Molecular marker identification of rind hardness and flesh color in wa-termelon
LIU Kuan
LI Jie
XU Zhihong
WANG Fangfang
WANG Pingyong
ZHAO Shengjie
Abstract：Rind hardness and flesh color are important target traits in watermelon breeding.Previous studies have mainly focused on the genetic mechanism of these traits,but there are few research in molecular breeding.In order to verify the applicability of relevant molecular markers and screen for excellent germplasm resources,genotypic analysis was per-formed on 38 watermelon germplasm resources using publicly reported molecular markers closely linked to watermelon rind hardness and flesh color.By combining texture analyzer-based rind hardness and flesh color phenotypic identifica-tion,17 crack-tolerant breeding materials,27 bright-red-flesh breeding materials,and 16 breeding materials combining both crack tolerance and bright red flesh were selected,including 7 small fruit and 2 middle fruit types.The genotype matches the phenotype(except K20),indicating that the tested molecular markers are suitable in watermelon breeding materials screening.This study provides basis for molecular marker assisted selection to promote watermelon rind hard-ness and flesh color in the next step.
Keywords：WatermelonGermplasmRind hardnessFlesh colorMolecular marker
Publication Date：2025-12-05
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-05(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：7( 23-29 )