Watermelon line ace plus

Abstract

A watermelon cultivar, designated watermelon line Ace Plus, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of watermelon line Ace Plus, to the plants of watermelon line Ace Plus and to methods for producing a watermelon plant by crossing the watermelon line Ace Plus with itself or another watermelon cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing triploid, seedless watermelon fruit using watermelon line Ace Plus as a parent of the pollenizer plant. This invention also relates to watermelon cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from watermelon line Ace Plus, to methods for producing other watermelon cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from watermelon line Ace Plus and to the watermelon plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid watermelon seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing watermelon line Ace Plus with another watermelon cultivar.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a new watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivar designated watermelon line Ace Plus. All publications cited in this application are herein incorporated by reference.[0002]There are numerous steps in the development of any novel, desirable plant germplasm. Plant breeding begins with the analysis and definition of problems and weaknesses of the current germplasm, the establishment of program goals, and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next step is selection of germplasm that possess the traits to meet the program goals. The goal is to combine in a single variety or hybrid an improved combination of desirable traits from the parental germplasm. These important traits may include increased head size and weight, higher seed yield, improved color, resistance to diseases and insects, tolerance to drought and heat, and better agronomic quality.[0003]Watermelon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and is a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]In another aspect, the present invention provides for single or multiple gene converted plants of watermelon line Ace Plus. The single or multiple transferred gene(s) may preferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the single or multiple transferred gene(s) will confer such traits as male sterility, herbicide resistance, insect or pest resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism, modified carbohydrate metabolism, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, male fertility, enhanced nutritional quality, and industrial usage. The single or multiple gene(s) may be a naturally occurring watermelon gene or a transgene introduced through genetic engineering techniques.

Problems solved by technology

This results in nonfunctional female and male gametes although the flowers appear normal.

Lack of pollen during full flowering of seedless watermelon plants will have negative effect on the total yield and fruit quality.

Watermelon plants are susceptible to numerous diseases that attack the roots, foliage, and fruit.

Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification.