Heterosis of Vine Decline Disease Resistance Caused by the Fungus <i>Monosporascus cannonballus</i> in Melons (<i>Cucumis melo</i> L)

Vine decline disease (VDD) constitutes a menace to melons worldwide. Especially, the one caused by fungus Monosporascus cannonballus. Thus, resistant plant material must be released help growers. Hence, our goal was develop VDD. More than 600 melon accessions are expected tested for resistance in M. cannonballus infested soil Weslaco, Texas, USA, identify VDD, and other important traits. So far, at most 7 lines were found VDD some of them used elite, muskmelon inbred pedigree breeding following single or double backcrosses. These elite parents crossed each hybrids M3 M4. They also same field Weslaco. The grown using standard commercial practices followed growers when their fruits ready, roots sampled as well scored severity estimate high mid-parent heterosis Our results indicate existence regarding can developed selection accomplished.