Collection and evaluation of genetic diversity in melon germplasm from central highlands, Vietnam

Abstract

During a collecting mission in Central Highlands (Vietnam), twenty - two landraces of melon (Cucumis melo) were collected. Sample information regarding their orgin, cultivation, utiIization and genetic variation show that at least there are three melon tỵpes in this region, "Montok" seems to be the native melon of Central Highlands, has dose relationship with South and Southeast Asian melon, "Dua gang" and "Dua le" were introduced from lowland (Central coast and/or northern part of Vietnam). Montok were once widely grown by minority ethnic groups, however, the current impact of climate change and adoption of a few modern cultivars in Central Highlands poses threats to melon halling into disuse and resulting the genetic erosion. Thus, "Montok" melon in Central Highlands should be considered in conservation and evaluated for disease resistance for melon breeding purposes.