Controlled pollination transfer of a nuclear male-sterile gene from a diploid to a tetraploid watermelon line

Abstract

A recessive male-sterility (ms) gene was transferred from a diploid to a tetraploid watermelon (Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai) line through a series of controlled pollinations. Progeny testing and morphological characteristics confirmed the development of tetraploid lines containing the ms gene. The possible use of this gene transfer system in the improvement of tetraploid watermelon cultivars and the use of male-sterile tetraploids in the production of seedless triploid watermelons is discussed. © 1986 Veenman B.V.