Regeneration of Watermelon (Citrulus lanatus Thumb.)

Watermelon (Citrulus lanatus Thumb.) is an economically important crop and a valuable alternative source of water in desert areas. It is widely grown in the tropics and subtropics, most part of South East Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the southern part of United States. The soluble fiber in watermelon may help to reduce cholesterol and risk of heart diseases. It is a good source of fiber, which is important for keeping digestive tract operating properly by preventing constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. It is an excellent source of important minerals. It is also rich in vitamin C and potassium. In propagation the introduction of new characters into watermelon by means of genetic manipulation is of great potential value, specially of the traits that would confer resistance to diseases and pests. Less attention has been given to tissue culture of watermelon than its closely related taxa, such as cucumber and melon (Dong and Jia 1991). Ahad et al. (1994) reported that establishment of an efficient protocol for plant regeneration from its immature and mature embryo axis explants of watermelon. The present investigation was conducted to establish a suitabl