and 394.88 respectively; M17, M19 and M4 with selection index values 118.96, 118.74 and 118.48 respectively; Q9, Q28and Q10 with selection index values 32.23, 31.12 and 30.19 respectively; S1, S4 and S21 with selection index values 172.51, 169.32 and 167.18 respectively; W16, W20 and W4 with selection index values 28.88, 28.66 and 28.57 respectively and X8, X12 and X22 with selection index values 35.67, 8.31 and 8.19. Individual ''lines'' of each population were arranged discerningly in order to the selection index value.
Data of analysis of variance of cantaloupe genotypes under study, in addition to control variety presented in table (5) showed that there were significant and highly significant differences between all genotypes in all traits with exception to fruit shape index trait. Concerning differences between selection cycles data of mean squares values were significant in number of branches / plant and fruit shape index traits and highly significant in remaining traits. The interaction between genotypes × selection cycle, mean squares values were significant in trait, total soluble solids (TSS) (2.165*) and highly
significant in traits, total number of nodes / plant (24.458**), Total yield / plant (KG) (0.221**), Placenta hardness (1-10) (0.521**) and Dray matter % (1.991**) from these results it can be noted that There are differences between the strains under study, and this is considered a fertile environment for starting a breeding program, as the basis for any breeding program is the presence of differences in a high degree. Similar results were found by Metwally et al., (2015), Abo Sedera et al., (2016) and Khomphet et al.,(2022) who reported that the phenotypic differences are high between the strains at the beginning of the breeding program, and this is considered good for the breeder, and sometimes the breeder resorts to creating differences to obtain genetic isolations in which the selection is made for the distinguished ones and to reach a satisfactory degree.
The effectiveness of a plant breeding programs depends on the ability of a breeder to select superior individuals or families for many traits of interest (Rabiei et al.,2004) and (Gomes et al., 2021) who reported that the high values of selection index, means that these genotypes had strong correlation between genetic worth and phenotypic performances. And also found that the several cycles of inbreeding using mass selection and selection index method, reduced the variability among individuals. Generally, the data prove that all studied traits could be improved through mass selection method and selection index, but with different degrees depending upon the amount of variation present in each population. So, selection index has been shown to be the most efficient method to achieve aggregate genetic progress compared with any other direct single trait selection methods
Mean performances
Mean performances of all Cantaloupe genotypes for all studied characters are presented in table (6).The results clarified that, line S followed by Q scored the highest plant length (2.61 and 2.6 m respectively),line S followed by line X scored the highest number of branches / plant (4.56 and 4.44 branches / plant, respectively), line S followed by line M and Q scored the highest number of nodes / plant (29.11 and 28.39 nodes /plant respectively), line S followed by Q scored the lowest maturity duration (100.67 and 100.78 days respectively), line S and Q scored the lowest number of nodes to pick first fruit (3.44 nodes).
Line Q followed by S scored the highest fruit set percentage (3.22 and 3.11 respectively), line X followed by S scored the highest average fruit weight (KG) (1.10 and 1.03 respectively), line S followed by line M scored the highest total number of fruits / plant (3.61 and 3.48 fruits / plant respectively), line S followed by Q scored the highest total yield / plant (KG) (3.69 and 3.41 kg respectively). Regarding fruit shape index, data showed that all genotypes tend to be oval in shape, as a result of approaching the fruit shape index the unity, line W followed by G scored the highest flesh thickness % (37.85 and 34.97 respectively), line Q followed by S scored the netting degree (1-10)(8.60 and 8.58 respectively), line W followed by M scored the highest placenta hardness (1-10) (8.71 and 8.48 respectively), line S followed by line W and line X scored the highest total soluble content (TSS%) (12.98 and 11.78 % respectively), line W followed by line S scored the heist dray matter % (8.34 and 8.14 respectively)
By comparing the studied strains with the control variety (Boshra 411),it can be noted that there was a clear superiority of the control variety in all traits under study, same trends of these study were by Hatem, et al., (2014), Kevin et al., (2017), wang et al., (2021)They attributed the reason for the superiority of the test variety to, it is mostly a hybrid, and thus it is possible for it to be superior in the characteristics of the strength of growth as a result of the hybrid strength, in addition to that it has completed its improvement program, and thus it is superior in the quality characteristics of the fruits. Singh et al., (2023) Reported that there are isolates that are present in the population and are superior to the test variety, and these are targeted by selection to increase their genetic replication in the advanced selective generations.
Table (3). Selection index values for the six genotypes of cantaloupe (G, M, Q, S, W and X) obtained from the analysis of the selection indices on the basis of selection in original population (S0) to get seeds of first selection generation (S1).
Selection intensity %
Sequence
G strain
selection index
M strain
selection index
Q strain
selection index
S strain
selection index
W strain
selection index
X strain
selection index
10% selected
1
G30
267.54
M30
141.38
Q6
207.44
S8
70.38
W7
53.49
X14
58.02
2
G14
252.23
M21
140.65
Q4
142.04
S24
68.55
W28
52.70
X4
57.90
3
G18
221.96
M3
140.42
Q13
135.33
S16
67.29
W21
52.67
X9
57.00
90% neglected
4
G20
220.07
M12
139.41
Q22
134.64
S11
60.33
W14
51.49
X19
56.56
5
G26
215.94
M27
130.66
Q5
108.81
S9
60.08
W24
50.95
X5
55.64
6
G2
215.18
M9
129.96
Q14
108.66
S19
59.79
W3
50.04
X29
55.01
7
G4
213.58
M18
126.61
Q23
107.20
S3
59.56
W17
50.03
X24
54.73
8
G16
207.01
M16
125.38
Q9
106.10
S27
58.23
W10
49.84
X18
54.59
9
G24
206.22
M25
121.83
Q27
105.46
S25
57.86
W1
49.64
X23
54.56
10
G10
202.81
M7
116.45
Q18
102.68
S17
57.06
W15
49.37
X15
54.07
11
G23
202.68
M17
114.41
Q17
90.91
S10
56.86
W16
49.33
X7
53.93
12
G22
198.45
M26
113.38
Q26
89.85
S1
56.36
W8
49.33
X20
53.74
13
G8
195.77
M8
111.59
Q7
87.25
S18
54.39
W22
49.24
X10
53.65
14
G7
194.51
M14
108.33
Q16
86.94
S26
51.69
W9
49.11
X30
52.73
15
G28
193.17
M23
108.06
Q25
84.60
S12
50.37
W30
48.92
X8
52.69
16
G27
192.24
M5
106.58
Q8
84.42
S20
50.03
W29
48.70
X13
52.61
17
G19
190.91
M1
106.19
Q11
81.27
S2
49.61
W23
48.67
X3
52.58
18
G12
184.63
M28
103.81
Q29
81.09
S4
49.61
W2
48.53
X28
52.53
19
G29
184.35
M19
103.05
Q24
80.33
S28
49.48
W4
48.32
X2
52.41
20
G25
182.73
M10
102.91
Q15
80.17
S5
45.49
W20
48.07
X22
51.94
21
G3
182.59
M22
101.39
Q20
79.72
S13
44.15
W25
47.49
X17
51.54
22
G11
180.98
M4
99.15
Q2
71.06
S29
43.80
W11
46.51
X25
51.23
23
G6
180.09
M20
98.87
Q1
68.21
S21
43.64
W6
46.35
X6
51.17
24
G13
179.25
M29
98.74
Q28
66.11
S22
42.64
W13
45.95
X12
51.12
25
G1
175.69
M11
97.22
Q19
66.01
S15
41.98
W27
44.49
X21
50.32
26
G9
174.78
M2
96.39
Q10
64.19
S6
41.32
W18
44.22
X27
50.04
27
G21
172.71
M13
94.40
Q3
58.68
S14
40.46
W26
40.03
X16
49.93
28
G17
171.12
M15
93.92
Q30
57.07
S30
40.09
W12
39.83
X11
49.45
29
G5
164.66
M6
93.79
Q12
56.79
S23
39.14
W19
39.71
X26
47.01
30
G15
164.3548
M24
93.764
Q21
56.47
S7
38.70
W5
38.173
X1
46.758
Table (4). Selection index values for the six genotypes of cantaloupe (G, M, Q, S, W and X) obtained from the analysis of the selection indices on the basis of selection in first selection generation (S1) to get seeds of second selection generation (S2).
Selection intensity %
sequence
G strain
selection index
M strain
selection index
Q strain
selection index
S strain
selection index
W strain
selection index
X strain
selection index
10% selected
1
G19
521.10
M17
118.96
Q9
32.23
S1
172.51
W16
28.88
X8
35.67
2
G3
494.92
M19
118.74
Q28
31.12
S4
169.32
W20
28.66
X12
8.31
3
G12
394.88
M4
118.48
Q10
30.19
S21
167.18
W4
28.57
X22
8.19
90% neglected
4
G6
391.52
M24
117.55
Q2
28.69
S6
148.05
W5
28.50
X29
7.84
5
G7
388.10
M10
114.13
Q14
28.25
S12
147.94
W24
27.89
X11
7.74
6
G11
386.10
M22
113.99
Q5
25.62
S26
146.69
W3
26.81
X2
7.55
7
G21
375.73
M20
110.46
Q29
25.59
S5
146.19
W13
26.34
X13
7.20
8
G1
374.57
M29
106.49
Q20
25.53
S15
146.03
W11
26.22
X24
7.08
9
G15
369.81
M13
103.68
Q11
24.93
S23
144.27
W27
25.61
X21
6.25
10
G9
361.56
M15
97.66
Q12
24.68
S14
143.06
W19
24.94
X14
6.08
11
G30
361.21
M30
96.35
Q4
24.28
S8
141.48
W29
24.89
X6
5.94
12
G18
360.59
M9
95.06
Q8
23.40
S27
134.18
W21
24.84
X30
5.93
13
G27
357.40
M7
93.56
Q16
22.16
S17
131.33
W30
24.68
X26
5.89
14
G22
353.08
M8
91.85
Q24
21.61
S28
130.96
W23
24.25
X18
5.83
15
G29
348.37
M23
90.49
Q1
19.23
S29
130.49
W6
23.29
X7
5.69
16
G10
345.32
M16
89.99
Q27
18.92
S3
130.36
W7
23.10
X1
5.25
17
G14
344.80
M3
89.93
Q22
18.75
S24
130.01
W8
22.84
X5
5.04
18
G16
342.98
M27
89.82
Q26
17.96
S11
126.54
W1
22.82
X20
4.73
19
G17
335.79
M2
88.85
Q3
17.83
S22
123.72
W26
22.57
X9
4.61
20
G8
332.70
M14
88.65
Q19
17.78
S2
109.93
W17
21.93
X16
4.42
21
G28
307.89
M28
88.33
Q23
15.61
S18
109.87
W10
21.09
X27
4.29
22
G26
296.39
M21
87.66
Q13
14.89
S16
109.25
W15
20.78
X15
4.29
23
G24
278.34
M1
84.95
Q15
12.96
S20
109.23
W2
20.31
X23
4.27
24
G25
276.66
M6
84.57
Q21
12.89
S30
108.84
W12
19.66
X19
4.18
25
G23
271.91
M26
84.02
Q18
12.35
S10
104.91
W9
19.59
X3
4.09
26
G20
266.57
M12
83.48
Q17
11.89
S19
103.89
W22
16.95
X10
4.09
27
G5
260.92
M11
82.55
Q30
11.64
S7
102.51
W18
15.76
X4
3.85
28
G13
249.92
M5
79.68
Q6
11.38
S13
101.29
W25
15.12
X17
3.49
29
G4
239.25
M18
79.64
Q7
11.17
S9
99.24
W28
15.08
X25
2.69
30
G2
141.4974
M25
79.286
Q25
10.363
S25
86.26
W14
14.60
X28
1.64
Table (5).Combined analysis of variance of 6 cantaloupe genotypes, original population (S0) and 2 selection generations (S1 AND S2) in addition to control variety (boshra411) in all traits under studied.
Sources of variance
Blocks
Genotypes
Selection cycle
Genotype × Selection cycle
Error
Degrees of freedom
2
5
2
10
34
Plant length (m)
0.0005
0.299**
0.373**
0.027
0.027
Number of branches / plant
0.241
1.585**
1.407*
0.985
0.319
Total number of nodes / plant
2.00
35.578**
102.931**
24.458**
7.794
Maturity duration (days)
6.24
107.14**
28.69
13.82
14.52
Number of nodes to pick first fruit
0.352
3.041**
1.1296*
0.5296
0.313
Fruit set percentage %
0.028
1.526**
1.537**
0.247
0.142
Average fruit weight (KG)
0.013
0.045**
0.088**
0.035
0.018
Total number of fruits / plant
0.032
1.645**
2.354**
0.078
0.063
Total yield / plant (KG)
0.361
1.187**
0.711**
0.221**
0.072
Fruit shape index
0.0003
0.007
0.014*
0.008
0.004
Flesh thickness %
12.710
84.038**
82.94**
16.43
9.28
Netting degree (1- 10)
0.336
0.910**
8.472**
0.136
0.244
Placenta hardness (1-10)
0.109
0.618**
6.021**
0.521**
0.131
TSS
0.623
10.8096**
132.779**
2.165*
0.8896
Dray matter %
0.326
14.22**
23.004**
1.991**
0.224
*, ** Significant at 5% and 1% levels of probability, respectively.
Table (6). Mean performances of all Cantaloupe genotypes under study in addition to control variety (boshra411) for vegetative measurements, earliness traits, yield and its components and fruit characteristics.
Genotypes
Vegetative measurements
Earliness
Plant
length (m)
Number
of branches / plant
Total number
of nodes / plant
Maturity duration
(days)
Number of nodes
to pick first fruit
G
2.45ab
3.78cd
26.89ab
104.33b
3.78b
M
2.58a
3.89bcd
28.39ab
102.11b
3.67b
Q
2.60a
3.44d
28.39ab
100.78b
3.44b
S
2.61a
4.56a
29.11a
100.67b
3.44b
W
2.37b
4.11abc
25.67bc
104.44b
3.89b
X
2.14c
4.44ab
23.89c
109.89a
5.00a
(control)
3.10 a
4.33abcd
39.00a
99bc
3.33bc
Genotypes
Yield and its components
Fruit set percentage %
Average fruit weight (KG)
Total number of fruits / plant
Total yield / plant (KG)
G
2.66c
0.98b
3.26b
3.20bc
M
2.92bc
0.92b
3.48ab
3.19bc
Q
3.22ab
0.95b
3.60a
3.41b
S
3.11a
1.03ab
3.61a
3.69a
W
2.66c
0.92b
3.26b
2.95c
X
2.20d
1.10a
2.47c
2.64d
(control)
4.7a
1.15b
3.83ab
4.37a
Genotypes
Fruit characteristics
Fruit
Shape index
Flesh
thickness%
Netting degree
1- 10
Placenta
Hardness (1-10)
TSS%
Dray matter%
G
1.05a
34.97a
7.74b
8.11c
9.78c
4.92d
M
1.01ab
30.74b
8.40a
8.48ab
10.67c
6.32c
Q
0.99ab
30.65b
8.60a
8.10c
11.67b
7.11b
S
0.97b
30.81b
8.58a
8.34bc
12.98a
8.14a
W
0.99ab
37.85a
8.38a
8.71a
11.78b
8.34a
X
1.00ab
30.84b
8. 18ab
8.04c
11.78b
6.99b
(control)
1.03abc
61.53def
9.07a
9.17a
15.33a
7.37bc
Means with the same alphabetical litter are not significantly different from each other, using Duncan's Multiple Range Test at 5% probability.
Mean performances, ranges and standard deviation for vegetative measurements, yield and its components and fruit characteristics, of original population (S0) 2 selection cycles (S1 and S2) of 6 cantaloupe genotypes under study, are presented in table (7) data showed that the original population (S0) was superior to the selection generation (S1 and S2) in plant length (2.59 m);total number of nodes / plant (29.14); number of nodes to pick first fruit (3.61);fruit set percentage (3.15%); total number of fruits / plant (3.63) and total yield / plant (3.4 kg).Although these traits have been selected on the basis of each other, such as plant length; total number of nodes / plant; total number of fruits / plant; total yield (kg)and Fruit set percentages However, inbreeding depression had a negative impact on it, same trend of these finding were reported by Abd Rabou and El-Sayd, (2021); Naroui Rad, (2022),who showed that the introduction of traits such as plant height and high yield within the selection program is to reduce the effect of inbreeding depression that occurs and will be to a higher degree if it is accompanied by a lack of interest in selection for crop related traits, and therefore it can be concluded that by selecting for plant height and higher yield it is not guaranteed to obtain selective generations with higher plant lengths or a higher crop, but what will certainly happen is obtaining selective generations with high quality characteristics, and that's what happened, where first and second selection generations(S1 and S2) get the highest values for traits like flesh thickness % (35.08% for second selective generation), netting degree (1-10) (8.75 for first selective generation and 8.67 for second selective generation), placenta hardness (1-10) (8.86 for second selective generation) and dray matter (7.84 % for second selective generation). Thus, at the end of the breeding program, there will be strains with an acceptable level of strength in growth, in addition to being highly distinguished in terms of quality) Kustanto, (2023)
Regarding values of ranges and standard deviation, it can be noted that the differences between values became closer in the selection generations (S1 and S2) compared to the original population, and this was reflected in the values of the standard deviation, where, the value decreased in the second selection generation than the first selection generation and the original population, similar results were discussed by Khomphet et al., (2021)who reported that the goals of self-inbreeding in cross-pollinated crops are summarized in, Obtaining pure strains whose genetic composition does not change when self-propagated in cross-pollinated crops, Increasing the genetic variations of the individuals of the plant population (i.e. the formed strains) which increases the efficiency of the selection process and Reducing the genetic frequency of genes responsible for undesirable traits. Table (7).
Variability, heritability, genetic advance and inbreeding depression.
Estimates of genotypic variance, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variance (GCV and PCV), heritability in broad sense (H2bs), genetic advance and inbreeding depression (ID) are presented in table (8). Genetic variability is essential to realize response to selection pressure. It has also been pointed out that the magnitude of genetic variability present in base population of any crop species is important in crop improvement and must be exploited by plant breeders for yield improvement (Abd El-Salam and Marie 2002). The highest values of genotypic variance were in traits, flesh thickness % (41.27), total number of nodes / plant (11.15), maturity duration (days) (10.96), total soluble solids (TSS) (8.64) and dray matter % (3.12).Values of genotypic and phenotypic Coefficient of variance (GCV and PCV) may serve as a bright spot and an important statistical measure for plant breeders seeking to discover genetic variation for the most important economic traits. It also makes selection of forms with valuable genotypes more effective (Reddy et al., 2013).
Data of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variance (GCV and PCV) revealed that, in general, the magnitude of phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) was higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for all the fifteen characters under study. The estimates of PCV were high in magnitude (>20%) for total soluble solids (TSS) (26.99%); dray matter (26.21%); fruit set percentage (22.10%) and number of nodes to pick first fruit (21.58%), moderate in magnitude (>10-20%) for number of branches / plant (19.68%); total number of fruits / plant (18.52%); total number of nodes / plant (16.09%); total yield / plant (KG) (15.93%); average fruit weight (KG) (15.57%); flesh thickness % (11.5%); plant length (M) (11.26%) and netting degree (1-10) (10.47%), and low in magnitude (<10.00%) for placenta hardness (1-10) (9.16%); fruit shape index (7.61%) and maturity duration (days) (4.87%). The estimates of GCV were high in magnitude (>20%) for total soluble solids (TSS) (25.70%) and dray matter (25.31%), moderate in magnitude (>10-20%) for fruit set percentage% (17.64%); total number of fruits / plant (16.87%); number of nodes to pick first fruit (16.03%); number of branches / plant (13.84%); total yield / plant (KG) (13.5%); total number of nodes / plant (12.34%); average fruit weight (KG) (11.02%) and flesh thickness% (10.05%) and low in magnitude (<10.00%) for plant length (M) (9.04%); netting degree (1-10) (8.62%); placenta hardness (1-10) (8.05%); fruit shape index (4.18%) and maturity duration (days) (3.13%).
Traits, dray matter (25.31-26.21); total soluble solids %(TSS) (25.7-26.99); total number of fruits / plant (16.87-18.52); placenta hardness (1-10) (8.05-9.16) and flesh thickness (10.05-11.50) explained close estimates between values of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variance(GCV and PCV),while differences between values were moderate for traits, total yield / plant (kg) (13.5-15.93), netting degree (1-10) (8.62-10.47), plant length (M) (9.04-11.26), fruit set percentage% (17.64-22.10), total number of nodes / plant (12.34-16.09), number of nodes to pick first fruit (16.03-21.58) and average fruit weight (KG) (11.02-15.57) same trend of these results were found by Potekar et al., (2014) and Janghel et al., (2018), Abd Rabou et al., (2021), who reported that these results makes selection for quantitative characters more effective because these characters have large dependent on ratio between the levels of the genotypic and phenotypic variability within the population, so the characters which have equal or approximate ratio for GCV and PCV values, selection would be effective. But the gap between the values of the genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variance was quite large in traits such as number of branches / plant (13.84-19.68), maturity duration (days) (3.13-4.87) and fruit shape index (4.18-7.61) same trend of these results were found by Singh et al., (2023) and showed that these traits interacted to some extent with the environment. The differences between PCV and GCV were wide indicating an increased environmental influence in the expression of these traits.
Heritability in broad sense is very important and should be recognized as a first step before starting any breeding program. Heritability measures are the portion of the total genetic variance that are due to hereditary factors. Heritability in broad sense includes all types of genetic variances, consequently. Metwally et al., (2015). Singh et al., (2023) classified the estimates of heritability in broad sense (h2bs) as, high (> 75%); moderate (> 50 to 75%) and low (< 50%), according to these classification high estimates of heritability in broad sense (> 75%) were observed for dray matter % (93.28%); total soluble solids % (90.67%); total number of fruits / plant (82.94%); placenta hardness (1-10) (77.26%) and flesh thickness % (76.34%), moderate values were observed in traits, total yield / plant (KG) (71.86%); netting degree (1-10) (67.74%); plant length (M) (64.46%); fruit set percentage % (63.67%); total number of nodes / plant (58.86 %); number of nodes to pick first fruits (nodes) (55.17%) average fruit weight (KG) (50.07). Similar results were found by Mohammdai et al., (2014), Reddy et al., (2013), Selim (2019) Khomphet et al., (2022) and Naroui Rad et al., (2023) who showed that the most important object of the analysis of variance is to break total (phenotypic) variance into two portions: the variance among genotypes due to heredity and the remaining variance, this portioning of total variance enables us to predict the degree to which the variability of a quantitative character is transmitted to the progeny of the selected individuals, this is called heritability. Heritability provides a measure of the effectiveness with which selection can be expected to exploit existing genetic variability of the population. low heritability estimates (< 50%) were observed in traits, number of branches / plant (49.44%); maturity duration (days) 43.03%) and fruit shape index (30.19).
The highest values of Genetic advance (GA) were observed in traits, flesh thickness % (9.37); total number of nodes / plant (nodes)(4.26) and total soluble solids (TSS) (4.23),this was in line with the high and moderate values of heritability for same traits (76.34%; 58.86% and 90.67% respectively) Reddy et al ., (2013) found similar results and reported that the high values of heritability associated with high genetic advance this mean high additive gene effects and consequently the scope for improving yield through selection is more. Concerning genetic advance as percentage of mean of S1 and S2, the highest values (<20) were in traits, dray matter (36.83 and 34.66 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); total soluble solids (TSS %) (34.16 and 31.22 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); total number of fruits / plant (24.24 and 27.53 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively) and fruit set percentage %(23.73 and 25.37 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively). Moderate values (20) were in total yield / plant (KG) (19.59 and 19.91% for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); total number of nodes / plant 15.45 and 17.44 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); number of branches / plant (16.88 and 15.59 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); flesh thickness % (14.94 and 13.87 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); plant length (M) (11.64 and 12.54 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); average fruit weight (KG) (13.82 and 12.31 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); netting degree (1-10) (10.56 and 10.66 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively) and placenta hardness (1-10) (11.23 and 10.55 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively). Values of genetic advance, as percentage of mean of S1 were larger than percentage of mean of S2, in traits, number of branches / plant (16.88 and 15.59 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); average fruit weight (KG) (13.82 and 12.31 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); flesh thickness % (14.94 and 13.87 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); placenta hardness (1-10)( 11.23 and 10.55 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively); total soluble solids (TSS)(34.16 and 31.22 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively) and dray matter % (36.83 and 34.66 % for mean of S1 and S2 respectively), these results are consistent with Anburani et al., (2019)Naroui Rad (2022) Khomphet et al., (2022) and Singh et al., (2023) and reported that values are as large in the early selection generations and then gradually decrease with increasing cycles of selection generations, until the selection becomes useless as the level of improvement stabilizes.
Reduction in performance of the selection generation due to inbreeding called “inbreeding depression” (Cardoso, 2004). Estimation of inbreeding depression was positive in traits, plant length (11.01%), total number of nodes / plant (16.11%), fruit set percentage % (18.13%), total number of fruits / plant (19.91%), total yield / plant (KG) (10.89%) and fruit shape index (5.95%). The largest values were in traits total number of fruits / plant and fruit set percentages % (were 19.91 and 18.13 % respectively). These results were consistent with these of Tawinchawdoi et al., (2015) who reported that the decreased fruit yield and its components, accompanied by negative effect in pollen quality and performance which will have a bad effect on the percentage of fruit set by self-pollination, lines of cucumber, zucchini, watermelon, and cantaloupe. Results were partially in disagreement with those found by Pornsuriya et al., (2022) who showed that the lack of growth in the Cucurbitaceae family by inbreeding is almost intangible sometimes inbred lines can be used directly as improved commercial varieties.
Table (7).Mean performances, ranges and standard deviation of all selection cycles of cantaloupe genotypes under study for all traits under study.
SELECTION CYCLE
Measurements
Vegetative measurements
Earliness
Plant
length
(m)
Number
of branches
/ plant
Total number
of nodes / plant
Maturity duration
(days
Number of nodes
to pick
first fruit
S0
Mean
2.59a
3.78b
29.14a
102.56a
3.61b
Range
1.74-3.42
2.48-5.25
20.07-39.31
71.04-134.32
2.38-5.07
SE
±0.53
±0.90
±5.99
±20.27
±0.84
S1
Mean
2.48a
4ab
27.58a
103.5a
3.89ab
Range
1.71-3.20
2.63-5.48
17.97-36.6
72.22-136.02
2.59-5.38
SE
±0.47
±0.92
±5.68
±20.25
±0.89
S2
Mean
2.30b
4.33a
24.44b
105.06a
4.11a
Range
1.62-2.83
2.99-5.36
16.38-30.21
72.68-128.03
2.63-5.05
SE
±0.399
±0.78
±4.60
±17.39
±0.78
SELECTION CYCLE
Measurements
Yield and its components
Fruit set percentage
%
Average fruit weight
(KG)
Total number of fruits
/ plant
Total yield / plant
(KG)
S0
Mean
3.15a
0.940b
3.63a
3.40a
Range
2.04-4.41
0.61-1.27
2.51-4.87
2.24-4.56
SE
±0.71
±0.20
±0.74
±0.71
S1
Mean
2.76b
0.950b
3.3b
3.10b
Range
1.80-3.53
0.660-1.23
2.25-4.31
2.15-3.94
SE
±0.56
±0.19
±0.66
±0.59
S2
Mean
2.58b
1.060a
2.91c
3.03b
Range
2.24-3.54
0.720-1.45
1.98-3.43
2.15-3.86
SE
±0.56
±0.22
±0.50
±0.55
SELECTION
CYCLE
Measurements
Fruit characteristics
Fruit
Shape
Index
Flesh
Thickness
%
Netting
degree
1- 10
Placenta
Hardness
(1-10)
TSS
%
Dray
matter
%
S0
Mean
1.03a
31.03b
7.52b
7.70c
8.38c
5.70c
Range
0.71-1.37
42.54-72.54
5.26-9.41
5.41-9.28
5.75-11.39
4.09-8.66
SE
±0.21
±10.00
±1.33
±1.26
±1.81
±1.39
S1
Mean
1.00ab
31.82b
8.75a
8.32b
12.39b
7.38b
Range
0.70-1.31
43.72-74.53
6.08-9.41
5.75-9.37
8.51-14.25
5.11-9.52
SE
±0.19
±9.55
±1.27
±1.21
±2.02
±1.39
S2
Mean
0.98b
35.08a
8.67a
8.86a
13.56a
7.84a
Range
0.87-1.10
46.32-75.19
6.99-9.62
6.63-9.57
9.55-14.67
5.59-9.63
SE
±0.08
±9.05
±0.90
±1.07
±1.90
±1.28
Means with the same alphabetical litter are not significantly different from each other, using Duncan's Multiple Range Test at 5% probability
Table (8). Genotypic variance (VG), Genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variance(GCV and PCV), heritability in broad sense (H2bs), genetic advance (GA) and inbreeding depression (ID) of characteristics under study over all genotypes.
Characteristics
(Vg)
GCV
PCV
(H2bs) %
(GA)
Genetic advance as percentage of mean of S1
Genetic advance as percentage of mean of S2
Inbreeding depression
(ID)
Plant length (m)
0.05
9.04
11.26
64.46
0.28
11.64
12.54
11.01
Number of branches / plant
0.31
13.84
19.68
49.44
0.68
16.88
15.59
-14.71
Total number of nodes / plant
11.15
12.34
16.09
58.86
4.26
15.45
17.44
16.11
Maturity duration (days)
10.96
3.13
4.87
43.03
3.66
3.54
3.48
-2.44
Number of nodes to pick first fruit
0.39
16.03
21.58
55.17
0.78
20.02
18.94
-13.85
Fruit set percentage %
0.25
17.64
22.10
63.67
0.65
23.73
25.37
18.13
Average fruit weight (KG)
0.01
11.02
15.57
50.07
0.13
13.82
12.31
-13.33
Total number of fruits / plant
0.31
16.87
18.52
82.94
0.80
24.24
27.53
19.91
Total yield / plant (KG)
0.18
13.50
15.93
71.86
0.60
19.51
19.91
10.89
Fruit shape index
0.002
4.18
7.61
30.19
0.04
3.94
4.05
5.95
Flesh thickness %
41.27
10.05
11.50
76.34
9.37
14.94
13.87
-9.73
Netting degree 1- 10
0.51
8.62
10.47
67.74
0.92
10.56
10.66
-15.21
Placenta hardness 1-10
0.45
8.05
9.16
77.26
0.94
11.23
10.55
-14.99
TSS
8.64
25.70
26.99
90.67
4.23
34.16
31.22
-61.80
Dray matter %
3.12
25.31
26.21
93.28
2.72
36.83
34.66
-37.72
CONCLUSION:
There were significant and highly significant differences between all genotypes in most traits and significant differences between the strains at the beginning of the breeding program, considered good for the breeder. The effectiveness of a plant breeding programs depends on the ability of a breeder to select superior individuals or families for many traits of interest. Differences between original population and selection cycles, were significant and highly significant for all traits under study, so it can be reported that Selection index was an effective method to achieve aggregate genetic progress for selection of more than one trait at the same time. There are isolates that are present in the population and are superior to the test variety, and these are targeted by selection to increase their genetic replication in the advanced selective generations.
The highest estimates of heritability in broad sense (> 75%) were observed for dray matter % (93.28%); total soluble solids % (90.67%); total number of fruits / plant (82.94%); placenta hardness (1-10) (77.26%) and flesh thickness % (76.34%), for this reason, selection will be more effective in these traits than in other traits that are less heritable. Genetic advance values were large in the early selection generations and then gradually decreased with increasing cycles of selection generations, until the selection becomes useless as the level of improvement stabilizes. Decreased fruit yield and its components, accompanied by negative effect in pollen quality and performance will have a bad effect on the percentage of fruit set, by self-pollination,
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