Abstract

The genetic system governing the inheritance of total soluble solids (TSS) was investigated in a 10 parent diallel cross of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) by applying the graphical and variance como nont methods. Overdominance was observed for TSS. Both additive and dominance genetic components were found to be impor tant, the latter being predominant. There was same asymmetry of distribution of genes with positive and negative effects. The proportion of dominant and recessive genes was almost equal in the parents, More tha seven groups of genes were found for TSS. A selection scheme which involves a certain degree of intercrossing and hybridization followed by selection has been indicated to bring about an acceptable level of improvement in TSS.

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