COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Scientists with Texas AgriLife Research have mapped the melon genome with hundreds of DNA markers, which means tastier and healthier melons are on the horizon.
For the study, the Deltex ananas melon was crossed with a wild melon called TGR 1551. More than 100 of the offspring from that cross were grown in the AgriLife Research greenhouses. DNA was extracted from leaf tissue collected 21 days after planting. Results from the tests were integrated into partial maps created by other researchers.
In addition to the complete map, the researchers located genetic markers linked to fruit sugars, ascorbic acid and male sterility, which is useful for developing hybrid varieties. The genetic map will be helpful for future studies in identifying fruit sweetness, quality, size, shape and resistance to disease.
"This will help us anchor down some of the desirable genes to develop better melon varieties," said the researchers. "We can identify specific genes for higher sugar content, disease resistance and even drought tolerance."