COMPARISON OF SEEDLING PERFORMANCE IN DIFFERENT MID STAGE MELON GENOTYPES
5th INTERNATIONAL PARIS CONGRESS ON AGRICULTURE & ANIMAL HUSBANDRY , Paris, France, 19 - 21 June 2026, pp.136-143, (Full Text)
- Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
- City: Paris
- Country: France
- Page Numbers: pp.136-143
- Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Introduction and Purpose: Melon is among the most widely cultivated vegetable crops both globally and in Türkiye. High yield potential and superior fruit quality are essential traits for varieties used in open-field and protected cultivation systems. In addition, strong seed germination and seedling emergence characteristics play a critical role in ensuring successful crop establishment. This study aimed to evaluate the seedling traits of melon genotypes developed at different stages of an existing breeding program and to compare their performance with that of a commercial control variety. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted in a greenhouse at the Faculty of Agriculture, Akdeniz University, using a total of 22 plant materials, consisting of 21 genotypes at different breeding stages and one control variety. In the study, several seedling-related parameters were evaluated, including seedling emergence rate (%), seedling height (cm), seedling thickness (mm), and chlorophyll content. In addition, following transplanting, measurements such as main stem thickness (mm) and internode length (cm) were recorded on the plants. Results: Significant differences at the p < 0.05 level were detected among the examined criteria according to the genotypes. Based on the results, a 100% emergence rate was obtained in the genotypes D17-7, EZ-10-10, H19-8, T15-3-6, and T34-3-9, while the lowest value was observed in T22-3-2 with 66.67%. The highest seedling height was recorded in EZ-18-7, whereas the lowest was found in T22-3-2. The highest and lowest seedling diameter values were determined in ÇTR (Control) and T22-3-2, respectively. In terms of chlorophyll content, the highest values were measured in EZ-10-10 and T15-3-6, while the lowest chlorophyll content was observed in T34-3-9. Discussion and Conclusion: Seedling characteristics play an important role in determining both yield and overall crop quality. Varieties with poor germination and emergence performance exhibit reduced desirability and limited commercial potential. Additional seedling traits also contribute to the evaluation and advancement of candidate varieties within breeding programs. From this perspective, the research findings indicate that several genotypes possess promising characteristics that may support their use as strong candidates for future variety development.