Use of ethylene production as a marker for the selection of gynoecy in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Two different approaches have been used to analyze whether the measurements of ethylene produced by different plant organs may constitute a good tool for the selection of gynoecy in melon (Cucumis melo). Firstly, the effects of treatments with either ethylene or the ethylene inhibitor AVG on the sex expression of different gynoecious, monoecious and andromonoecious lines of melon were compared. Secondly, the level of ethylene was measured in leaves, as well as apical and lateral meristems of different gynoecious and monoecious lines of melon. The differences observed in the sensitivity of the analyzed gynoecious lines to ethylene treatments suggested the existence of variation in the internal level of ethylene. In fact, leaves and apical meristems from seedlings of gynoecious plants produced two to threefold higher ethylene than monoecious lines. Taken together, our results indicate that ethylene production may be used as an early selective tool for gynoecy in melon breeding programs.Cucurbitaceae 2008. IX EUCARPIA Meeting. Avignon (France), May 21-24th, 200