The aim of this work was to estimate general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability and reciprocal effects (RE) in relation to earliness, yield components and fruit properties for seven watermelon populations. Populations were intercrossed in diallel, including reciprocals. All evaluated traits, except number of fruit per plant, showed significant effects for GCA, SCA and RE. Additive gene effects were determinant for number and weight of fruit per plant, as well as for flesh colour, thickness and soluble solids content. However, for number of days to the first female flower and number of seeds, a predominance of non additive gene effects was found. Some of the evaluated populations and some superior hybrid combinations were identified, as potential materials to be used in future breeding programs. Populations P14 and B9, collected in Northeastern Brazil, are promising breeding materials for number and weight of fruits, while M7 is promising for earliness. The commercial varieties Charleston Gray and Crimson Sweet can be used to improve sugar content and flesh color.
Citrullus lanatus; diallel crossing; genetic variation; breeding methods
