Use of GGE biplot methodology for genetic analysis of yield and related traits in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Dehghani, H., Feyzian, E., Jalali, M., Rezai, A. and Dane, F. 2012. Use of GGE biplot methodology for genetic analysis of yield and related traits in melon (Cucumis melo L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 77-85. A complete diallel cross experiment of six local Iranian melon populations (Eyvanaki, Abasali, Tashkandi, Hose-sorkh, Mashhadi and Mirpanji) and one cultivar (Ananasi) was conducted. Fruit number, average weight per fruit, yield and acceptable yield were re-evaluated using GGE biplot methodology. The two principal components of biplot explained 70,58,86 and 88% of total observed variation for yield, acceptable yield, average weight per fruit and fruit number per plant, respectively. Mirpanji had the highest GCA for yield, acceptable yield and average weight per fruit, but the highest negative GCA for fruit number per plant. Abasali showed the highest positive GCA for fruit number. Biplot analysis allowed a rapid and effective overview of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects of the populations, their performance in crosses, as well as grouping patterns of similar genotypes.