Salinity Tolerance Screening in Iranian and Afghan Melons (Cucumis melon) based on Several Associated Morphological and Physiological Traits

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
H. Hikmat 1
M. Haghighi 1
H. R. Eshghizade 1
G. Banitalebi 2
1 Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
2 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
10.22034/JAST.27.1.217
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on morphological and physiological traits of native Iranian melon landrace and Afghan melon cultivars using a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replications. Two salinity levels (2 and 8 dS m-1, NaCl) and 39 cultivars from Iran and Afghanistan were studied. PCA comparisons were done between morphological and physiological parameters. The sensitive and tolerant cultivars were chosen based on proximity to high yield, morphological characteristics, and distance from stress indices. The biplot results showed a high correlation between vitamin C traits with soluble solids, proline, and relative water content, and a negative correlation with Fv/Fm ratio. These indices are good indicators for identifying saline resistance cultivars. Salinity stress increased electrolyte leakage, proline concentration, total antioxidant activity, sodium content, vitamin C, organic acid, and total soluble solids. In addition, salinity decreased the yield, mean fruit weight, firmness, fruit length, fruit width, internal cavity length and width, flesh thickness and fruit peel thickness, Fv/Fm ratio, greenness index, relative water content, and leaf potassium. The highest concentrations of sodium were found in the Gorgi Shirdan Jorgeaval cultivar under salinity, while the highest concentrations of potassium were found in the Torkamani cultivar under non-saline conditions. Analysis revealed two types of Torkamani and Zanki melon, which are recommended to plant in saline conditions.

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 27, Issue 1
January and February 2025
Pages 217-232