Breeding Application of Tetraploid Few Seed Watermelon Hybrid Combination 403×B15

Tetraploid few seed watermelon hybrid combination 403×B15 was crossed by inbred B15 as male parent with tetraploid watermelon 403 as female parent.The fruit of combination 403×B15 were circular and 3.0-3.5 kg weight,with tough,green with glossy,ghost line and 1.0-1.2 cm depth skin,the fruit was fresh red,succulent,refreshing,smooth profile and less fiber,over 11.2 % soluble solids content.Combination 403×B15 was middle ripening variety with 90-100 d whole growth stage in spring cropping and 65-80 d in autumn cropping.The results of demonstration test in 2009 and 2010 showed that the average yield of combination 403×B15 were 31 775.9 and 34 377.2 kg/hm2 in open field experiment,which increased by 14.2 % and 21.3 %,respectively,compared to control variety Heimeiren.The average yield of combination 403×B15 were 50 274.0 and 47 401.2 kg/hm2,respectively,in 2009 and 2010,which increased by 22.3 % and 15.8 %,compared to control variety.Its average yield was 32 124.0-48 499.5 kg/hm2 in multi-site demonstration test,which was 14.0 %-23.7 % higher than control variety Heimeiren.It indicated that combination 403×B15 was suitable for planting both in open field and greenhouse.