Scientists sequence the DNA of melons

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 6 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have sequenced the melon genome, an achievement they say might lead to the development of tastier and healthier melons.

Scientists at Texas AgriLife Research, part of Texas A&M University, said their findings will help to identify some of the desirable genes used in the process of developing better melon varieties.

"We can identify specific genes for higher sugar content, disease resistance and even drought tolerance," said Associate Professor Kevin Crosby, who led the study with Soon O. Park and Hye Hwant.

Although scientists from France and Spain had completed partial maps of segments of the melon DNA sequence, the Texas researchers said they connected those segments with new findings in their study to complete the entire melon genome map.

In addition to the complete DNA map, the researchers said they located genetic markers linked to fruit sugars, ascorbic acid and male plant sterility, which is useful for developing hybrid varieties.

The scientists said their genetic map will also be helpful for future studies in identifying fruit sweetness, quality, size, shape and resistance to disease.

The results are reported in the Journal of the American Society of Horticultural Sciences.