Characterization of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) germplasm for mineral composition

This study reports the characterization of 67 muskmelon genotypes from 3 horticultural groups (cantalupensis, inodorous, momordica) for composition of 9 minerals Viz. K, P, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe. These genotypes could show very wide range of variation for minerals content which ranged from 4 to 15 folds in this population. The germplasm rich in potassium content were DM-153 (235.26 mg/100g), DM-162 (226.06 mg/100g), DM-12 (225.28 mg/100g). The genotypes with lower sodium content were DM-31 (2.47 mg/100g), DM-143 (2.58 mg/100g), DM-2 (2.63 mg/100g) and the highest ratio of potassium (K)/ sodium (Na) was also recorded for the same genotype DM-31. The highest amount of calcium content was obtained in genotype DM-147 (29.22 mg/100g). Commercial variety, Durgapura Madhu was found to be superior for calcium (26.26 mg/100g), zinc (1.93 mg/100g), while Arka Jeet was better for manganese (1.44 mg/100g), (0.69 mg/100g), and Pusa Madhuras was found to be rich source of calcium (25.73 mg/100g), iron (1.67 mg/100g), copper zinc (1.67 mg/100g) and copper content(0.77 mg/100g).