The aim of this study was to assess the resistance of nine watermelon genotypes against three PRSV-W isolates originated from three Brazilian States (São Paulo, Goiás and Pernambuco). The experiment was carried out at Embrapa Hortaliças, Brasilia, Brazil, in April 2004. Nine watermelon genotypes were appraised, in a randomizated block design with four replications. Each plot was comprised of one 5 kg pot and five watermelon plants per pot. Ten to 13 days after sowing, inoculation was carried out with three PRSV-W isolates. Twenty-seven and 37 days after sowing, virus symptoms were evaluated. Virus presence or absence in the inoculated plants was confirmed by Das-Elisa. The results comprised variance analysis, heritability estimation, correlations among the characters, and genotype comparisons. Based on the different behavior of the genotypes in relation to each PRSV-W isolate, it is concluded that different isolates should be used in watermelon breeding programs. The high heritability values for most of the characters indicated that the characteristic in study is under the control of a few loci and, therefore, the possibility of selection of resistant watermelon accesses is high. The evaluated genotypes showed higher virus tolerance compared to the most planted cultivar in the country (Crimson Sweet), as it can be verified by the average values. The results suggest that the selected watermelon accesses are a good source of resistance to new watermelon cultivars tolerant to PRSV-W.
Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus; absorbance; correlation; heritability
