Vol. 9, Special Issue 12, Part G (2025)

A study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity of fifteen long melon genotypes collected from different parts of India, which were examined for variation in seventeen phenotypic characters during 2024-2025. Twelve characters such as predominant fruit skin colour, flesh colour, taste, fruit size, skin texture, ovary shape, seed weight, fruit ribbing, blossom end shape, placenta colour, fruit length width ratio and fruit hairiness were polymorphic, while the remaining traits were monomorphic. The variation observed among polymorphic traits indicates differing levels of morphological differentiation, with fruit length width ratio and fruit size showing the highest diversity. Overall, the diversity patterns underline the importance for trait based selection and provide valuable guidance for long melon germplasm improvement and breeding programmes.