Melon plants with resistance against watermelon mosaic virus (WMV)

Abstract

The present invention relates to melon plants comprising Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) resistance and methods for generating such plants.

Description

[0001] Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 1 241120W001

[0002] Melon plants with resistance against Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV)

[0003] The application concerns melon plants (Cucumis meld) resistant to infection with Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV). The resistant melon plants have in one aspect a genomic introgression fragment on chromosome 5 which confers resistance to WMV in a co-dominant manner. Also disclosed are markers for identifying those fragments, methods for identifying or producing resistant melon plants.

[0004] Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) is one of the most prevalent viruses affecting melon worldwide. A known resistance source to WMV comes from an African accession TGR-1551 causing a reduction in virus titer, with infected plants remaining asymptomatic or exhibiting mild disease symptoms (Diaz-Pendon et al.

[0005] 2005, Phytopathology® 95:840-846). Subsequent analysis showed that resistance is controlled by one recessive gene on chromosome 11 (Palomares-Rius et al. 2011 , Theor Appl Genet 123:1207-1214) (Perez-de-Castro et al. 2019, Mol Breed 39:93 ). Finally, a candidate gene CmVps4 was reported as the causal gene (Agaoua et al. 2022, J Exp Bot 73:4008-4021). Apart from the major QTL on chromosome 11 , accession TGR-1551 also contained a minor, modifier QTL on chromosome 5, in the region 24,607,286 to 27,617,536 bp of chromosome 5, and predicted potential resistance genes were found in the region 24,886,204 to 27,332,555 of the DHL92-V4 reference melon genome (see Table 3 in Lopez-Martin et al. BMC Plant Biology 2024, 24:58, doi.org / 10.1186 / s12870-024-04745-x).

[0006] Herein a new source for WMV resistance was found and a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) on chromosome 5 (QTL5) was introgressed from a donor accession into an elite cultivated melon line. Seeds of a backcross line, wherein the QTL5 introgression is fixed and the donor SNP nucleotides are homozygous, were deposited by Nunhems Netherlands B.V. under Accession number NCIMB 44531 in accordance with the Budapest Treaty. In these seeds the donor genotype for the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers (SNP_01 to SNP_23) provided herein is present.

[0007] The wild donor itself is not uniform and is not an accession of agronomic value, it has for example fruits white tasteless flesh with a low brix and belongs to either the ‘conomon’ group of melons (C. melo ssp melo var. conomon or C. melo var. conomon) or to the ‘momordica’ group of melons (C. melo var. momordica), as defined by Pitrat 2016 (Melon Genetic Resources: Phenotypic Diversity and Horticultural Taxonomy, in R. Grumet et al. eds. Genetics and Genomics of Cucurbitaceae, Plant Genetics and Genomics: Crops and Models, DOI 10.1007 / 7397_2016_10). By identifying and transferring QTL5 from the donor into cultivated elite melon, it is now possible to make cultivated melon varieties and cultivars of high agronomic value (with uniform characteristics and marketable fruits having high brix and good shelf life, such as C. melo var. cantalupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. cassaba, C. melo var. ibericus) with resistance against the WMV and, thus, it is possible to cultivate those melon varieties in WMV infested areas without yield loss.

[0008] “Melon plant cells” or “melon plants” also designated as muskmelon plant cells or muskmelon plants in the art shall be understood in context with the present invention to be plant cells originating from the species Cucumis melo or to be plants belonging to the species Cucumis melo.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 2 241120W001

[0009] Cucumis melo plants with high agronomic value have been classified into initially into three main groups, C. melo cantalupensis, C. melo inodorous and C. melo reticulatus. However, Pitrat 2016 (supra) classified Cumumis melo L. into 19 groups, whereby the group ‘cantalupensis’ and ‘reticulatus’ were merged and the group ‘inodorous’ was split into three groups, namely ‘cassaba’, ‘ibericus’ and ‘inodorous’. The merged group ‘cantalupensis’ contains several sub-groups, such as Charantais, American Western and American Eastern, Prescott, Saccharinus and Ogen (under which e.g. Galia melons are grouped). The split group ‘Cassaba’ contains three sub-groups (Kirkagac, Hassanbey, Kuscular), the split group ‘Ibericus’ contains five sub-groups (Piel de Sapo, Amarillo, Tendral, Rochet, Branco) and the split group “Inodorus” contains only two subgroup (Honeydew and Earls’s). These taxonomic groups are, therefore, herein also referred to as C. melo var. cantalupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. cassaba and C. melo var. ibericus. Melon and the wild relatives of melon is / are diploid and has / have 12 pairs of homologous chromosomes, numbered 1 to 12. Classification of melon is complicated as great morphological and genetic variation exists an C. melo is the most diverse genus of Cucumis. The species C. melo comprises feral, wild and cultivated plants. Patrizia et al. (2010, Pro. Natl. Acad. Science 107(320): 14269-14273) analysed the origins of Cucumis species and suggests Asia as ancestral area for the most recent common ancestor of melon and cucumber as both have progenitor populations in the Himalaya region and a high genetic diversity of C. melo landraces in India and China. Charles Naudin classified C. melo into groups: C. melo var. cantaloupensis, C. melo var. reticulatus, C. melo var. indorus, C. melo var. flexuous, C. melo var. conomon, C. melo var. chito and C. melo var. dudaim, C. melon var. agrestis, C. melo var. acidulous and C. melo var. utillisimus, but other classifications exists, see the review of Swamy 2017 (J. Hort. Sci. Vol 12(1): 1-22). For example, Munger and Robinson (1991 , Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Rep 14:43-44, Nomenclature of Cucumis melo L.) have simplified Naudin’s classification into 1. C. melo var. agrestis, 2. C. melo var. cantalupensis (including Naudin’s C. melo var. reticulatus), 3. C. melo var. inodorous, 4. C. melo var. flexuous, 5. C. melo var. conomon, 6. C. melo var. chito and C. melo var. dudaim together, and 7. C. melo var. momordica. As mentioned herein the taxonomic classification used by Pitrat 2016 (supra) is used, whereby 19 Groups are differentiated.

[0010] “Resistant” or “being resistant to” shall be understood in context of the present invention to mean a plant which is a host species of a particular pathogen and can therefore be infected by a given pathogen, but wherein the plant comprises a genetic element (e.g. an introgression fragment) resulting in reduction of pathogen growth and / or spreading in the plant after infection compared to the susceptible plant lacking the genetic element. In context of the present invention “resistant” or “being resistant to” in particular refers to plant cells or plants being resistant to WMV. Resistance is a relative term which can span a range of (different) reactions in the plant cell or plant, triggered by pathogen infection. The effect of those reactions by the plant cell or plant can be measured by various means. Typically, the effect is measured by defining a symptom level appearing in the plant cell or plant. Typically, average symptoms of several plants of a line (e.g. 10 or more) are compared to average symptoms of several plants of a control line or variety, preferably a susceptible control line or variety. Thus at least 10 or more individual plants of a line or variety are scored at one time point and the average disease score is calculated.

[0011] Concerning the present invention, the following commonly known symptom levels are applied according to phenotypic observations taken after WMV infection:Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 3 241120W001

[0012] 1 = Severe rugosity and / or mosaic. Possible plant death. See e.g. Figure 2A.

[0013] 3 = Moderate rugosity and / or mosaic. Extensive chlorosis and / or necrosis. See e.g. Figure 2B.

[0014] 5 = Vein clearing, slight mosaic and / or necrotic spots. See e.g. Figure 2C.

[0015] 7 = Mild interveinal chlorosis. See e.g. Figure 2D.

[0016] 9 = No symptoms, healthy plant indistinguishable from mock-inoculated plant. See e.g. Figure 2E.

[0017] For determining the symptom level (or disease score) preferably young plants are infected with WMV. Young plants are preferably plants having the age of the first true leaf being expanded, preferably approximately 12-15 days after sowing. Infection is preferably carried out via mechanical or rub inoculation, preferably twice (first and second WMV inoculation). The symptom level is preferably determined at least once, e.g. 15 or 25 days after the first inoculation (or later, e.g. 16 or 17 days after first infection and / or 26 or 27 days after first inoculation). Optionally symptom level is determined twice or even three times at different time-points following the first inoculation to confirm the result, e.g. a first scoring at approximately 15, 16 or 17 days after first infection and / or a second scoring at approximately 25, 26 or 27 days after first infection (or later) with WMV and / or a third scoring scoring at approximately 45, 46 or 47 days (or even 48, 49 or 50 days) after first infection. See also the Examples. In one aspect a plant line is said to be resistant against WMV infection if it has an average disease score of at least 5.0, 5.1 , 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1 , 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1 , 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1 , 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6 or 8.7, or 8.8 or 8.9 or higher, e.g. at least 9.0, while the susceptible control line or variety, such as variety Vedrantais, has e.g. an average disease score of 3.0 or less, 2.5 or less, or 2.0 or less, when grown under the same conditions and infected in the same way. As the QTL5 is co-dominant, it is understood that the QTL in heterozygous form still showing resistance, but to a lesser extent than when the QTL is in homozygous form.

[0018] It has been observed that introgression of QTL5 located on chromosome 5 from a donor plant into cultivated melon plants confers resistance to WMV infection in cultivated melon plants or cells derived therefrom. It is sufficient that the respective fragment is present only in the heterozygous state for conferring WMV resistance, demonstrating that the fragment confers resistance to WMV infection in a codominant manner. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 5 were identified which are closely linked to QTL5 conferring WMV resistance. The SNP nucleotide of the resistant donor (i.e. the nucleotide of the introgression fragment) is present in homozygous form in the deposited seeds, i.e. the donor nucleotide is present in homozygous form for SNP_01 to SNP_23 (linked to QTL5), with the most significantly linked markers being SNP_04 and SNP_16.

[0019] Without limiting the invention, it is therefore believed that QTL5 lies in between SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_17, especially in between SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_16, or in between SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_12 or in between SNP_03 orSNP_04 and SNP_11 , or in between SNP_07 and SNP_12. The SNPs can, therefore, be used to test the presence of the introgression fragment comprising the QTL5 in a plant cell, plant tissue, plant part, and / or in marker assisted selection (MAS) to transfer the QTLs into elite melon lines or varieties.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 4 241120W001

[0020] The SNPs can also be used to select plants comprising smaller introgressions fragments than the fragments present in the deposited seeds, whereby the smaller sub-fragments retain the QTL5, such as the sub-fragment comprising the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_17, SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16, SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_12 or SNP_07 to SNP_12 or SNP_07 to SNP_09. The QTL5 lies, thus, in the chromosome 5 region in-between SNP_01 (at nucleotide 11976009, see Table 2) and SNP_23 (at nucleotide 14936674, see Table 2) or in a sub-region thereof, e.g. in-between SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_17, SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16, SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_12 or SNP_07 to SNP_12 or SNP_07 to SNP_09 (or any other sub-region described herein). Which sub-region the QTL5 is in can be analyzed by e.g. fine-mapping, sequencing or generating shorter introgression fragments, i.e. recombinants comprising shorter sub-fragments. It is understood that the fragment (or region) or subfragment (or sub-region) comprises the QTL5 and the sequence of the donor ofthe introgression fragment and, therefore, also e.g. comprises the donor SNP nucleotide of the SNP markers (i.e. the donor SNP haplotype) forthat region or sub-region in-between the flanking markers (i.e. in between the first and last mentioned marker ofthe region or sub-region) and optionally also the donor SNP nucleotide for the first and / or last marker mentioned for the region or sub-region (i.e. the flanking markers). The phenotype conferred by QTL5 will co-segregate with the introgression fragment and with the donor SNP markers of the introgression fragment or sub-fragment (i.e. with the region or sub-region comprising QTL5). Thus, when referring herein to the donor fragment or donor sequence or QTL5 being “in-between” two SNP markers or in a region or sub-region defined by two SNP markers, it is understood that the region or subregion which comprises the donor sequence or donor fragment and QTL5 also e.g. comprises the donor SNP nucleotides of one or more of the SNP markers (i.e. the SNP haplotype) in-between the flanking markers of the region or sub-region. It is also understood that when referring to one or more markers of a fragment or one or more donor SNP nucleotides in-between two SNP nucleotides of a region or sub-region, these one or more markers are preferably consecutive markers, e.g. the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_07, SNP_08 and SNP_09.

[0021] One or more of the donor SNPs can be used to identify the introgression fragment or to identify other donors which comprise QTL5 and to introgress the QTL into cultivated melon from such other donors. One or more donor SNPs can also be used to transfer the QTL5 from one cultivated melon plant into another.

[0022] The present invention, therefore, relates in one aspect to cultivated melon plant cells or melon plants comprising an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises the sequence ofthe donor plant in-between SNP_01 (corresponding to nucleotide 11976009, see Table 2) and SNP_23 (corresponding to nucleotide 14936674, see Table 2), preferably the sequence of the donor plant in-between SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_03 orSNP_04 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 orSNP_04 and SNP_12, or in between SNP_07 to SNP_12 or in between SNP_07 to SNP_09. The WMV-resistance conferring QTL5 is present on the introgression fragment or sub-fragment, as can be determined by a resistance assay as described herein. Therefore, the present invention relates in one aspect to melon plant cells or melon plants comprising an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 derived from (obtained from, obtainable from) a WMV-resistantNunhems Netherlands B.V. 5 241120W001

[0023] donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant in-between markers selected from:

[0024] SNP_01 and SNP_23 and comprising the donor SNP nucleotide for at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 markers (especially at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 consecutive markers) selected from the group: SNP_02 (i.e. a Guanine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2); SNP_03 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3); SNP_04 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4); SNP_05 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5); SNP_06 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6); SNP_07 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 ora Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7); SNP_08 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8); SNP_09 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9); SNP_10 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10); SNP_11 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11); SNP_12 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12); SNP_13 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13); SNP_14 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14); SNP_15 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequenceNunhems Netherlands B.V. 6 241120W001

[0025] identity to SEQ ID NO: 15); SNP_16 (i.e. a Guanine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16); SNP_17 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17); SNP_18 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 18 ora Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 18); SNP_19 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 19 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 19); SNP_20 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 20 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 20); SNP_21 (i.e. a Guanine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 21 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 21); SNP_22 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 22 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 22). Optionally the introgression fragment also comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_01 (i.e. a Guanine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1) and / or SNP_23 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 23 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 23).

[0026] SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_17 and comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12 or 13 SNP markers (especially at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12 or 13 consecutive markers) selected from the group: SNP_04 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4); SNP_05 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5); SNP_06 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6); SNP_07 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7); SNP_08 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8); SNP_09 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 ofNunhems Netherlands B.V. 7 241120W001

[0027] SEQ ID NO: 9 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9); SNP_10 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10); SNP_11 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11); SNP_12 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12); SNP_13 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 ora Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13); SNP_14 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14); SNP_15 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15); SNP_16 (i.e. a Guanine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16); SNP_17 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17); Optionally the introgression fragment also comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_03 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3).

[0028] SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_16 and comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12 or 13 SNP markers (especially at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12 or 13 consecutive markers) selected from the group: SNP_04 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4); SNP_05 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5); SNP_06 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6); SNP_07 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7); SNP_08 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in aNunhems Netherlands B.V. 8 241120W001

[0029] sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8); SNP_09 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9); SNP_10 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10); SNP_11 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11); SNP_12 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12); SNP_13 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 ora Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13); SNP_14 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14); SNP_15 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15); SNP_16 (i.e. a Guanine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16). Optionally the introgression fragment also comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_03 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3).

[0030] SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_12 and comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 SNP markers (especially at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 consecutive markers) selected from the group: SNP_04 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4); SNP_05 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5); SNP_06 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6); SNP_07 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7); SNP_08 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQNunhems Netherlands B.V. 9 241120W001

[0031] ID NO: 8); SNP_09 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9); SNP_10 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10); SNP_11 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11); SNP_12 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 ora Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12); Optionally the introgression fragment also comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_03 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3).

[0032] SNP_07 and SNP_12 and comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for at least 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 SNP markers (especially at least 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 consecutive markers) selected from the group: SNP_07 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7); SNP_08 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8); SNP_09 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9); SNP_10 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10); SNP_11 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11); SNP_12 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 ora Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12).

[0033] SNP_07 and SNP_09 and comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_07 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7) and / or for SNP_08 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8) and / or for SNP_09 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or a Thymine at the equivalentNunhems Netherlands B.V. 10 241120W001

[0034] position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9).

[0035] SNP_07 and SNP_08 and comprising the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_07 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7) and / or for SNP_08 (i.e. a Cytosine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8).

[0036] SNP_14 and SNP_17 and comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for at least 2, 3 or 4 SNP markers (especially at least 2, 3 or 4 consecutive markers) selected from the group: SNP_14 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14); SNP_15 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15); SNP_16 (i.e. a Guanine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16); SNP_17 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17).

[0037] SNP_15 and SNP_17 and comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for at least 2 or 3 SNP markers selected from the group: SNP_15 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15); SNP_16 (i.e. a Guanine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16); SNP_17 (i.e. an Adenine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17).

[0038] The term ‘in-between’ does in one aspect not exclude that the first mentioned and / or last-mentioned SNP nucleotide is also the donor nucleotide, so e.g. ‘in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23 in one aspect refers to SNP_01 and / or SNP_23 comprising the resistant donor nucleotide. The resistant donor nucleotide is shown e.g. in Table 1 and 2 herein. However, the first and last-mentioned SNP may also be a different nucleotide, e.g. of the recurrent parent. Furthermore, when SEQ ID NO:s are mentioned, in one aspect also variants of the mentioned sequences are encompassed, i.e. the mentioned SNP nucleotide at theNunhems Netherlands B.V. 11 241120W001

[0039] equivalent nucleotide position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to the SEQ ID NO mentioned. There may, thus, be some variation in the nucleotides preceding or following the mentioned SNP nucleotide, especially as the introgression fragment is from a melon donor of the exotic C. melo var. conomon group or C. melo var momordica group e.g. from Asia (e.g. Myanmar), which comprises significant genetic variation (genetic diversity) compared to elite cultivated melon germplasm, while the sequences provided herein before and after the donor SNP nucleotide are from the reference genome DHL92 V4.

[0040] Further, instead of referring to a SNP nucleotide in one of the sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 23 herein, one can also refer to the corresponding position of the SNP nucleotide on chromosome 5 as shown in Table 2.

[0041] Thus, when referring herein to the introgression fragment comprising the sequence “in-between” two SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms), this encompasses in one aspect that one or both of the two SNPs themselves are also from the resistant donor, i.e. have the donor nucleotide at the SNP position. In another aspect, the two SNPs are from the recipient, e.g. the susceptible melon plant, while only a region between the two SNPs is from the resistant donor and confers WMV-resistance, i.e. the resistance conferring donor fragment, which comprises QTL5, lies in-between the two SNP markers. So, for example, a plant may comprise the introgression fragment comprising the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant in-between SNP_04 and SNP_16, this plant in one aspect comprises a Cytosine (C) at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4 and / or a Guanine (G) at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16, i.e. the donor nucleotides. In another aspect only a region (the whole region or a part thereof, a sub-region) between these two SNPs is from the donor, while SNP_04 and SNP_16 are from the recipient.

[0042] Thus, regarding the QTL5 on chromosome 5, e.g. SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or to SNP_17 may all have the resistant donor haplotype (or genotype). Or e.g. only SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_12 or e.g. only SNP_07 to SNP_12, or SNP_14 to SNP_17, or SNP_15 to SNP_17, may have the resistant donor haplotype (or genotype). The SNPs that do not have the resistant donor nucleotide thus have another nucleotide, e.g. the recipient nucleotide. The recipient nucleotide for a SNP may be any of the other 3 nucleotides, i.e. for SNP_04 the recipient nucleotide may be Adenine, Guanine or Thymine.

[0043] The reason that not all of the SNPs provided herein, which are linked to QTL5, need to have the resistant donor genotype is that the introgression fragment comprising the QTL5 from the donor may be smaller than the chromosome fragment mapped herein to the QTL5 region, but the fragment still comprises the QTL5. In other words, QTL5 may lie in a smaller sub-region of the larger region defined by SNP_01 to SNP_23, especially the sub-region defined by SNP_03 to SNP_17 or in one aspect the sub-region defined by SNP_14 to SNP_17, or by SNP_15 and SNP_17. Still, a plant can be recognized to contain the introgression fragment comprising the QTL5 by the phenotype conferred by the region or sub-region, and / or by transferring the fragment to a susceptible plant and thereby transferring the WMV-resistance phenotype, or by sequencing the region between the SNP markers to identify the donor fragment (or subfragment), or other methods known to the skilled person, such as saturating the region with more SNP markers, allelism tests, etc. The region or sub-region comprising the QTL5 and the donor SNP nucleotides on that chromosome 5 fragment or sub-fragment will co-segregate with the WMV-resistance phenotype.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 12 241120W001

[0044] As the donor fragment has significant genetic diversity compared to elite material, the introgression fragment can be recognized by sequencing the region of chromosome 5 between e.g. SNP_01 and SNP_23 from e.g. the seeds deposited herein.

[0045] Thus, a combination of methods can be used to show that the QTL5 is present in a plant cell or plant, even if not for all of the linked SNPs the donor SNP genotype is present. QTL5 confers an average WMV-resistance of at least 5.0, 5.1 , 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1 , 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1 , 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1 , 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8 or 9.0 when transferred into a susceptible line or variety and is co-dominant.

[0046] In one embodiment the introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from the donor plant comprising the sequence of the donor plant and QTL5 in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23, or in-between SNP_02 and SNP_22, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_21 , or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_21 , or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_20, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_12, or inbetween SNP_04 and SNP_19, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_11 , or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_10, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_09, or inbetween SNP_04 and SNP_08, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_20, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_19, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_11 , or inbetween SNP_05 and SNP_10, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_08, in-between SNP_06 and SNP_20, in-between SNP_06 and SNP_19, in-between SNP_06 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_11 , or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_10, or inbetween SNP_06 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_08, or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_20, or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_19, or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_14 and SNP_17, or inbetween SNP_15 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_14 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_15 and SNP_18 confers resistance to WMV to the cultivated melon plant cells according to the invention or to the cultivated melon plants according to the invention. As the sequence is from the donor, the sequence also comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for the SNPs in between the mentioned first and last SNP and optionally also the donor SNP nucleotide for the first and / or last SNP mentioned.

[0047] In one aspect the introgression fragment (and / or the QTL5) is obtainable (or obtained from, or derivable, or derived from) seeds deposited under accession number NCIMB 44531 , or progeny thereof, which progeny retain the QTL5 as present in the deposited seeds.

[0048] In one aspect the introgression fragment comprises the donor nucleotide for SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_12, or for SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_11 , or for SNP_07 to SNP_12, or for SNP_07 to SNP_11 , or for SNP_07 and / or SNP_08 and / or SNP_09, and comprises the QTL5. In one aspect the fragment and / or QTL5 is obtainable from (or obtained from, or originating from, or derivable or derived from) seeds deposited under accession number NCIMB 44531 , progeny (or descendants) of NCIMB 44531 or ascendants of NCIMB 44531 , or from another donor as described herein having the same donor SNPNunhems Netherlands B.V. 13 241120W001

[0049] haplotype and QTL5 in the same region or sub-region as described herein.

[0050] Thus, in one aspect QTL5 is obtainable from seeds, a representative sample of which has been deposited under accession number NCIMB 44139, or progeny or ascendants thereof which retain QTL5, or from another donor (e.g. another accession of the Conomon or Momordica group) which comprises the same donor SNP haplotype as in the present donor for at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 or all 13 SNPs of SNP_04 to SNP_16 or to SNP_17, whereby the donor haplotype is:

[0051] a Cytosine (C) for SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0052] a Thymine (T) for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0053] an Adenine (A) for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0054] a Cytosine (C) for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0055] a Cytosine (C) for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0056] a Thymine (T) for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0057] an Adenine (A) for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0058] a Thymine (T) for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0059] a Thymine (T) for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0060] a Thymine (T) for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0061] an Adenine (A) for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0062] an Adenine (A) for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%,Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 14 241120W001

[0063] 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15;

[0064] a Guanine (G) for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16;

[0065] an Adenine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17.

[0066] In one aspect the present invention relates to cultivated melon plant cells or melon plants (or plant parts, such as a cell or tissue), especially elite cultivated melons of the group C. melo var. cantalupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. cassaba, C. melo var. ibericus, comprising an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment confers WMV-resistance (i.e. it comprises QTL5) and the introgression fragment is detectable by (comprises) the SNP haplotype of the donor plant for one or more (or all) of the following SNPs: SNP_01 to SNP_23, SNP_02 to SNP_22, SNP_03 to SNP_17, SNP_04 to SNP_17, SNP_03 to SNP_16, SNP_04 to SNP_16, SNP_03 to SNP_12, SNP_04 to SNP_12, SNP_07 to SNP_12 or SNP_7 to SNP_09.

[0067] Thus, in one aspect the plant, plant part or plant cell comprises QTL5 and comprises the SNP donor haplotype for at least SNP_07 and / or SNP_08 and / or SNP_09, preferably at least for SNP_07 to SNP_12 or for SNP_04 to SNP_12 or for SNP_03 to SNP_12. In a further aspect the plant, plant part or plant cell comprises the SNP donor haplotype for at least SNP_06 to SNP_10, or for at least SNP_07 to SNP_12, or for at least SNP_07 to SNP_11 , or for at least SNP_05 and SNP_11 , or for at least SNP_04 and SNP_12, or for at least SNP_04 to SNP_16, or for at least SNP_04 to SNP_17, or for at least SNP_03 to SNP_17, or for at least SNP_03 to SNP_16, or for at least SNP_03 to SNP_12, or for at least SNP_03 to SNP_11 , or for at least SNP_02 to SNP_18, or for at least SNP_01 to SNP_19, or for at least SNP_01 to SNP_20 or SNP_21 or SNP_22 or SNP_23.

[0068] An introgression fragment may, therefore, comprise the donor SNP haplotype for all SNP markers linked to QTL5 (as in the seeds deposited herein), or a smaller fragment, whereby one or more of the SNP markers is not present.

[0069] As fine-mapping has been done and the QTL5 was found to lie in between SNP_03 and SNP_17, optionally in between SNP_15 and SNP_17, all aspects herein which refer to QTL5 regions encompass these sub-regions and the donor SNP nucleotides for one or more or all markers of these sub-regions. Preferred subregions are the regions comprising SNP_15 to SNP_17, SNP_14 to SNP_17, SNP_13 to SNP_17, SNP_12 to SNP_17, SNP_11 to SNP_17, SNP_10 to SNP_17, SNP_09 to SNP_17 and SNP_08 to SNP_17.

[0070] The nucleotide sequences SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 23 comprising the SNPs provided herein at nucleotide 51 (referred to as SNP_01 to SNP_23) are the nucleotide sequences of the resistant donor for nucleotide 51, but of the reference genome for nucleotides 1 to 50 and 52 to 101, i.e. they contain the donor SNP nucleotide at nucleotide 51.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 15 241120W001

[0071] Therefore, in one aspect provided is a cultivated Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, comprising a recombinant chromosome 5, the recombinant chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment from a donor accession which comprises a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) named QTL5 located in between a Guanine for SNP_01 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1, corresponding to nucleotide 11976009 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, and a Thymine for SNP_23 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 23, corresponding to nucleotide 14936674 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, said QTL5 confers Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) resistance onto the Cucumis melo plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form and wherein said introgression fragment comprises one or more (e.g. at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, preferably consecutive markers) or all of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers of the group:

[0072] a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0073] a Thymine for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0074] an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0075] a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0076] a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0077] a Thymine for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0078] an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0079] a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0080] a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 16 241120W001

[0081] sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0082] a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0083] an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0084] an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; and

[0085] a Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16.

[0086] In another aspect provided is a cultivated Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, comprising a recombinant chromosome 5, the recombinant chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment from a donor accession which comprises a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) named QTL5 located in between an Adenine for SNP_03 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3, corresponding to nucleotide 12286432 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, and a Adenine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17, corresponding to nucleotide 13928623 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, said QTL5 confers Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) resistance onto the Cucumis melo plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form and wherein said introgression fragment comprises one or more (e.g. at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, preferably consecutive markers) or all of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers of the group:

[0087] a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0088] a Thymine for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0089] an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0090] a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 17 241120W001

[0091] sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0092] a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0093] a Thymine for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0094] an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0095] a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0096] a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0097] a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0098] an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0099] an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; and

[0100] a Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16.

[0101] In yet another aspect provided is a cultivated Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, comprising a recombinant chromosome 5, the recombinant chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment from a donor accession which comprises a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) named QTL5, wherein the QTL5 is located in between SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15, corresponding to nucleotide 13810729 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome and SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 corresponding to nucleotide 13928623 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, said QTL5 confers Watermelon MosaicNunhems Netherlands B.V. 18 241120W001

[0102] Virus (WMV) resistance onto the Cucumis melo plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form and wherein said introgression fragment comprises a Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16. Optionally the introgression fragment also comprises an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or an Adenine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; and / or an Adenine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17).

[0103] In another aspect a cultivated Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, is provided comprising a recombinant chromosome 5, the recombinant chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment from a donor accession which comprises a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) named QTL5 located in between a Guanine for SNP_01 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1 , corresponding to nucleotide 11976009 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, and a Thymine for SNP_23 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 23, corresponding to nucleotide 14936674 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, said QTL5 confers Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) resistance onto the Cucumis melo plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form and wherein said introgression fragment comprises one or more (e.g. at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) or all of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers of the group:

[0104] a Guanine for SNP_02 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2;

[0105] an Adenine for SNP_03 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3;

[0106] a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or a Cytosine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0107] a Thymine forSNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 ora Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0108] an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or an Adenine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0109] a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a Cytosine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 19 241120W001

[0110] a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a Cytosine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0111] a Thymine forSNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 ora Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0112] an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or an Adenine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0113] a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or a Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0114] a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or a Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0115] a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or a Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0116] an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or an Adenine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0117] an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or an Adenine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15;

[0118] a Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or a Guanine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16;

[0119] an Adenine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17);

[0120] a Cytosine forSNP_18 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 18 ora Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 18);Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 20 241120W001

[0121] an Adenine for SNP_19 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 19 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 19);

[0122] a Thymine for SNP_20 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 20 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 20);

[0123] a Guanine for SNP_21 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 21 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 21);

[0124] an Adenine for SNP_22 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 22 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 22).

[0125] Optionally the introgression fragment also comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_01 (i.e. a Guanine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1) and / or SNP_23 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 23 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 23).

[0126] The term ‘at the equivalent nucleotide (or position) of a sequence (or in a sequence) comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity’ to the given sequence, refers to the nucleotide when aligned pairwise (using e.g. the program Needles with default parameters), meaning that the flanking sequences before and after the donor SNP nucleotide can vary somewhat from the reference genome sequence provided herein before and after the SNP donor nucleotide.

[0127] In one aspect herein throughout the description the SNP nucleotide mentioned herein, for any of the SNPs, can also be referred to (in addition or in the alternative) by the nucleotide position on the chromosome 5 of the reference genome, as indicated in Table 2. So, for example a Cytosine for the SNP_04 may be referred to as a Cytosine at nucleotide 13177408 of chromosome 5 (of the reference genome DHL92 V4). The reference genome can be found on cucurbitgenomics.org.

[0128] The WMV-resistance conferring QTL5 is present on the introgression fragment and co-segregates with the introgression fragment.

[0129] “Donor plant cell” or “donor plant” in connection with the present invention shall mean a melon plant cell or melon plant being resistant to WMV. Likewise, the term DNA fragment or introgression fragment from the donor plant or cell shall mean a fragment of chromosome 5 of a melon plant resistant to WMV, whereby the fragment confers WMV-resistance when transferred into a WMV susceptible melon plant. In an embodiment herein the donor plant is derived from an accession of the C. melo var. conomon or C. melo var. momordica group, e.g. from Myanmar. The donor has in one aspect small seeds, with an averageNunhems Netherlands B.V. 21 241120W001

[0130] seed length of less than 9 mm (e.g. less than 7 mm) and / or fruits non-sweet flesh with a brix of less than 7° brix. See e.g. Tanaka et al. 2009, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 56: 1149-1161 . The donor is in one aspect monoecious and has short appressed hairs on the ovary.

[0131] In a particular embodiment, DNA fragments or introgression fragments from donor plant cells or plants are the donor fragments obtained from (or obtainable from, or derived from, or derivable from, or as present in) plants grown from seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531 or progeny obtained from plants grown from seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531 or plants obtained by crosses with plants grown from seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531. Likewise, in one aspect a QTL5, or a causal gene underlying QTL5, or donor plant cells or plants comprising QTL5, or a causal gene underlying QTL5, is / are obtained from (or obtainable from, or derived from, or derivable from, or as present in) plants grown from seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531 or progeny obtained from plants grown from seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531 or plants obtained by crosses with plants grown from seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531.

[0132] Donor melon plants can be obtained from various other sources. A person skilled in the art knows how to detect other sources of WMV-resistant donor plants comprising QTL5 using e.g. one or more of the SNP markers herein and phenotyping for WMV resistance. For detecting such sources of WMV-resistant donor plants, basically e.g. melon plants or accessions (e.g. wild melon plants or accessions, e.g. accessions of the C. melo var. conomon group or of the C. melo var. momordica group) can be infected with WMV, e.g. by mechanical means as described in e.g. the Examples. Plants showing reduced symptom levels compared to susceptible controls can then be selected and tested using one or more of the SNP markers provided herein and, if they comprise the SNP haplotype associated with QTL5 herein, they can be used as a source for genome fragments conferring WMV-resistance. A method of how to infect melon plants with WMV and methods for determining the symptom level of infected plants are given herein in the Examples.

[0133] In the context of the present invention the donor plants preferably have an average symptom level equal to or above 5.5 or 6.0 or equal to or above 6.5 or 7.0, even more preferred equal to or above 8.0 or 8.5 and most preferred equal to 9.0.

[0134] In one aspect the donor plant comprises the donor SNP haplotype or donor SNP genotype for one or more (e.g. at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more, preferably consecutive markers) or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_02 to SNP_22, or SNP_03 to SNP_17, or SNP_03 to SNP_16, or SNP_04 to SNP_17, or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 to SNP_12, or SNP_04 to SNP_12, or SNP_07 to SNP_12, or SNP_07 to SNP_09, as shown e.g. in Table 1 and 2, or other sub-groups of SNP markers mentioned elsewhere herein, e.g. SNP_15 to SNP_17, SNP_14 to SNP_17, SNP_13 to SNP_17, SNP_12 to SNP_17, SNP_11 to SNP_17, SNP_10 to SNP_17, SNP_09 to SNP_17 and SNP_08 to SNP_17. In one aspect the donor plant comprises the donor SNP haplotype or donor SNP genotype for one or more of SNP_07, SNP_08 and / or SNP_09, as shown in Table 1 and 2, preferably for one or more or all of SNP_07 to SNP_12 or SNP_03 to SNP_12 or SNP_04 to SNP_12. Preferably the SNP donor genotype is homozygous. The donor is in one aspect a wild melon donor, such as e.g. a donor with high heterogeneity (non-uniformity in characteristics), variable fruit sizes, fruits with e.g. low brix, e.g. of the C. melo var. conomon or var. momordica group. The donor is in one aspect not of the cultivated C. melo var. cantalupensis, C. meloNunhems Netherlands B.V. 22 241120W001

[0135] var. inodorous, C. melo var. ibericus, or C. melo var. cassaba melons.

[0136] As mentioned above, potential donor melon plants (e.g. accessions from seedbanks) can also be screened for the presence of the SNP haplotype or genotype of one or more of the SNP markers provided herein and indicative of the presence of QTL5.

[0137] “Recurrent plant cell” or “recurrent plant” or “recipient plant” in connection with the present invention shall be understood to be a melon plant cell or melon plant being sensitive (used herein synonymously with susceptible) or non-resistant to WMV-infection or significantly less resistant to WMV-infection than the resistant donor. Whether a plant is sensitive or non-resistant, or significantly less resistant, to WMV infection can be determined by observation of the symptom levels after WMV infection. A recurrent plant for example has e.g. an average symptom level below 3.0, or equal to or below 2.5 or equal to or below 2.0 or equal or below 1.0. Symptom levels and methods how to infect melon plants with WMV are described elsewhere herein and are applicable here accordingly. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recurrent melon plant cell according to the invention originates from a cultivated melon plant or the recurrent melon plant according to the invention, is a cultivated melon plant. It is preferably a plant of the cultivated C. melo var. cantaloupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. cassaba or C. melo var. ibericus melons. Preferably it is an elite line, breeding line or variety.

[0138] "Introgression fragment" refers to a chromosome fragment, chromosome part or region which has been introduced into another plant of the same or related species by crossing or traditional breeding techniques. The introgression of the fragment from a donor plant into a recurrent plant introduces into the offspring of a cross between the donor and recurrent plant a phenotype, which was not present in the recurrent plant. Concerning the present invention, the phenotype transferred from the donor plant to the recurrent plant is resistance to WMV, e.g. an average disease score of at least average disease score of at least 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1 , 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1 , 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1 , 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6 or 8.7, or 8.8 or 8.9 or higher. For introgression of a fragment into a specific breeding line or variety the first crossing step can e.g. be followed by one or more backcrossings with the intended breeding line or variety. As understood herein, introgression can mean a first crossing of a WMV-resistant donor plant with a WMV-susceptible or less resistant recurrent plant and further back-crossing one or several times WMV resistant plants obtained from the first crossing with plants of the recipient into which WMV-resistance shall be introgressed. In such a case, the introgressed fragment is the result of breeding methods referred to by the verb "to introgress" (such as backcrossing) into a recipient variety or breeding line. Thus, introgression of WMV resistance into a recurrent plant is a technical process directed by man. In particular introgression herein refers to a man-made breeding process or method. One or more or all of the molecular markers (SNP markers) provided herein and / or QTL5 can be used in that process, e.g. to assist selection of plants comprising QTL5. The resulting plant, i.e. the cultivated line or variety comprising one introgression fragment (on chromosome 5) from a donor, i.e. comprising a recombinant chromosome 5, is also man-made and does not exist in nature.

[0139] The introgression fragment can be large, e.g. 8 Mb, but is preferably smaller, such as about 3 Mb or less, about 2 Mb or less, about 1 Mb (equals 1.000.000 bases) or less, or about 0.8 Mb (equals 800.000 base pairs) or less or equal to or less than 660.000 base pairs or less, or even only 95.000 bases or less.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 23 241120W001

[0140] The introgression fragment can originate from e.g. a wild melon plant or wild melon accession or wild relatives of melon or landraces (donor). Wild melon plants or wild melon accessions or wild relatives of melon plants or landraces can be used to introgress fragments of the donor genome into the genome of cultivated melon, Cucumis melo, to generate breeding lines or varieties with good agronomic characteristics. Such a cultivated melon plant thus has a "genome of cultivated C. melo" but comprises in its genome a fragment of a donor, e.g. an introgression fragment from an accession of the Cucumis melo var. conomon or Cucumis melo var. momordica group. It is understood that the term "introgression fragment" never includes a whole chromosome, but only a part of a chromosome. The chromosomes carrying the introgression therefore also comprise a part or parts of the recurrent (recipient) melon plant and in addition parts of the donor melon plant.

[0141] When the chromosome 5 of cultivated melon comprises an introgression fragment, this therefore means that the cultivated melon plant comprises a recombinant chromosome 5, whereby the introgressed fragment comprises the WMV-resistance conferring QTL5. As described elsewhere, the introgression fragment from the donor may comprise one or more or all of the donor SNP nucleotides (for SNP_01 to SNP_23, or for SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or other subgroups of SNP_01 to SNP_23 described elsewhere herein, e.g. SNP_15 to SNP_17, SNP_14 to SNP_17, SNP_13 to SNP_17, SNP_12 to SNP_17, SNP_11 to SNP_17, SNP_10 to SNP_17, SNP_09 to SNP_17 and SNP_08 to SNP_17). So, e.g. in one aspect the introgression fragment (in homozygous or heterozygous form) may comprise, and is detectable by, one or more or all of the following SNP genotypes or haplotypes:

[0142] the GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_02 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2;

[0143] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_03 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3;

[0144] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0145] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 24 241120W001

[0146] sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0147] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0148] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0149] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0150] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0151] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0152] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0153] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 25 241120W001

[0154] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0155] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0156] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; and

[0157] the GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16;

[0158] The AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17);

[0159] The CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_18 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 18 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 18);

[0160] The AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_19 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 19 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 19);Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 26 241120W001

[0161] The TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_20 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 20 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 20);

[0162] The GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_21 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 21 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 21);

[0163] The AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_22 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 22 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 22).

[0164] Optionally the introgression fragment also comprises the GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_01 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1) and / or the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_23 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 23 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 23).

[0165] The SNP genotype being homozygous (e.g. CC) refers thus to the donor nucleotide being present on both chromosomes 5 in the melon genome. The SNP haplotype being heterozygous (e.g. C or CX) refers to one of the two chromosomes 5 comprising the donor SNP, while the other chromosome 5 may comprise the recurrent parent SNP nucleotide, e.g. X may be any nucleotide e.g. any other nucleotide (e.g. in this example X may e.g. be nucleotide T, A or G).

[0166] As mentioned elsewhere the donor plant is preferably of the species Cucumis melo var. conomon or C. melo var. momordica which are genetically distant from the elite cultivated melons belonging to the species C. melo var. cantaloupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. ibericus and C. melo var. cassaba into which the WMV-resistance is, in one aspect, introgressed.

[0167] In one aspect the donor plant of the invention is not of the species of the following groups: Cucumis melo var. agrestis, Cucumis melo var. flexuous, Cucumis melo var. dudaim, C. melo var. chito, Cucumis melo var. tibish, Cucumis melo var. acidulus, Cucumis melo var. chinensis, Cucumis melo var. chafe, Cucumis melo var. chandalak, Cucumis melo var. indicus, or Cucumis melo var. ameria.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 27 241120W001

[0168] The term "breeding" encompasses herein crossing, backcrossing, selfing, selection, double haploid production, embryo rescue, protoplast fusion, marker assisted selection, mutation breeding etc. as known to the breeder (i.e. methods otherthan genetic modification / transformation / transgenic methods), by which, for example, a recombinant chromosome 5 can be obtained, identified, produced and / or transferred. In one embodiment of the present invention, the introgression fragment originates form a wild Cucumis plant or a wild Cucumis accession, most preferably the introgression fragment originates from an accession of Cucumis melo var. conomon or Cucumis melo var. momordica, e.g. having non-sweet fruits with tasteless (low brix) fruit flesh and small seeds, e.g. an accession from Myanmar. This donor was used in the instant invention and a backcross line of an elite melon comprising the introgression fragment has been deposited under accession number NCIMB 44531 , but other donors can be identified by the skilled person which comprise e.g. the same SNP genotype or SNP haplotype as this donor for one or more of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_03 to SNP_16, or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 to SNP_12, SNP_04 to SNP_12, SNP_07 to SNP_12 or another subgroup disclosed herein which comprises the QTL5 (e.g. SNP_15 to SNP_17, SNP_14 to SNP_17, SNP_13 to SNP_17, SNP_12 to SNP_17, SNP_11 to SNP_17, SNP_10 to SNP_17, SNP_09 to SNP_17 and SNP_08 to SNP_17).

[0169] The exact location of the QTL and the causal gene can be identified by e.g. fine-mapping, sequencing and e.g. gene expression analysis of genes in the region between SNP_01 and SNP_23 (or sub-regions). Candidate causal genes can be modified by e.g. mutagenesis (e.g. CRISPR-based methods) or gene silencing (such as VIGS, Virus Induced Gene Silencing) can be used to validate the candidate causal gene underlying QTL5.

[0170] In a particular embodiment, plant cells and plants provided herein are characterized in that the introgression fragment or the QTL5 originates from the seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531 or progeny thereof, whereby the progeny retain the QTL5 and the WMV-resistance caused by it.

[0171] In a further preferred embodiment, the melon plant cell provided originates from a cultivated melon plant or the melon plant provided herein is a cultivated melon plant (especially of the melon group C. melo var. cantaloupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. ibericus and C. melo var. cassaba) and the introgression fragment or QTL5 originates from a Cucumis melo var. conomon or Cucumis melo var. momordica accession, or from donor plants described herein to be preferred donor plants or is obtained from I or is obtainable from seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531 or progeny thereof.

[0172] FIGURES

[0173] Figure 1 : schematic diagram of the 12 chromosomes (X-axis) and the QTL mapped to chromosome 5. The Y-axis shows the LOD score of the QTL mapping.

[0174] Figure 2: Fotos of the disease scoring scale used in the Examples (score from 1 to 9, with 1 being the most severe symptoms and 9 being free of symptoms) to evaluate melon plants infected with WMV. Fig.

[0175] 2A shows symptoms of the score 1 , Fig. 2B shows symptoms of the score 3, Fig. 2C shows symptoms of the score 5, Fig. 2D shows symptoms of the score 7 and Fig. 2E shows symptoms of the score 9.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 28 241120W001

[0176] Figure 3: Foto of a WMV infected F2 plant comprising the introgression fragment comprising QTL5 and showing a disease score of 7.

[0177] Figure 4: Foto of a WMV infected plant of the donor of QTL5 showing a disease score of 9.

[0178] Figure 5: Pairwise sequence alignment of the mutant CmDLP protein of SEQ ID NO: 25 and the wild type CmDLP protein of SEQ ID NO: 24.

[0179] GENERAL DEFINITIONS

[0180] As used herein, the term “plant” includes the whole plant or any parts or derivatives thereof, preferably having the same genetic makeup as the plant from which it is obtained, such as plant organs (e.g. harvested or non-harvested fruits, leaves, flowers, anthers, etc.), plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which whole plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant cell clumps, plant transplants, seedlings, plant cells that are intact in plants, plant clones or micropropagations, or parts of plants, such as plant cuttings, embryos, pollen, anthers, ovules, fruits (e.g. harvested tissues or organs), flowers, leaves, seeds, clonally propagated plants, roots, stems, root tips, grafts (scions and / or root stocks) and the like. Also any developmental stage is included, such as seedlings, cuttings prior or after rooting, etc. When “seeds of a plant” are referred to, these either refer to seeds from which the plant can be grown or to seeds produced on the plant, after self-fertilization or cross-fertilization.

[0181] As used herein, the term “variety” or “cultivar” means a plant grouping within a single botanical taxon of the lowest known rank, which can be defined by the expression of the characteristics resulting from a given genotype or combination of genotypes. A plant characterized by the presence of alleles of a single gene, e.g. a mutant allele of the CmDLP gene, or a single QTL is not a variety or cultivar, as the remainder of the genome is not characterized.

[0182] “F1 , F2, F3, etc.” refers to the consecutive related generations following a cross between two parent plants or parent lines. The plants grown from the seeds produced by crossing two plants or lines is called the F1 generation. Selfing the F1 plants results in the F2 generation, etc.

[0183] “F1 hybrid” plant (or F1 hybrid seed) is the generation obtained from crossing two inbred parent lines. Thus, F1 hybrid seeds are seeds from which F1 hybrid plants grow. F1 hybrids are more vigorous and higher yielding, due to heterosis. Inbred lines are essentially homozygous at most loci in the genome. A “plant line” or “breeding line” refers to a plant and its progeny. As used herein, the term "inbred line" refers to a plant line which has been repeatedly selfed and is nearly homozygous. Thus, an “inbred line” or “parent line” refers to a plant which has undergone several generations (e.g. at least 5, 6, 7 or more) of inbreeding, resulting in a plant line with a high uniformity.

[0184] “Chromosome 5 of a melon plant” is to be understood in context of the present invention to be the chromosome number 5 as e.g. found on the cucurbitgenomics.org website, DHL92 version 4. genetics "Orthologous chromosome 5" refers to the chromosome 5 of a donor melon plant, a part of which can be introgressed into cultivated melon chromosome 5.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 29 241120W001

[0185] A “recombinant chromosome 5” refers to a chromosome 5 having a new genetic makeup arising through crossing over between homologous chromosomes, e.g. a “recombinant chromosome 5”, i.e. a chromosome 5 which is not present in either of the parent plants and arose through a rare crossing-over event between homologous chromosomes of a chromosome 5 pair. Herein, for example, a recombinant melon chromosome 5 comprising a WMV-resistance conferring QTL5 is provided. The recombinant chromosome 5, therefore, is in one aspect a chromosome of cultivated melon, with an introgression fragment from a donor, whereby the introgression fragment comprises the WMV-resistance conferring QTL5.

[0186] A “DH plant” or “doubled-haploid plant” is a diploid plant produced by doubling the haploid genome of the diploid plant using e.g. in vitro techniques. A DH plant is, therefore, homozygous at all loci.

[0187] A “SNP (= Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)” in context with the present invention is to be understood as a variation in a single nucleotide that occurs at a specific position in the genome. A SNP is the variation of the single nucleotide at the given position in a genome between two plants. If a plant having a WMV-resistance (donor plant) shows in its corresponding sequence at a specific single position a nucleotide which is different from the corresponding nucleotide at the same position of e.g. a cultivated melon plant, the position defines a SNP between the donor melon and the cultivated melon. If the donor plant has one of the four possible nucleotides (A, C, T or G) at a specific position, a SNP occurs, when e.g. the cultivated plant has either of the remaining three possible nucleotides at the same corresponding sequence position. In a cultivated melon plant comprising an introgression fragment from a donor, it can therefore easily be determined if the single nucleotide of the SNP is from the donor or from the cultivated melon (recipient). ‘SNP nucleotide’ refers to the single nucleotide, while ‘SNP genotype’ refers to the pair of nucleotides in a diploid plant cell. So, for SNP_01 , the SNP nucleotide of the WMV-resistant donor is a Guanine (G) for nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1 , while the SNP genotype of a plant or cell comprising SNP can be ‘GG’ (Guanine on both chromosomes) or ‘G’ or ‘GX’ (Guanine on one chromosome 5 and X , i.e. a different nucleotide, e.g. Adenine, on the other chromosome 5; or this may also be written as ‘G’), whereby the WMV-resistant donor SNP nucleotide (Guanine), and thus SEQ ID NO: 1 or a sequence substantially identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 , is homozygous or heterozygous. “SNP haplotype” refers to the nucleotide for several of the SNP markers on one chromosome 5 in a diploid cell, so a SNP haplotype for SNP_01 -SNP_02 - SNP_03 - SNP_04 is G-G-A-C and the SNP genotype of a homozygous plant is GG-GG-AA-CC, see e.g. Table 1 and 2.

[0188] The verb "to comprise" and its conjugations is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. In addition, reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. The indefinite article "a" or "an" thus usually means "at least one", e.g. “a plant” refers also to several cells plants, etc. Similarly, “a fruit” or “a plant” also refers to a plurality of fruits and plants.

[0189] The term “allele(s)” means any of one or more alternative forms of a gene at a particular locus, e.g. the CmDLP locus. In a diploid cell of an organism, alleles of a given gene are located at a specific location, or locus (loci plural) on a chromosome. One allele is present on each chromosome of the pair ofNunhems Netherlands B.V. 30 241120W001

[0190] homologous chromosomes. A diploid plant species may comprise a large number of different alleles at a particular locus. These may be identical alleles of the gene (homozygous) or two different alleles (heterozygous), e.g. two identical copies of the mutant CmDLP allele or one copy of the mutant CmDLP allele and one copy of the wild type CmDLP allele.

[0191] “CmDLP gene” (or C. melo Dynamin-like Protein gene) is a single, co-dominant gene identified in melon on chromosome 5, which when mutated results in WMV resistance. The wild type (WT), functional allele as present in WMV susceptible cultivated melon plants and the mutant allele results in increased WMV resistance (reduced susceptibility to WMV) if the allele is in heterozygous form and an even stronger WMV resistance when the mutant allele is in homozygous form in a diploid melon. In one aspect the CmDLP gene is the gene encoding a protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 or encoding a protein comprising at least 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24 when aligned pairwise. In one aspect the CmDLP gene is the genomic allele comprising SEQ ID NO: 26 or a wild type genomic sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 26. In one aspect the CmDLP gene is the genomic allele producing a mRNA / cDNA comprising SEQ ID NO: 28 or a wild type mRNA / cDNA comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 28.

[0192] “WMV resistance” (Watermelon Mosaic Virus resistance) refers to a melon plant cell or melon plant being resistant or having enhanced resistance or being less sensitive (used herein synonymously with comprising ‘reduced susceptibility’) to WMV-infection than the susceptible control. A melon plant comprises resistance to WMV if it comprises an average disease score of at least 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1 , 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1 , 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1 , 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6 or 8.7, or 8.8 or 8.9 or higher, while the susceptible control comprises an average disease score (average symptom level) of equal to or below 3.0, or equal to or below 2.5 or equal to or below 2.0 or equal or below 1.0. How to assess average symptom levels and methods how to infect melon plants with WMV are described elsewhere herein and are applicable here accordingly. See e.g. the section “General Methods” for a disease assay and scale for assessing disease symptoms (with 1 being the most severe symptoms and 9 being free of symptoms).

[0193] The term “gene” means a (genomic) DNA sequence comprising a region (transcribed region), which is transcribed into a pre-mRNA, which is processed (by intron splicing) into a messenger RNA molecule (mRNA) in a cell, and an operably linked regulatory region (e.g. a promoter). Different alleles of a gene are, thus, different alternatives form of the gene, which may be in the form of e.g. differences in one or more nucleotides of the genomic DNA sequence (e.g. in the promoter sequence, the exon sequences, intron sequences, etc.), mRNA and / or amino acid sequence of the encoded protein.

[0194] “Mutant CmDLP allele” refers herein to a mutant allele of the CmDLP gene on chromosome 5 in melon, which causes the plant to be less susceptible I more resistant against WMV infection when the mutant allele is in heterozygous or homozygous form. The mutation in the mutant allele can be any mutation or combination of mutations, including deletions, truncations, insertions, point mutations, non-sense mutations, mis-sense mutations or non-synonymous mutations, splice-site mutations, frame shift mutations and / or mutations in one or more regulatory sequences such as promoter sequence, or enhancerNunhems Netherlands B.V. 31 241120W001

[0195] or silencer sequences. In one aspect the mutant CmDLP allele is a mutant allele of the CmDLP gene, whereby the CmDLP gene is the gene encoding a protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 or encoding a protein comprising at least 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24 (when aligned pairwise). In one aspect the mutant CmDLP allele is a mutant allele of the wild type genomic allele comprising SEQ ID NO: 26 or of a wild type genomic sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 26. In one aspect the mutant CmDLP allele is a mutant allele of the wild type genomic allele producing mRNA / cDNA comprising SEQ ID NO: 28 or of a wild type mRNA / cDNA transcript sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 28.

[0196] “Wild type CmDLP allele” refers herein to the allele of the CmDLP gene, which causes the plant to be susceptible to WMV infection. The wild type CmDLP allele is found in commercial WMV susceptible varieties of melon, such as Vedrantais.

[0197] The term “locus” (loci plural) means a specific place or places or a site on a chromosome where for example a gene or genetic marker is found. The CmDLP locus is, thus, the location in the genome of melon, where the mutant allele and / or the wild type allele of the CmDLP gene is found. The CmDLP locus is a locus on cultivated melon chromosome 5 as found in the reference genome at cucurbitgenomics.org under “Genome: melon DHL92 V4”, i.e. a mutant CmDLP allele can be generated in the cultivated melon genome by mutagenesis of the endogenous wild type CmDLP allele.

[0198] “Induced mutant alleles” are mutant alleles in which the mutation(s) is / are / have been induced by human intervention, e.g. by mutagenesis via physical or chemical mutagenesis methods or via e.g. tissue culture (as described in e.g. Zhang et al, Pios 9(5) e96879), including also targeted gene editing techniques (such as Crispr based techniques, TALENS, Base editing, etc.) and also insertional mutagenesis techniques, such as targeted transposon insertion techniques, etc. (For a review see Gao et al. https: / / doi.Org / 10.1016 / j.cell.2O21.01.005).

[0199] “Co-dominant” refers to an allele, such as a mutant CmDLP allele) which expresses its phenotype (e.g. WMV resistance I reduced susceptibility to WMV infection) to an intermediate extent when only one copy of the allele is present (in heterozygous form) and to its highest extent (highest WMV resistance I highest symptom reduction) when two copies of the allele are present (in homozygous form) and no wild type allele is present. This is in contrast to a recessive allele, which only expresses its phenotype when two copies are present (homozygous) or a dominant allele, which expresses the same phenotype when one (heterozygous) or two copies (homozygous) are present.

[0200] “Vegetative propagation” or “clonal propagation” refers to propagation of plants from vegetative tissue, e.g. by in vitro propagation or grafting methods (using scions and rootstocks). In vitro propagation involves in vitro cell or tissue culture and regeneration of a whole plant from the in vitro culture. Grafting involves propagation of an original plant by grafting onto a rootstock. Clones (i.e. genetically identical vegetative propagations) of the original plant can thus be generated by either in vitro culture or grafting. “Cell culture” or “tissue culture” refers to the in vitro culture of cells or tissues of a plant. “Regeneration” refers to the development of a plant from cell culture or tissue culture or vegetative propagation. “Non-propagating cell” refers to a cell which cannot be regenerated into a whole plant.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 32 241120W001

[0201] “Melon plant cells” or “melon plants” or “cultivated melon plants or cells” or “elite melon plants” also designated as muskmelon plant cells or muskmelon plants in the art shall be understood in context with the present invention to be plant cells originating from the species Cucumis melo or to be plants belonging to the species Cucumis melo. Cucumis melo, can be classified into: C. melo var. cantaloupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. ibericus and C. melo var. cassaba. Included are e.g. Honeydew melon, Piel de Sapo, Sugar melon, Japanese melon, Cassaba melon, Crenshaw melon, Galia melons, Sharlyn melons, etc.

[0202] Cultivated melon and the wild relatives of melon is / are diploid and has / have 12 pairs of homologous chromosomes, numbered 1 to 12.

[0203] "Cultivated melon plant" or “elite melon plants” refers to plants of Cucumis melo i.e. varieties, breeding lines or cultivars of the species C. melo, especially C. melo var. cantalupensis, C. melo var. inodorous C. melo var. ibericus and C. melo var. cassaba, cultivated by humans and having good agronomic characteristics, especially producing edible and marketable fruits of good size and quality and uniformity; such plants are not "wild melon plants", i.e. plants which generally have much poorer yields and poorer agronomic characteristics than cultivated plants and e.g. grow naturally in wild or feral populations or are grown locally for local food production such as landraces. "Wild melon plants" include for example ecotypes, PI (Plant Introduction) lines, landraces or wild accessions or wild or exotic members of a species, such as for example C. melo var. conomon or C. melo var. momordica. Generally such ‘wild melon plants’ are neither genetically nor phenotypically uniform, but are very heterogeneous.

[0204] “SNP marker” refers to a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism between e.g. a chromosome region of a resistant plant and a susceptible plant. Using a SNP marker assay which can distinguish between the resistant and susceptible chromosome region one can screen pants, plant parts or the DNA therefrom for the presence of the resistant region, e.g. comprising QTL5. For any of the SNP markers a SNP markers assays can be designed based on the sequences provided herein. Such a SNP marker assay can be used to detect the resistant region, e.g. in Marker Assisted Selection and / or SNP genotyping assays. Thus, using a SNP marker assay one can screen pants, plant parts or the DNA therefrom for the presence of the resistant region. A SNP marker can also distinguish between a mutant CmDLP allele and a wild type CmDLP allele. Using a SNP marker assay which can distinguish between the mutant and wild type allele of the CmDLP gene (i.e. an allele specific assay) one can screen pants, plant parts or the DNA therefrom for the presence of the mutant allele and / or the wild type allele. For any of the SNP markers a SNP markers assays can be designed based on the sequences provided herein. Such a SNP marker assay can be used to detect the mutant allele, e.g. in Marker Assisted Selection and / or SNP genotyping assays. Thus, using a SNP marker assay which can distinguish between the mutant and wild type allele of the gene (e.g. in an allele specific assay) one can screen pants, plant parts or the DNA therefrom for the presence of the mutant allele.

[0205] “INDEL marker” refers to an insertion / deletion polymorphism between e.g. a mutant CmDLP allele and a wild type CmDLP allele. Using an INDEL marker assay which can distinguish between the mutant and wild type allele of the gene (e.g. an allele specific assay) one can screen pants, plant parts or the DNA therefrom for the presence of the mutant allele.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 33 241120W001

[0206] “Genotyping” methods are methods whereby the genotype or allelic composition of a plant or plant part or seed can be determined. Bi-allelic genotyping assays, such as KASP-assays, can distinguish between two alleles at a locus. For example SNP markers or INDEL markers can be analyzed in a genotyping assay.

[0207] A “chromosome region comprising the mutant CmDLPallele” refers to the genomic region of e.g. chromosome 5 of cultivated melon which region carries the mutant CmDLP allele. The presence of the allele can be determined phenotypically and / or by the presence of one or more molecular markers, e.g. SNP markers, INDEL markers or other markers, linked to the mutant CmDLP allele or preferably markers distinguishing different CmDLP alleles or by the genomic sequence of the allele sequence itself (e.g. sequencing the allele). A marker is “linked to the CmDLPallele”, if it is physically coupled to the allele. An “allele specific marker” is a marker which is specific for a particular allele (e.g. a specific mutant allele) and is thus discriminating between e.g. the mutant allele and the wild type allele. An allele-specific marker is preferably a marker in the allele itself, i.e. in the promoter region or the transcribed region of the gene, e.g. based on a polymorphism between the wild type allele sequence and the mutant allele sequence. A pair of “flanking markers” refers to two markers, preferably two SNP markers, which are linked to the resistance region, e.g. QTL5 or the causal gene underlying QTL5, whereby the resistance causing region of the QTL is located in-between the two markers. For example SNP_03 and SNP_17 are flanking markers of the QTL5 region and the WMV resistance lies in one aspect in-between SNP_03 and SNP_17. Likewise a pair of flanking markers may also refer two SNP markers or two sequences comprising the SNP markers which are linked to the mutant CmDLP allele, whereby the mutant CmDLP allele is located in-between the two markers or in-between the two sequences comprising the markers. For example SNP_15 and SNP_17 are markers that flank the CmDLP gene, see Examples.

[0208] “Brix” or “degree Brix” or “° brix” refers to the mean total soluble solids content as measured on several mature fruits using a refractometer. Preferably the mean of at least three fruits, each measured between the centre and the rind of the cut-open fruit, is calculated.

[0209] “Physical distance” between loci (e.g. between molecular markers and / or between phenotypic markers) on the same chromosome is the actually distance expressed in bases or base pairs (bp), kilo bases or kilo base pairs (kb) or megabases or mega base pairs (Mb).

[0210] “Genetic distance” between loci (e.g. between molecular markers and / or between phenotypic markers) on the same chromosome is measured by frequency of crossing-over, or recombination frequency (RF) and is indicated in centimorgans (cM). One cM corresponds to a recombination frequency of about 1%. If no recombinants can be found, the RF is zero and the loci are either extremely close together physically or they are identical. The further apart two loci are, the higher the RF.

[0211] “Uniformity” or “uniform” relates to the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of a plant line or variety. Inbred lines are genetically highly uniform as they are produced by several generations of inbreeding. Likewise, and the F1 hybrids which are produced from such inbred lines are highly uniform in their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics and performance.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 34 241120W001

[0212] A genetic element, an introgression fragment, or a gene or allele or QTL conferring a trait (such as WMV-resistance) is said to be “obtainable from” or can be “obtained from” or “derivable from” or can be “derived from” or “as present in” or “as found in” a plant or seed or tissue or cell if it can be transferred from the plant or seed in which it is present into another plant or seed in which it is not present (such as a WMV susceptible line or variety) using traditional breeding techniques without resulting in a phenotypic change of the recipient plant apart from the addition of the trait conferred by the genetic element, locus, introgression fragment, gene or allele. The terms are used interchangeably and the genetic element, locus, introgression fragment, gene or allele can thus be transferred into any other genetic background lacking the trait. Cultivated melons containing the genetic element, locus, introgression fragment, gene or allele (e.g. a mutant CmDLP allele) can be generated de novo, e.g. by mutagenesis (e.g. chemical mutagenesis, CRISPR-Cas induced, etc.) and then e.g. be crossed into other cultivated melons.

[0213] “Average” or “mean” refers herein to the arithmetic mean and both terms are used interchangeably. The term “average” or “mean” thus refers to the arithmetic mean of several measurements. The skilled person understands that the phenotype of a plant line or variety depends to some extent on growing conditions and that, therefore, arithmetic means of at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 or more plants (or plant parts) are measured, preferably in randomized experimental designs with several replicates and suitable control plants grown under the same conditions in the same experiment. “Statistically significant” or “statistically significantly” different or “significantly” different refers to a characteristic of a plant line or variety that, when compared to a suitable control show a statistically significant difference in that characteristic (e.g. the p-value is less than 0.05, p < 0.05, using ANOVA) from the (mean of the) control.

[0214] The term “traditional breeding techniques” encompasses herein crossing, backcrossing, selfing, selection, double haploid production, chromosome doubling, embryo rescue, protoplast fusion, marker assisted selection, mutation breeding etc., all as known to the breeder (i.e. methods other than transformation I transgenic methods), by which, for example, a chromosome 5 comprising a resistance conferring QTL or a mutant CmDLP allele can be obtained, identified and / or transferred.

[0215] “Backcrossing” refers to a breeding method by which a (single) trait, such as the WMV resistance trait, can be transferred from one (often an inferior) genetic background (also referred to as “donor”) into another (often a superior) genetic background (also referred to as “recurrent parent”. An offspring of a cross (e.g. an F1 plant obtained by crossing e.g. the donor with the recurrent parent melon, or an F2 plant or F3 plant, etc., obtained from selfing the F1), is “backcrossed” to the parent with e.g. the superior genetic background. After repeated backcrossing, the trait of the one (often inferior) genetic background will have been incorporated into the other (often superior) genetic background.

[0216] “Marker assisted selection” or “MAS” is a process of using the presence of molecular markers (such as SNP markers or INDEL markers), which are genetically and physically linked to a particular locus or to a particular chromosome region or allele specific marker, to select plants for the presence of the specific locus or region or allele. For example, a molecular marker genetically and physically linked to the resistance-conferring QTL or to a mutant CmDLP allele or an allele-specific marker, can be used to detect and / or select e.g. melon plants, or plant parts, comprising the QTL or comprising the mutant CmDLPNunhems Netherlands B.V. 35 241120W001

[0217] allele. The closer the linkage of the molecular marker to the locus, the less likely it is that the marker is dissociated from the locus through meiotic recombination. Likewise, the closer two markers are linked to each other the less likely it is that the two markers will be separated from one another (and the more likely they will co-segregate as a unit). Allele specific markers are preferred markers, as they select for the allele directly.

[0218] A molecular marker (or a sequence comprising a molecular marker) within 5 Mb, 3 Mb, 2.5 Mb, 2 Mb, 1 Mb, 0.5 Mb, 0.4Mb, 0.3Mb, 0.2Mb, 0.1 Mb, 74kb, 50kb, 20kb, 10kb, 5kb, 2kb, 1kb or less of another marker (or a sequence comprising the molecular marker), or of a locus, refers to a marker which is physically located within the 5 Mb, 3 Mb, 2.5 Mb, 2 Mb, 1 Mb, 0.5 Mb, 0.4Mb, 0.3Mb, 0.2Mb, 0.1 Mb, 74kb, 50kb, 20kb, 10kb, 5kb, 2kb, 1kb or less, of the genomic DNA region flanking the marker (i.e. either side of the marker).

[0219] “LOD-score” (logarithm (base 10) of odds) refers to a statistical test often used for linkage analysis in animal and plant populations. The LOD score compares the likelihood of obtaining the test data if the two loci (molecular marker loci and / or a phenotypic trait locus) are indeed linked, to the likelihood of observing the same data purely by chance. Positive LOD scores favor the presence of linkage and a LOD score greater than 3.0 is considered evidence for linkage. A LOD score of +3 indicates 1000 to 1 odds that the linkage being observed did not occur by chance.

[0220] “Transgene” or “chimeric gene” refers to a genetic locus comprising a DNA sequence, such as a recombinant gene encoding e.g. a resistance conferring protein, which has been introduced into the genome of a plant by transformation, such as Agrobacterium mediated transformation. A plant comprising a transgene stably integrated into its genome is referred to as “transgenic plant”.

[0221] An “isolated nucleic acid sequence” or “isolated DNA” refers to a nucleic acid sequence which is no longer in the natural environment from which it was isolated, e.g. the nucleic acid sequence in a bacterial host cell or in the plant nuclear or plastid genome. When referring to a “sequence” herein, it is understood that the molecule having such a sequence is referred to, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule.

[0222] A "host cell" or a "recombinant host cell" or “transformed cell” are terms referring to a new individual cell (or organism) arising as a result of at least one nucleic acid molecule, having been introduced into said cell. The host cell is preferably a plant cell or a bacterial cell. The host cell may contain the nucleic acid as an extra-chromosomally (episomal) replicating molecule, or comprises the nucleic acid integrated in the nuclear or plastid genome of the host cell, or as introduced chromosome, e.g. minichromosome. “Sequence identity” and “sequence similarity” can be determined by alignment of two peptide or two nucleotide sequences using global or local alignment algorithms. Sequences may then be referred to as "substantially identical” or “essentially similar” when they are optimally aligned by for example the programs GAP or BESTFIT or the Emboss program “Needle” (using default parameters, see below) share at least a certain minimal percentage of sequence identity (as defined further below). These programs use the Needleman and Wunsch global alignment algorithm to align two sequences over their entire length, maximizing the number of matches and minimising the number of gaps. Generally, the default parameters are used, with a gap creation penalty = 10 and gap extension penalty = 0.5 (both for nucleotide and proteinNunhems Netherlands B.V. 36 241120W001

[0223] alignments). For nucleotides the default scoring matrix used is DNAFULL and for proteins the default scoring matrix is Blosum62 (Henikoff & Henikoff, 1992, PNAS 89, 10915-10919). Sequence alignments and scores for percentage sequence identity may for example be determined using computer programs, such as EMBOSS as available on the world wide web under ebi.ac.uk / Tools / psa / emboss_needle / ). Alternatively, sequence similarity or identity may be determined by searching against databases such as FASTA, BLAST, etc., but hits should be retrieved and aligned pairwise to compare sequence identity, for example using the program Needle. Two proteins or two protein domains, or two nucleic acid sequences have “substantial sequence identity” if the percentage sequence identity is at least 90%, 91%, 92% 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more (as determined when aligned pairwise by e.g. Emboss “Needle” using default parameters, i.e. gap creation penalty = 10, gap extension penalty = 0.5, using scoring matrix DNAFULL for nucleic acids and Blosum62 for proteins).

[0224] When reference is made to a nucleic acid sequence (e.g. DNA or genomic DNA) having “substantial sequence identity to” a reference sequence or having a sequence identity of at least 90%, e.g. at least 91%, 92% 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.2%, 99.5%, 99.9% nucleic acid sequence identity to a reference sequence, in one embodiment said nucleotide sequence is considered substantially identical to the given nucleotide sequence and can be identified using stringent hybridisation conditions. “Stringent hybridisation conditions” can be used to identify nucleotide sequences, which are substantially identical to a given nucleotide sequence. Stringent conditions are sequence dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5°C lower than the thermal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequences at a defined ionic strength and pH. The Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength and pH) at which 50% of the target sequence hybridises to a perfectly matched probe. Typically stringent conditions will be chosen in which the salt concentration is about 0.02 molar at pH 7 and the temperature is at least 60°C. Lowering the salt concentration and / or increasing the temperature increases stringency. Stringent conditions for RNA-DNA hybridisations (Northern blots using a probe of e.g. 100nt) are for example those which include at least one wash in 0.2X SSC at 63°C for 20min, or equivalent conditions. Stringent conditions for DNA-DNA hybridisation (Southern blots using a probe of e.g. 100nt) are forexample those which include at least one wash (usually 2) in 0.2X SSC at a temperature of at least 50°C, usually about 55°C, for 20 min, or equivalent conditions. “M1 generation” or “M1 plants” in context with the present invention shall refer to the first generation that is produced directly from the mutagenic treatment. A plant grown from seeds treated with a mutagen e.g. is a representative of an M1 generation.

[0225] “M2 generation” or “M2 plant” shall refer herein to the generation obtained from self-pollination of the M1 generation. A plant grown from seeds obtained from a self-pollinated M1 plant represents a M2 plant. M3, M4, etc. refers to further generations obtained after self-pollination.

[0226] An “mRNA coding sequence” shall have the common meaning herein. An mRNA coding sequence corresponds to the respective DNA coding (cDNA) sequence of a gene / allele apart from that thymine (T) is replaced by uracil (U).Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 37 241120W001

[0227] A “mutation” in a nucleic acid molecule (DNA or RNA) is a change of one or more nucleotides compared to the corresponding wild type sequence, e.g. by replacement, deletion or insertion of one or more nucleotides. Examples of such a mutation are point mutation, nonsense mutation, missense mutation, splice-site mutation, frame shift mutation or a mutation in a regulatory sequence.

[0228] A “nucleic acid molecule” shall have the common understanding in the art. It is composed of nucleotides comprising either of the sugars deoxyribose (DNA) or ribose (RNA).

[0229] A “point mutation” is the replacement of a single nucleotide, or the insertion or deletion of a single nucleotide.

[0230] A “nonsense mutation” is a (point) mutation in a nucleic acid sequence encoding a protein, whereby a codon in a nucleic acid molecule is changed into a stop codon. This results in a pre-mature stop codon being present in the mRNA and results in translation of a truncated protein. A truncated protein may have decreased function or loss of function.

[0231] A “missense or non-synonymous mutation” is a (point) mutation in a nucleic acid sequence encoding a protein, whereby a codon is changed to code for a different amino acid. The resulting protein may have decreased function or loss of function.

[0232] A “splice-site mutation” is a mutation in a nucleic acid sequence encoding a protein, whereby RNA splicing of the pre-mRNA is changed, resulting in an mRNA having a different nucleotide sequence and a protein having a different amino acid sequence than the wild type. The resulting protein may have decreased function or loss of function.

[0233] A “frame shift mutation” is a mutation in a nucleic acid sequence encoding a protein by which the reading frame of the mRNA is changed, resulting in a different amino acid sequence. The resulting protein may have decreased function or loss of function.

[0234] A “deletion” in context of the invention shall mean that anywhere in a given nucleic acid sequence at least one nucleotide is missing compared to the nucleic sequence of the corresponding wild type sequence or anywhere in a given amino acid sequence at least one amino acid is missing compared to the amino acid sequence of the corresponding (wild type) sequence.

[0235] A “truncation” shall be understood to mean that at least one nucleotide at either the 3’-end or the 5’-end of the nucleotide sequence is missing compared to the nucleic sequence of the corresponding wild type sequence or that at least one amino acid, but preferably at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 or more amino acids, at either the N-terminus or the C-terminus of the protein is missing compared to the amino acid sequence of the corresponding wild type protein. The 5’-end is determined by the ATG codon used as start codon in translation of a corresponding wild type nucleic acid sequence.

[0236] “Replacement” shall mean that at least one nucleotide in a nucleic acid sequence or one amino acid in a protein sequence is different compared to the corresponding wild type nucleic acid sequence or the corresponding wild type amino acid sequence, respectively, due to e.g. an exchange of a nucleotide in the coding sequence of the respective protein.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 38 241120W001

[0237] “Insertion” shall mean that the nucleic acid sequence or the amino acid sequence of a protein comprises at least one additional nucleotide or amino acid compared to the corresponding wild type nucleic acid sequence or the corresponding wild type amino acid sequence, respectively.

[0238] “Pre-mature stop codon” in context with the present invention means that a stop codon is present in a coding sequence (cds) which is closer to the start codon at the 5’-end compared to the stop codon of a corresponding wild type coding sequence.

[0239] A “mutation in a regulatory sequence”, e.g. in a promoter or enhancer of a gene, is a change of one or more nucleotides compared to the wild type sequence, e.g. by replacement, deletion or insertion of one or more nucleotides, leading for example to decreased or no mRNA transcript of the gene being made. A “mutation in a protein” is a change of one or more amino acid residues compared to the wild type sequence, e.g. by replacement, deletion, truncation and / or insertion of one or more amino acid residues. “Mutant protein” is herein a protein comprising one or more mutations in the nucleic acid sequence encoding the protein. The mutation in the genomic sequence results in the mutant protein, e.g. the mutant CmDLP protein, conferring e.g. enhanced WMV resistance (reduced symptoms) due to the virus having reduced ability or lost the ability to recruit the mutant protein for virus replication and / or intercellular movement. When the mutant alleles replace one (heterozygous) or both (homozygous) copies of the endogenous wild type alleles, less or no wild type protein is being made. In the context of the present invention if there is a reduced ability of the virus to recruit the mutant CmDLP protein for replication and / or movement the protein is referred to as a “reduced function mutant CmDLP protein” and if there is a loss of the ability to recruit the mutant CmDLP protein for replication and / or movement the protein is referred to as a “loss of function mutant CmDLP protein”.

[0240] “Knock-out” or “entire knock-out” shall be understood that expression of the respective gene is not detectable anymore. “Knock-down” shall mean that the expression of the respective gene is reduced compared to the wild type gene, e.g. it is only 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the wild type expression (under the same growing conditions).

[0241] “Null allele” is a non-functional allele. It results in either no wild type gene product being produced, e.g. through mutation in the regulatory elements such as the promoter (e.g. knock-out of gene expression), or in the production of a gene product which has lost its function, i.e. a loss-of-fu notion protein. The entire deletion of a gene has phenotypically the same effect as a ‘null allele’ and is also encompassed herein in one aspect. Also a large insertion into a gene, e.g. of a Transposable Element (TE), will result in a null allele.

[0242] In context with the present invention, the term "wild type plant cell" or "wild type plant" means that they comprise wild type CmDLP alleles and not mutant CmDLP alleles and / or lacks an introgression fragment comprising QTL5. Thus, the wild type plant or wild type plant cell is a plant or plant cell comprising fully functional CmDLP genes, encoding the wild type CmDLP protein, e.g. regarding melon plants or plant cells a diploid melon plant producing the protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 (or a wild type protein comprising at least 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24). Wild type plants are suitable WMV susceptible controlsNunhems Netherlands B.V. 39 241120W001

[0243] in a WMV disease assay, for example variety Vedrantais.

[0244] “Targeted gene editing” is referred to techniques whereby endogenous target genes can be modified, e.g. one or more nucleotides can be inserted, replaced and / or deleted e.g. in the promoter or coding sequence or transcribed region of a gene. For example CRISPR based techniques, such as Crispr-Cas9 gene editing, Crispr-Cpfl gene editing, or more recent techniques called ‘base editing’ or ‘primer editing’ can be used to modify endogenous target genes, such as the endogenous wild type CmDLP gene in melon (encoding the protein of SEQ ID NO: 24, or a wild type protein comprising at least 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24). The mutants described herein can, for example, be reproduced by targeted gene editing of the wild type CmDLP gene.

[0245] “Oligonucleotides” or “oligos” or “oligonucleotide primers or probes” are short, single-stranded polymers of nucleic acid, e.g. at least 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24 or more nucleotides in length. Oligos may be unmodified or modified with a variety of chemistries depending on their intended use, for example, the addition of 5' or 3' phosphate groups to enable ligation or block extension, respectively, labelling with radionuclides or fluorophores and / or quenchers for use as probes, the incorporation of thiol, amino, or other reactive moieties to enable the covalent coupling of functional molecules such as enzymes, and extension with other linkers and spacers of diverse functionality. DNA oligos are the most commonly used, but RNA oligos are also available. The length of an oligo is usually designated by adding the suffix -mer. For example, an oligonucleotide with 19 nucleotides (bases) is called a 19-mer. For most uses, oligonucleotides are designed to base-pair with a strand of DNA or RNA. The most common use for oligonucleotides is as primers for PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Primers are designed with at least part of their sequence complementary to the sequence targeted for amplification. Optimal primer length for a complementary sequence is e.g. 18 to 22 nucleotides. Optimal primer sequences for PCR are usually determined by primer design software.

[0246] “DNA microarrays” are arrays which have many microscopic spots of DNA, usually oligonucleotides, bound on a solid support. Assay targets can be DNA, cDNA, or cRNA. Depending on the system, the hybridization of targets to specific spots is detected by fluorescence, chemiluminescence, or colloidal silver or gold. Microarrays are used for multiple applications such as simultaneous measurement of the expression of large numbers of genes, enabling genome-wide gene expression analysis, as well as genotyping studies using e.g. single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) or InDei analysis.

[0247] “Complementary strands” refer to two strands of complementary sequence, and may be referred to as sense (or plus) and anti-sense (or minus) strands for double stranded DNA. For any of the sequences provided herein only one strand of the sequence is given, but the complementary strand of the given strand is also encompassed herein. The complementary nucleotides of DNA are A complementary to T, and G complementary to C. The complementary nucleotides of RNA are A complementary to U, and G complementary to C.

[0248] “SNP_01 ” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1 , or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_01 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.orgNunhems Netherlands B.V. 40 241120W001

[0249] database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_01” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_01 , which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 1 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome. SNP_01 was mapped to flank the QTL5 comprising region at one side, with SNP_23 being on the other side.

[0250] “SNP_02” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 2, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_02 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_02” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_02, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 2 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0251] “SNP_03” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_03 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_03” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_03, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 3 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0252] “SNP_04” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_04 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_04” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_04, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 4 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome. SNP_04 is one of the two peak markers mapped, i.e. which are most closely linked to QTL5.

[0253] “SNP_05” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_05 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_05” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_05, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 5 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0254] “SNP_06” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_06 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_06” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_06, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 6 is the forward strandNunhems Netherlands B.V. 41 241120W001

[0255] with respect to the reference genome.

[0256] “SNP_07” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_07 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_07” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_07, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 7 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0257] “SNP_08” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_08 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_08” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_08, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 8 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0258] “SNP_09” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_09 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_09” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_09, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 9 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0259] “SNP_10” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_10 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_10” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_10, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 10 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0260] “SNP_11” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 , orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_11 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_11” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_11 , which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 11 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0261] “SNP_12” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 42 241120W001

[0262] (when aligned pairwise). SNP_12 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_12” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_12, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 12 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0263] “SNP_13” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_13 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_13” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_13, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 13 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0264] “SNP_14” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_14 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_14” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_14, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 14 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0265] “SNP_15” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_15 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_15” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_15, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 15 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0266] “SNP_16” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO:16, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_16 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_16” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_16, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 16 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome. SNP_16 is one of the two peak markers mapped, i.e. which are most closely linked to QTL5.

[0267] “SNP_17” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_17 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_17” refers to the nucleotide of theNunhems Netherlands B.V. 43 241120W001

[0268] WMV resistant donor for SNP_17, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 17 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0269] “SNP_18” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 18, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 18 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_18 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_18” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_18, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 18 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0270] “SNP_19” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 19, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 19 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_19 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_19” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_19, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 19 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0271] “SNP_20” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 20, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 20 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_20 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_20” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_20, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 20 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0272] “SNP_21” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 21 , orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 21 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_21 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_21” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_21 , which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 21 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.

[0273] “SNP_22” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 22, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 22 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_22 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_22” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_22, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 22 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 44 241120W001

[0274] “SNP_23” refers to nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 23, orthe equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 23 (when aligned pairwise). SNP_23 corresponds to a specific nucleotide position on chromosome 5 of the melon genome (referring to the melon reference genome DHL92 V4 in the cucurbitgenomics.org database) as is e.g. listed in Table 2. The “donor nucleotide of SNP_23” refers to the nucleotide of the WMV resistant donor for SNP_23, which is shown in Table 1 and 2. SEQ ID NO: 23 is the forward strand with respect to the reference genome. SNP_23 was mapped to flank the QTL5 comprising region at one side, with SNP_01 being on the other side.

[0275] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0276] Provided herein is, in one aspect, a cultivated melon plant or plant cell of the species Cucumis melo comprising an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises a Quantitative trait locus referred to as QTL5 which confers WMV-resistance located in the region between SNP_01 (corresponding to nucleotide 11976009 of chromosome 5, see Table 2) and SNP_23 (corresponding to nucleotide 14936674 of chromosome 5, see Table 2) or in a sub-region of this region, and wherein the introgression fragment comprises one or more donor SNP markers linked to the QTL5, e.g. the introgression fragment comprises the donor SNP haplotype for one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23 or a sub-region thereof which comprises QTL5, e.g. for one or more or all of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_12 or for one or more or all of SNP_15 to SNP_17, SNP_14 to SNP_17, SNP_13 to SNP_17, SNP_12 to SNP_17, SNP_11 to SNP_17, SNP_10 to SNP_17, SNP_09 to SNP_17 and SNP_08 to SNP_17.

[0277] In one aspect QTL5 is located on chromosome 5 in-between SNP_03 orSNP_04 and SNP_16 orSNP_17, i.e. in between nucleotide 12286432 (corresponding to SNP_03) or nucleotide 13177408 (corresponding to SNP_04) of chromosome 5 and nucleotide 13837360 of chromosome 5 (corresponding to SNP_16) or nucleotide 13928623 (corresponding to SNP_17). In one aspect the introgression fragment comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for one or more or all of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or for SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_12, or for SNP_05 to SNP_15 or for SNP_07 to SNP_12 (or any other sub-region mentioned herein, e.g. SNP_15 to SNP_17, SNP_14 to SNP_17, SNP_13 to SNP_17, SNP_12 to SNP_17, SNP_11 to SNP_17, SNP_10 to SNP_17, SNP_09 to SNP_17 and SNP_08 to SNP_17).

[0278] In one aspect QTL5 is located on chromosome 5 in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23, i.e. in between nucleotide 11976009 (corresponding to SNP_01) of chromosome 5 and nucleotide 14936674 of chromosome 5 (corresponding to SNP_23). In one aspect the introgression fragment comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or for SNP_02 to SNP_22, or for SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_17, or for SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or for SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_12, or for SNP_05 to SNP_15 orfor SNP_07 to SNP_12 (or any other sub-region mentioned herein).

[0279] Further provided herein is, in one aspect, a cultivated melon plant or plant cell of the species Cucumis melo comprising an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises a Quantitative trait locus referred to as QTL5 which confers WMV-resistance, and wherein the introgression fragment comprises at least one, two three, four or five or moreNunhems Netherlands B.V. 45 241120W001

[0280] (e.g. at least 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, preferably consecutive markers) or all of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers selected from the group:

[0281] a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0282] a Thymine for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0283] an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0284] a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0285] a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0286] a Thymine for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0287] an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0288] a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0289] a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0290] a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0291] an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 46 241120W001

[0292] sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0293] an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; and

[0294] a Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16.

[0295] In one aspect said at least one, two, three, or more markers are the markers of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16; or are the markers of SNP_07 to SNP_12; or are the markers of SNP_04 to SNP_12; or are the markers of SNP_03 to SNP_12.

[0296] In one aspect, the QTL5 (or the introgression fragment comprising it) is obtainable from (or is obtained from, is derived or derivable from, is as present in) seeds, a representative sample of which has been deposited under accession number NCIMB 44531 or from progeny thereof.

[0297] The cultivated melon plant and plant cell described herein, comprises in one aspect the introgression fragment which comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant on chromosome 5 and wherein the introgression fragment is obtainable from seeds, a representative sample of which has been deposited under accession number NCIMB 44531 or from progeny thereof.

[0298] In another aspect the cultivated melon plant and plant cell described herein is provided, wherein the introgression fragment comprises QTL5 and the donor SNP nucleotide for one or more SNP markers selected from SNP_07, SNP_08 and SNP_09 especially one or more SNP markers selected from SNP_06, SNP_07, SNP_08, SNP_09 and SNP_10, specially one or more or all of SNP_05, SNP_06, SNP_07, SNP_08, SNP_09, SNP_10 and SNP_11 , e.g. one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_11 , SNP_04 to SNP_12, SNP_04 to SNP_13, SNP_04 to SNP_14, SNP_04 to SNP_15 or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or e.g. one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_11 , SNP_03 to SNP_12, SNP_03 to SNP_13, SNP_03 to SNP_14, SNP_03 to SNP_15 or SNP_03 to SNP_16; or one or more or all of SNP_07 to SNP_12. The SNP haplotype is, therefore, e.g. C-C-T (for SNP_07 to SNP_09) or A-C-C-T-A (forSNP_06 to SNP_10) or T-A-C-C-T-A-T (for SNP_05 to SNP_11) or C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T (for SNP_04 to SNP_11) or C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T-T (for SNP_04 to SNP_12) or C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T-T-T (for SNP_04 to SNP_13) or C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T-T-T-A (for SNP_04 to SNP_14) or C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T-T-T-A-A (for SNP_04 to SNP_15) or C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T-T-T-A-A-G (for SNP_04 to SNP_16); or A-C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T (for SNP_03 to SNP_11) or A-C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T-T (for SNP_03 to SNP_12) or A-C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T-T-T (for SNP_03 to SNP_13) or A-C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T-T-T-A (for SNP_03 to SNP_14) or A-C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T-T-T-A-A (for SNP_03 to SNP_15) or A-C-T-A-C-C-T-A-T-T-T-A-A-G (for SNP_03 to SNP_16); or C-C-T-A-T-T (for SNP_07 to SNP_12).

[0299] In one aspect the cultivated melon plant or plant cell comprises the introgression fragment in homozygous form and comprising e.g. the genotype e.g. CC-CC-TT (for SNP_07 to SNP_09) or AA-CC-CC-TT-AA (forNunhems Netherlands B.V. 47 241120W001

[0300] SNP_06 to SNP_10) or TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT (for SNP_05 to SNP_11) or CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT (for SNP_04 to SNP_11) or CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT (for SNP_04 to SNP_12) or CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT-TT (for SNP_04 to SNP_13) or CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT-TT-AA (for SNP_04 to SNP_14) or CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT-TT-AA-AA (for SNP_04 to SNP_15) or CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT-TT-AA-AA-GG (for SNP_04 to SNP_16); or AA-CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT (for SNP_03 to SNP_11) or AA-CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT (for SNP_03 to SNP_12) or AA-CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT-TT (for SNP_03 to SNP_13) or AA-CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT-TT-AA (for SNP_03 to SNP_14) or AA-CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT-TT-AA-AA (for SNP_03 to SNP_15) or AA-CC-TT-AA-CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT-TT-AA-AA-GG (for SNP_03 to SNP_16); or CC-CC-TT-AA-TT-TT (for SNP_07 to SNP_12).

[0301] Also provided is a seed from which a cultivated melon plant as described herein can be grown, i.e. a seed comprising at least one (heterozygous) or two (homozygous) chromosome 5 with the introgression fragment comprising QTL5. In one aspect the seeds have an average seed length of equal to or above 9 mm length.

[0302] The cultivated melon seed comprises a plant cell as described herein, comprising QTL5 in heterozygous or homozygous form.

[0303] Further also a cultivated melon fruit comprising a plant cell as described herein, comprising QTL5 is provided. Also, a fruit produced on said melon plant and comprising at least one chromosome 5 which comprises QTL5 is encompassed herein. Thus, a cultivated melon fruit is provided comprising at least one (heterozygous) or two (homozygous) chromosome 5 comprising the introgression fragment comprising QTL5. In one aspect the fruit has a brix of at least 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15 or more, e.g. a TSS of at least 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14% or 15% or more. In one aspect the fruit produces seeds with an average seed length of equal to or above 9 mm length.

[0304] Also, a cultivated melon plant propagation material comprising a plant cell as described herein, comprising QTL5 is provided.

[0305] A method for producing a WMV-resistant melon plant comprising QTL5 is also provided comprising the following steps

[0306] a) selecting a WMV-resistant donor plant;

[0307] b) crossing the donor plant selected in step a) with a plant sensitive to WMV;

[0308] c) obtaining F1 seeds from the plants crossed in step b) or obtaining seeds of further selfing generations such as F2, F3 or further selfing generations, or obtaining seeds of a backcross generation obtained by crossing a WMV resistant plant back to the WMV sensitive plant, and optionally

[0309] d) verifying if the plants grown from the seeds obtained in step c) are resistant to WMV and / or comprise:

[0310] - the donor SNP haplotype for one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or of one or more or all of SNP_03Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 48 241120W001

[0311] or SNP_04 to SNP_17, or of one or more or all of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or of one or more or all of SNP_07 to SNP_12, or of one or more or all of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_12, or of one or more or all of SNP_07 to SNP_09 (or any other sub-group of SNP markers linked to QTL5 as described elsewhere herein, e.g. SNP_15 to SNP_17, SNP_14 to SNP_17, SNP_13 to SNP_17, SNP_12 to SNP_17, SNP_11 to SNP_17, SNP_10 to SNP_17, SNP_09 to SNP_17 and SNP_08 to SNP_17). The verifying steps in step d) can optionally additionally or alternatively be carried out in step a), i.e. when selecting the donor plant. Thus, the donor plant can e.g. be selected based on the SNP markers.

[0312] In one aspect the introgression fragment comprising QTL5 is obtainable from (or obtained from, derivable from, derived from, etc.) seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531 or progeny thereof, which retain the QTL5. Also provided is a method for producing melon seeds comprising the following steps:

[0313] a) growing a melon plant comprising at least one chromosome 5 having an introgression fragment from chromosome 5 of a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises QTL5 which confers WMV-resistance and comprises:

[0314] - the donor SNP haplotype for one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or of one or more or all of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_17, or of one or more or all of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or of one or more or all of SNP_07 to SNP_12, or of one or more or all of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_12, or of one or more or all of SNP_07 to SNP_09 (or any other sub-group of SNP markers linked to QTL5 as described elsewhere herein, e.g. SNP_15 to SNP_17, SNP_14 to SNP_17, SNP_13 to SNP_17, SNP_12 to SNP_17, SNP_11 to SNP_17, SNP_10 to SNP_17, SNP_09 to SNP_17 and SNP_08 to SNP_17), b) harvesting the fruits of the melon plants grown in step a), and optionally

[0315] c) collecting the seeds from the fruits obtained in step b).

[0316] In one aspect the introgression fragment comprising QTL5 is obtainable from (or obtained from, derivable from, or derived from or as present in) seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531 or progeny thereof, which retain the QTL5.

[0317] In yet another aspect a method for producing hybrid melon seeds is provided comprising the following steps

[0318] a) crossing a first inbred melon plant comprising at least one chromosome 5 having an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 comprising QTL5 as described herein,

[0319] with a second inbred melon plant with or without a chromosome 5 having an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 comprising QTL5 as described herein, and

[0320] b) selecting seeds obtained from the cross of step a).Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 49 241120W001

[0321] In another aspect a method for producing a melon fruit is provided comprising the following steps: a) growing a plant melon plant comprising at least one chromosome 5 having an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 comprising QTL5 as described herein, and

[0322] b) harvesting the fruits produced by the plants grown in step a).

[0323] Resistance to WMV conferred by the introgression fragment or by the QTL5 is expressed in a co-dominant manner and can be observed when only one chromosome 5 comprises the introgression fragment or the QTL5 is present in the plant or when two chromosomes 5 comprises the introgression fragment or the QTL5 (i.e. homozygous on both chromosomes 5) are present. It is understood that the WMV-resistance phenotype is higher when QTL5 is in homozygous form.

[0324] Other specific embodiments relate to melon plant cells or melon plants, wherein the introgression fragment from chromosome 5 of a WMV-resistant donor plant comprising the sequence of the donor plant inbetween SNP_01 and SNP_23, or in-between SNP_02 and SNP_22, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_21 , or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_20, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_19, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_16, or inbetween SNP_03 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_15, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_14, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_13, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_11 , or inbetween SNP_05 and SNP_10, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP 09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_12, or in between SNP_07 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_08, or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_08, preferably in between SNP_15 and SNP_17, or in between SNP_14 and SNP_17, or in between SNP_13 and SNP_17, or in between SNP_12 and SNP_17, or in between SNP_11 and SNP_17, or in between SNP_10 and SNP_17, or in between SNP_09 and SNP_17, or in between SNP_08 and SNP_17 is present in homozygous or heterozygous state. When referring to “in-between” the donor SNP nucleotide of the first and / or last-mentioned SNP may also be present, or only the donor SNP nucleotides for one or more or all of the SNPs between the first- and the last- mentioned SNP may be present on the introgression fragment. Accordingly, it is sufficient that at least one chromosome 5 in the plant cells or plants comprise the just described introgression fragment. It is however understood that chromosome 5 in respect to the just described introgression fragment can also be present in the homozygous state thereby increasing the degree of resistance, because of the codominance of the WMV-resistance conferred by the just described introgression fragment. Thus, the invention comprises plant cells according to the invention or plants according to the invention which comprise the just described introgression fragment in a heterozygous or homozygous state.

[0325] Table 1 illustrates the SNP genotype and haplotype of plants or cells comprising the WMV- resistant donor SNPs in homozygous form (on both chromosomes 5) or heterozygous form (on one chromosome 5). In the table the SNP genotype or haplotype refers to the forward strand in relation to the reference genome.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 50 241120W001

[0326] Table 1

[0327] SNP and nucleotide position SNP genotype in SNP haplotype in SNP genotype in (nt) in the sequence melon plant melon plant melon plant comprising the comprising the comprising the donor fragment in donor fragment in donor fragment in homozygous form heterozygous form heterozygous form,

[0328] X may be any nucleotide, e.g. of the recurrent parent SNP_01 GG G GX

[0329] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 1*)

[0330] SNP_02 GG G GX

[0331] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 2*)

[0332] SNP_03 AA A AX

[0333] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 3*)

[0334] SNP_04 CC C CX

[0335] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 4*)

[0336] SNP_05 TT T TX

[0337] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 5*)

[0338] SNP_06 AA A AX

[0339] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 6*)

[0340] SNP_07 CC C CX

[0341] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 7*)

[0342] SNP_08 CC C CX

[0343] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 8*)

[0344] SNP_09 TT T TX

[0345] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 9*)

[0346]

[0347] Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 51 241120W001

[0348] SNP_10 AA A AX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 10*)

[0349] SNP_11 TT T TX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 11*)

[0350] SNP_12 TT T TX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 12*)

[0351] SNP_13 TT T TX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 13*)

[0352] SNP_14 AA A AX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 14*)

[0353] SNP_15 AA A AX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 15*)

[0354] SNP_16 GG G GX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 16*)

[0355] SNP_17 AA A AX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 17*)

[0356] SNP_18 CC C CX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 18*)

[0357] SNP_19 AA A AX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 19*)

[0358] SNP_20 TT T TX (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 20*)

[0359] SNP_21 GG G GX

[0360]

[0361] Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 52 241120W001

[0362] SNP_22 AA A AX

[0363] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 22*)

[0364] SNP_23 TT T TX

[0365] (nt 51 of SEQ ID NO 23*)

[0366]

[0367] *orthe nucleotide (nt) at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to the given sequence (or the complement sequence).

[0368] In one embodiment a cultivated melon plant (of the species C. meld) is provided which comprises a recombinant chromosome 5, whereby the recombinant chromosome 5 comprises an introgression fragment that confers WMV-resistance onto the melon plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form and wherein the introgression fragment is from a donor of the species or Group C. melo var. conomon or of the species or Group C. melo var. momordica. In one aspect the introgression fragment comprises the SNP donor haplotype for one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or one or more or all of SNP_02 to SNP_22, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_21 , or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_20, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_19, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_18, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_17, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_16, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_16, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_15, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_14, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_13, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_11 , or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_10, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_09, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_07 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_09, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_08 or SNP_07 and SNP_08. In one embodiment the introgression fragment comprises the donor SNP haplotype for at least SNP_07 and / or SNP_08 or for at least SNP_07, SNP_08 and SNP_09 or for at least SNP_06, SNP_07, SNP_08 and SNP_09. In one embodiment the introgression fragment comprises the SNP donor haplotype for one or more of SNP_15 to SNP_17, or for one or more of SNP_14 to SNP_17, or for one or more of SNP_13 to SNP_17, or for one or more of SNP_12 to SNP_17, or for one or more of SNP_11 to SNP_17, or for one or more of SNP_10 to SNP_17, or for one or more of SNP_09 to SNP_17 or or for one or more of SNP_08 to SNP_17. The SNP haplotype of the donor may be present in homozygous form (if the introgression fragment is in homozygous form) or in heterozygous form (if the introgression fragment is in heterozygous form). So, for example, the plant or plant cell or plant part may comprise the CC or CX genotype for SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92% 93%, 94%, 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4. Thus, the plant, plant cell, or plant part may comprise a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92% 93%, 94%, 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4, in homozygous form or in heterozygous form. In one embodiment cultivated melon plants or cells of these plants are provided which comprise an introgression fragment from a wild donor on chromosome 5 (e.g. a donor of C. melo var. conomon or C. melo var. momordica), which introgression fragment confers the WMV-resistance (especially at least toNunhems Netherlands B.V. 53 241120W001

[0369] WMV-strains which do not overcome the resistance of TGR-1551 , e.g. US strains), whereby the QTL5 lies on the fragment or sub-fragment defined by any of the donor SNP marker groups or sub-groups mentioned herein.

[0370] Plants and plant parts comprising plant cells according to the invention (e.g. comprising an introgression fragment and QTL5) are another embodiment of the invention. Also seeds from which such plants can be grown are provided herein. Fruits, seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissues, vegetative propagations as described for e.g. introgressions of QTL5 are therefore encompassed herein This encompasses growing methods of such plants, selection methods of such plants or plant parts, methods for producing hybrids or inbred lines comprising one or two copies of QTL5.

[0371] The melon plant provided herein (e.g. comprising an introgression fragment with QTL5) may be an inbred line, an open pollinated variety (OP) or an F1 hybrid. In one aspect the F1 hybrid comprises the introgression fragment in heterozygous form, e.g. produced by crossing two inbred parent lines, one of which possesses the introgression fragment (preferably in homozygous form, although not necessarily) and collecting the F1 hybrid seeds from said cross. The F1 hybrid may also comprise the introgression fragment in homozygous form, i.e. produced by crossing two inbred parent lines, each comprising the introgression fragment in homozygous or heterozygous form.

[0372] The melon plant provided herein may be of any type. Preferably it has good agronomic and good fruit quality characteristics, such as large average fruit size (at least 500g, 600g, 700g, 800g, 900g, 1000g or more), high average brix ofthe fruits (e.g. an average refractometer % total soluble solids of at least 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18% or more), many fruits being produced per plant, firm fruit flesh, etc.

[0373] Also other resistances may be introduced into the melon plants described herein, such as resistance to one or more of the following diseases: Bacterial Wilt, Root Rot, Crown Blight, Melon Rust, Powdery Mildew, Verticillum Wilt, Sulphur Bum, Scab, Downy Mildew, Fusarium oxysporum fsp. melonis (Fom) race 0, Fusarium oxysporum fsp. melonis (Fom) race 1 , Fusarium oxysporum fsp. melonis (Fom) race 2, Fusarium oxysporum fsp. melonis (Fom) race 1.2, Fusarium Wilt R2, Root Knot (Nematode), Anthracnose, Cucumber Mosaic, and Squash Mosaic, and / or resistance to one or more of the following pests: Aphid resistance, Pickle Worm, Darkling Ground Beetle, Banded Cucumber Beetle, Mite, Western Spotted Cucumber Beetle, Melon Leafhopper, Melon Worm, Western Striped Cucumber Beetle or Melon Leafminer. Other resistance genes, against pathogenic viruses, fungi, bacteria or pests may also be introduced.

[0374] A specific aspect of the invention concerns plants or plant cells comprising an introgression fragment, which introgression fragment is obtainable from seeds deposited under NCIMB 44531 or from progeny thereof. The seeds deposited are seeds of a backcross line described in the Examples comprising the QTL5 in homozygous form, with the donor nucleotide being present in homozygous form for SNP_01 to SNP_23.

[0375] Whether a plant comprises the WMV-resistance introgression fragment and QTL from the deposited seeds can be determined by various methods, such as sequencing.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 54 241120W001

[0376] Melon plants and plant parts (such as leaves, stems, roots, fruits, pollen, flowers, etc.) comprising melon plant cells as provided herein are also an embodiment of the invention. Likewise seeds from which such plants can be grown are encompassed herein, as well as parts of such seeds (e.g. cells or tissues of the seeds such as the seed coat, embryo, etc.).

[0377] A further aspect of the present invention concerns melon seeds or plants or plant parts comprising an introgression fragment from chromosome 5 of a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23, or in-between SNP_02 and SNP_22, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_21 , or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_20, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_19, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_18, or inbetween SNP_04 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_15, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_14, or inbetween SNP_05 and SNP_13, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_11 , or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_10, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_12, or in- between SNP_07 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_09, or inbetween SNP_06 and SNP_08 or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_08. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the seeds or plants or plant parts comprise an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant in-between SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_16 or SNP_17, or in-between SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_12, e.g. in-between SNP_07 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_09 or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_08. In a further preferred embodiment the introgression fragment comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant in between SNP_15 to SNP_17, SNP_14 to SNP_17, SNP_13 to SNP_17, SNP_12 to SNP_17, SNP_11 to SNP_17, SNP_10 to SNP_17, SNP_09 to SNP_17 and SNP_08 to SNP_17.

[0378] Thus, melon plants or seeds or plant parts are encompassed which comprises an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant which comprises QTL5 and comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or for one or more or all of SNP_02 to SNP_22, or for one or more or all ofSNP_03 to SNP_21 , or for one or more or all ofSNP_04 to SNP_20, or for one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_19, or for one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_18, or for one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_17, or for one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_16, or for one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_17, or for one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_16, or for one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_12, or for one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_15, or for one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_14, or for one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_13, or for one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_12, or for one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_11 , or for one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_10, or for one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_09, or for one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_12, or for one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_09, or for one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_08, or for one or more or all of SNP_07 to SNP_12, or SNP_07 and SNP_08. In one aspect for one or more or all of SNP_15 to SNP_17, or SNP_14 to SNP_17, or SNP_13 to SNP_17, or SNP_12 to SNP_17, or SNP_11 to SNP_17, or SNP_10 to SNP_17, or SNP_09 to SNP_17, or SNP_08 to SNP_17.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 55 241120W001

[0379] Another embodiment concerns melon seeds obtainable or obtained from plants comprising the introgression fragment and QTL5, or seeds comprising plant cells comprising the introgression fragment and QTL5.

[0380] A further aspect of the present invention concerns melon plant fruits, plants, cells, seeds, plant tissues comprising cells comprising e.g. an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23, or in-between SNP_02 and SNP_22, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_21 , or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_20, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_19, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_16, or inbetween SNP_03 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_15, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_14, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_13, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_12, or inbetween SNP_05 and SNP_11 , or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_10, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_12, or in- between SNP_07 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_08 or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_08. In one aspect in between SNP_15 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_14 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_13 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_12 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_11 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_10 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_09 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_08 to SNP_17.

[0381] In another embodiment the seeds, plants, cells, fruits, plant tissues comprise an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23, or in-between SNP_02 and SNP_22, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_21 , or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_20, or inbetween SNP_04 and SNP_19, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_12, or inbetween SNP_05 and SNP_15, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_14, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_13, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_11 , or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_10, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_12, or inbetween SNP_07 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_08 or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_08. In one aspect in between SNP_15 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_14 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_13 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_12 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_11 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_10 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_09 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_08 to SNP_17.

[0382] In a further embodiment the plants, cells, seeds, fruits, plant tissues comprise an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant which comprises QTL5 and comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or one or more or all of SNP_02 to SNP_22, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_21 , or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_20, or one or more orNunhems Netherlands B.V. 56 241120W001

[0383] all of SNP_04 to SNP_19, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_18, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_17, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_16, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_17, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_16, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_15, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_14, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_13, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_11 , or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_10, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_09, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_09, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_08, or SNP_07 to SNP_12, or SNP_07 and SNP_08.

[0384] Another embodiment of the invention concerns melon fruits obtainable or obtained from plants according to the invention, or fruits comprising plant cells according to the invention.

[0385] Preferably melon fruits provided herein in one aspect are characterized in that they comprise an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant comprising the sequence of the donor plant in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23, or in-between SNP_02 and SNP_22, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_21 , or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_20, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_19, or inbetween SNP_04 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_15, or inbetween SNP_05 and SNP_14, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_13, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_11 , or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_10, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_12, or in- between SNP_07 and SNP_12, or inbetween SNP_06 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_08 or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_08, or in between SNP_15 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_14 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_13 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_12 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_11 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_10 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_09 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_08 to SNP_17 in heterozygous or homozygous state.

[0386] The preferred and further embodiments described herein for melon plant cells or melon plants are applicable to also represent further embodiments of the melon fruits of melon plants accordingly.

[0387] A further aspect provided herein concerns melon plant propagation material comprising an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23, or in-between SNP_02 and SNP_22, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_21 , or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_20, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_19, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_17, or inbetween SNP_03 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_15, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_14, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_13, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_11 , or inbetween SNP_05 and SNP_10, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_12, or in- between SNP_07 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_08 or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_08. In one aspect in between SNP_15 to SNP_17,Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 57 241120W001

[0388] or in between SNP_14 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_13 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_12 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_11 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_10 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_09 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_08 to SNP_17.

[0389] Thus, melon plant propagation material is encompassed which comprises an introgression fragment on chromosome 5 from a WMV-resistant donor plant, wherein the introgression fragment comprises the sequence of the WMV-resistant donor melon plant which comprises QTL5 and comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or one or more or all of SNP_02 to SNP_22, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_21 , or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_20, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_19, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_18, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_17, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_16, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_17, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_16, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_15, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_14, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_13, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_11 , or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_10, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_09, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_09, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_08, or SNP_07 to SNP_12, or SNP_07 and SNP_08. In one aspect In one aspect one or more or all of SNP_15 to SNP_17, or SNP_14 to SNP_17, or SNP_13 to SNP_17, or SNP_12 to SNP_17, or SNP_11 to SNP_17, or SNP_10 to SNP_17, or SNP_09 to SNP_17, or SNP_08 to SNP_17.

[0390] Another embodiment of the invention concerns melon plant propagation material obtainable or obtained from plants provided herein, or melon plant propagation material comprising plant cells provided herein. The preferred and further embodiments described herein for plant cells or plants are applicable to also represent preferred and further embodiments of the propagation material of melon plants accordingly. The term “propagation material” comprises those components of the plant which are suitable for generating progeny via the vegetative (agamic) or generative (gamic, sexual) route. Suitable for vegetative propagation are, for example, cuttings, in vitro tissue, cell, protoplast, embryo or callus cultures, micropropagation methods, rhizomes or tubers. Other propagation material includes, for example, fruits, seeds, seedling, being homozygous or heterozygous for a chromosome 5 introgression fragment conferring WMV-resistance etc. The propagation material in one aspect takes the form of cuttings which are propagated by grafting to another rootstock or in vitro tissue culture material, in particular embryo cultures. In particular preferred is propagation material in the form of in vitro tissue culture material, particularly in vitro embryo cultures.

[0391] In one aspect non-propagating plant cells comprising the recombinant chromosome 5 as described herein are provided.

[0392] A further embodiment of the invention concerns a method for producing a WMV-resistant melon plant comprising the following steps:

[0393] a) Selecting a WMV-resistant donor plant,

[0394] b) crossing the donor plant selected in step a) with a recurrent plant sensitive to WMV,Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 58 241120W001

[0395] c) obtaining seeds from the plants crossed in step b) and optionally

[0396] d) verifying if the plants grown from the seeds obtained in step c) are resistant to WMV and / or comprise one or more of the SNPs from the donor plant selected from the group of SNP_01 to SNP_23, especially selected from SNP_04 to SNP_16 (or any other sub-group of donor SNP nucleotides linked to QTL5 as encompassed herein).

[0397] A WMV-resistant donor plant in step a) in the method for producing a WMV-resistant melon plant can be selected by infection of melon plants with WMV, especially with a US strain or a strain that does not overcome the resistance of TGR-1551 , and determining the level of symptoms of WMV infected melon plants as described elsewhere herein. The same is applicable for verification in steps c) of the method for producing a WMV-resistant melon plant, if a plant is WMV sensitive or resistant, respectively.

[0398] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a WMV-resistant melon plant, the WMV-resistant donor plant in step a) comprises a fragment on chromosome 5 conferring WMV-resistance, e.g. the fragment comprising the sequence of the donor plant in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23, or in-between SNP_02 and SNP_22, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_21 , or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_20, or inbetween SNP_04 and SNP_19, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_12, or inbetween SNP_05 and SNP_15, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_14, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_13, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_11 , or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_10, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_12, or inbetween SNP_07 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_08 or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_08. Most preferably the fragment on chromosome 5 conferring WMV-resistance comprises the sequence in-between SNP_07 and SNP_08 or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_09, or in between SNP_15 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_14 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_13 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_12 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_11 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_10 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_09 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_08 to SNP_17.

[0399] In a specifically preferred embodiment, the method for producing a WMV-resistant melon plant the WMV-resistant donor plant in step a) comprises the fragment of chromosome 5 conferring WMV- resistance comprising the sequence in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23, or in-between SNP_02 and SNP_22, or inbetween SNP_03 and SNP_21 , or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_20, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_19, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_18, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_16, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_17, or in-between SNP_03 and SNP_16, or inbetween SNP_03 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_04 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_15, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_14, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_13, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_11 , or in-between SNP_05 and SNP_10, or inbetween SNP_05 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_12, or in- between SNP_07 and SNP_12, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_09, or in-between SNP_06 and SNP_08 or in-between SNP_07 and SNP_08, or in between SNP_15 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_14 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_13 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_12 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_11 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_10 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_09 to SNP_17, or in between SNP_08 to SNP_17 asNunhems Netherlands B.V. 59 241120W001

[0400] found in (obtainable from) the seeds deposited under NCIMB 44139 or progeny thereof retaining QTL5. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the method for producing a WMV-resistant melon plant is used for producing a plant comprising QTL5 in homozygous or heterozygous form. The preferred and further embodiments as described herein for the plants are applicable accordingly to the method for producing a WMV-resistant melon plant comprising QTL5.

[0401] Plants obtainable or obtained by a method for producing a WMV-resistant melon plant are also an embodiment of the invention.

[0402] A further embodiment concerns methods for producing melon seeds comprising the following steps of:

[0403] a) growing a melon plant comprising at least one chromosome 5 having an introgression fragment from chromosome 5 of a WMV-resistant donor plant, the introgression fragment comprising the sequence of the donor plant in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23 or a sub-region thereof as mentioned elsewhere, e.g. in between SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_16 or SNP_17 (and / or comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for one or more of SNP_04 to SNP_16 or to SNP_17, especially for SNP_07 and / or SNP_08 and / or SNP_09), and / or comprising QTL5,

[0404] b) harvesting the fruits of the melon plants grown in step a)

[0405] c) collecting the seeds from the fruits obtained in step b).

[0406] Seeds obtainable by the method for producing melon seeds are also an embodiment of the invention. The seeds contain at least one copy of the introgression fragment comprising QTL5 or at least one copy of QTL5.

[0407] Another embodiment concerns methods for producing hybrid melon seeds comprising the following steps a) providing a first inbred melon plant comprising at least one (preferably two) chromosome 5 having an introgression fragment from chromosome 5 of a WMV-resistant donor plant, the introgression fragment comprising the sequence of the donor plant in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23 or a subregion thereof as mentioned elsewhere, or in between SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_16 or SNP_17 (and / or comprises the donor SNP for one or more of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or for one or more of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or SNP_17, especially for SNP_07 and / or SNP_08 and / or SNP_09) (or any other sub-group of markers described herein),

[0408] b) providing a second inbred melon plant with (preferably in homozygous form) or without a chromosome 5 having an introgression fragment from chromosome 5 of a WMV-resistant donor plant, the introgression fragment comprising the sequence of the donor plant in-between SNP_01 and SNP_23 or a sub-region thereof as mentioned elsewhere, or in between SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_16 or SNP_17 (and / or comprises the donor SNP for one or more of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or for one or more of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or SNP_17, especially for SNP_07 and / or SNP_08 and / or SNP_09) (or any other sub-group of markers described herein),

[0409] c) crossing the plant provided in step a) with the plant provided in step b),

[0410] d) selecting seeds obtained from the cross of step c).Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 60 241120W001

[0411] The plant of step b) may, thus, in one aspect be a second inbred melon plant that is susceptible to WMV or it may be an inbred melon plant that is resistant to WMV and comprising QTL5, whereby the hybrid melon comprises at least one copy of QTL5.

[0412] “Inbred plant” or “inbred line” shall mean in connection with the present invention plants which have undergone several generations of selfing and are highly uniform in respect to their genetic setup and phenotypic appearance.

[0413] As mentioned elsewhere herein, when reference is made to a plant, plant part, cell or tissue or fruit or seed comprising a sequence in-between two SNPs, this encompasses in one aspect that the resistant donor nucleotide is present for one or more of the SNP nucleotides disclosed herein, especially of one or both of the SNPs mentioned and / or of the SNPs lying in-between the SNPs mentioned, and optionally also of one or more of the remaining SNPs of the donor disclosed herein.

[0414] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the inbred lines of steps a) and b) of the method for producing hybrid melon seeds according to the invention has the specific characteristics described as preferred and further embodiments of the plants according to the invention. The preferred and further embodiments as described herein for the plants according to the invention are applicable accordingly to the method for producing a hybrid melon seed according to the invention.

[0415] Hybrid seeds obtainable or obtained by the method for producing hybrid melon seeds are also an embodiment of the invention.

[0416] A further embodiment of the present invention are methods for producing a melon fruit comprising the following steps

[0417] a) growing a plant as described elsewhere herein e.g. comprising at least one (preferably two) chromosome 5 having an introgression fragment from chromosome 5 of a WMV-resistant donor plant, the introgression fragment comprising QTL5 and the sequence of the donor plant inbetween SNP_01 and SNP_23 or any sub-region as mentioned elsewhere, or in between SNP_03 or SNP_04 and SNP_16 or SNP_17 (and / or comprises the donor SNP for one or more of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or for one or more of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or SNP_17, especially for SNP_07 and / or SNP_08 and / or SNP_09 (or any other sub-group of markers described herein), b) harvesting the fruits produced by the plants grown in step a).

[0418] The term “fruit” in its botanical meaning is commonly understood to be a seed-bearing structure developed from the ovary of angiosperm flowers.

[0419] Melon fruits obtainable or obtained by a method for producing a melon fruit according to the invention are also an embodiment of the invention.

[0420] Melon donor plants being resistant to WMV can be identified with the aid of the SNP markers, in particular one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23 or one or more of SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or SNP_17 (or other sub-groups as described) disclosed herein (e.g. one or more or all of SNP_15 to SNP_17, or SNP_14 to SNP_17, or SNP_13 to SNP_17, or SNP_12 to SNP_17, or SNP_11 to SNP_17, or SNP_10Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 61 241120W001

[0421] to SNP_17, or SNP_09 to SNP_17, or SNP_08 to SNP_17).

[0422] In one aspect the present invention, therefore, for the first time enables a person skilled in the art to identify donor plants from which an introgression fragment conferring WMV-resistance to melon plants can be transferred into recurrent melon plants.

[0423] A further embodiment of the invention therefore pertains the use of one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or to SNP_17 (or other marker sub-groups as described) for identification of a WMV-resistant melon plant or parts thereof (such as cells, fruits, leaves), especially resistant against e.g. US strains or strains against which the resistance of TGR-1551 is effective. Preferably the use pertains the identification of WMV-resistant donor melon plants, but also to the identification of breeding lines, cultivars or varieties comprising QTL5, e.g. derived from the seeds deposited herein or from another wild donor, e.g. a wild donor from the C. melo var. conomon or var. momordica species.

[0424] Another embodiment is the use of one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or SNP_17 (or other marker sub-groups as described) and / or QTL5 for introgression of WMV resistance into a WMV-susceptible melon plant and / or into a plant lacking QTL5, especially a cultivated melon line or variety.

[0425] Also, an embodiment of the invention is the use of one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or SNP_17 (or other marker sub-groups as described) and / or QTL5 in breeding WMV-resistant melon plants.

[0426] Also provided is a method of screening plants or plant material or DNA derived therefrom for the presence of a fragment on chromosome 5 conferring WMV-resistance. The method comprises the steps of:

[0427] screening the genomic DNA for the donor SNP haplotype or genotype of one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or to SNP_17 (or other sub-groups as described, e.g. the donor nucleotide for SNP_06, SNP_07, SNP_08, SNP_09 and SNP_10 or SNP_07, SNP_08 and SNP_09);

[0428] and optionally selecting plants or plant material which comprise the resistant donor haplotype or genotype of one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_03 or SNP_04 to SNP_16 or to SNP_17 (or other marker sub-groups as described, e.g. the donor nucleotide for SNP_06, SNP_07, SNP_08, SNP_09 and SNP_10 or SNP_07, SNP_08 and SNP_09) and / or comprising QTL5.

[0429] In such screening and / or selection methods any of the SNP markers provided herein, or parts thereof, may be used.

[0430] Also provided is a method for producing a cultivated C. melo plant (especially a plant of the species C. melo var. cantalupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. cassaba, or C. melo var. ibericus) comprising an introgression fragment on chromosome 5, wherein said introgression fragment comprisesNunhems Netherlands B.V. 62 241120W001

[0431] a QTL5 conferring WMV-resistance, comprising:

[0432] a) crossing a first cultivated melon plant being susceptible to WMV with a second donor melon plant being resistant to WMV, wherein said second melon plant comprises the genotype or haplotype for at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22 or 23 markers selected from:

[0433] the GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_01 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1);

[0434] the GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_02 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2;

[0435] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_03 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3;

[0436] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0437] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0438] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0439] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the otherNunhems Netherlands B.V. 63 241120W001

[0440] chromosome) for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0441] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0442] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0443] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0444] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0445] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0446] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0447] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 64 241120W001

[0448] sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0449] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; and

[0450] the GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16;

[0451] The AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17);

[0452] The CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_18 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 18 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 18);

[0453] The AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_19 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 19 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 19);

[0454] The TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_20 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 20 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 20);

[0455] The GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_21 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 21 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 21);Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 65 241120W001

[0456] The AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_22 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 22 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 22);

[0457] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_23 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 23 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 23).

[0458] b) collecting F1 seeds from said cross and backcrossing an F1 plant to the first melon plant to produce a backcross (BC1) population, and / or selfing said F1 plants one or more times to produce an F2 or F3 or higher generation selfing population and / or optionally carrying our further backcrossing and / or selfing steps to produce a higher generation backcross (e.g. a BC1S1 , BC2, BC2S1 , etc. population), wherein said F2, F3 or higher generation selfing plant, or said BC1 or higher generation backcross plant comprises the donor SNP genotype or haplotype for the one or more SNP markers.

[0459] In one aspect in the above method in step a) the donor SNP haplotype or genotype for at least the following SNP markers is selected: for SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_02 to SNP_22, or SNP_03 to SNP_21 , or SNP_04 to SNP_20, or SNP_04 to SNP_19, or SNP_04 to SNP_18, or SNP_04 to SNP_17, or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 to SNP_17, or SNP_03 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 to SNP_12, or SNP_05 to SNP_15, or SNP_05 to SNP_14, or SNP_05 to SNP_13, or SNP_05 to SNP_12, or SNP_05 to SNP_11 , or SNP_05 to SNP_10, or SNP_05 to SNP_09, or SNP_06 to SNP_12, or SNP_06 to SNP_09, or SNP_06 to SNP_08, or SNP_07 to SNP_12, or SNP_07 and SNP_08. In another aspect the donor haplotype or genotype is selected for at least SNP_15 to SNP_17, or SNP_14 to SNP_17, or SNP_13 to SNP_17, or SNP_12 to SNP_17, or SNP_11 to SNP_17, or SNP_10 to SNP_17, or SNP_09 to SNP_17, or SNP_08 to SNP_17. Likewise in step b) the selfing or backcross plant comprises the SNP donor haplotype or genotype of step a).

[0460] Also provided is a method for identifying or detecting a cultivated C. melo plant or plant part (especially a plant of the species C. melo var. cantaloupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. cassaba, or C. melo var. ibericus) comprising an introgression fragment on chromosome 5, wherein said introgression fragment comprises a WMV-resistance conferring QTL5, comprising:

[0461] a) screening a Cucumis melo plant using a molecular marker assay which detects at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22 or 23 donor SNP markers selected from: the GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the otherNunhems Netherlands B.V. 66 241120W001

[0462] chromosome) for SNP_01 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1);

[0463] the GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_02 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2;

[0464] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_03 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3;

[0465] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0466] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0467] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0468] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0469] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 67 241120W001

[0470] sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0471] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0472] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0473] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0474] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0475] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0476] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0477] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; andNunhems Netherlands B.V. 68 241120W001

[0478] the GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16;

[0479] The AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17);

[0480] The CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_18 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 18 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 18);

[0481] The AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_19 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 19 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 19);

[0482] The TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_20 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 20 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 20);

[0483] The GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_21 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 21 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 21);

[0484] The AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_22 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 22 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 22);Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 69 241120W001

[0485] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_23 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 23 or the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 23),

[0486] and

[0487] b) identifying and / or selecting a plant comprising the donor SNP haplotype or genotype for at least the following SNP markers is selected: for one or more or all of SNP_01 to SNP_23, or one or more or all of SNP_02 to SNP_22, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_21 , or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_20, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_19, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_18, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_17, or one or more or all of SNP_04 to SNP_16, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_17, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_16, or one or more or all of SNP_03 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_15, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_14, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_13, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_11 , or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_10, or one or more or all of SNP_05 to SNP_09, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_12, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_09, or one or more or all of SNP_06 to SNP_08, or one or more or all of SNP_07 to SNP_12, or SNP_07 and SNP_08.

[0488] It is understood that in step a) the screening may also be for the donor SNP haplotype or genotype for at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more markers selected from the following groups: SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_02 to SNP_22, or SNP_03 to SNP_21 , or SNP_04 to SNP_20, or SNP_04 to SNP_19, or SNP_04 to SNP_18, or SNP_04 to SNP_17, or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 to SNP_17, or SNP_03 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 to SNP_12, or SNP_05 to SNP_15, or SNP_05 to SNP_14, or SNP_05 to SNP_13, or SNP_05 to SNP_12, or SNP_05 to SNP_11 , or SNP_05 to SNP_10, or SNP_05 to SNP_09, or SNP_06 to SNP_12, or SNP_06 to SNP_09, or SNP_06 to SNP_08, or SNP_07 to SNP_12, or SNP_07 and SNP_08. The screening may be for at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 or more markers selected from the group: SNP_15 to SNP_17, or SNP_14 to SNP_17, or SNP_13 to SNP_17, or SNP_12 to SNP_17, or SNP_11 to SNP_17, or SNP_10 to SNP_17, or SNP_09 to SNP_17, or SNP_08 to SNP_17.

[0489] A method of producing C. melo F1 hybrid plants comprising a WMV-resistance phenotype is provided comprising:

[0490] a) crossing a first inbred melon plant comprising at least one recombinant chromosome 5, the recombinant chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment that confers WMV-resistance onto the first inbred melon plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form (i.e. it comprises QTL5 in homozygous or heterozygous form) and wherein said introgression fragment is e.g. from a donor plant of the species Cucumis melo var. conomon or var. momordica, with a second inbred melon plant with orNunhems Netherlands B.V. 70 241120W001

[0491] without said at least one recombinant chromosome 5 or without QTL5, and

[0492] b) collecting F1 hybrid seeds from said cross.

[0493] Further encompassed is a method for producing a melon plant comprising WMV-resistance on chromosome 5, said method comprising:

[0494] a) screening a wild melon accession or several wild melon accessions using a molecular marker assay which detects at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more of the donor SNP markers selected from the group consisting of: SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_02 to SNP_22, or SNP_03 to SNP_21 , or SNP_04 to SNP_20, or SNP_04 to SNP_19, or SNP_04 to SNP_18, or SNP_04 to SNP_17, or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 to SNP_17, or SNP_03 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 to SNP_12, or SNP_05 to SNP_15, or SNP_05 to SNP_14, or SNP_05 to SNP_13, or SNP_05 to SNP_12, or SNP_05 to SNP_11 , or SNP_05 to SNP_10, or SNP_05 to SNP_09, or SNP_06 to SNP_12, or SNP_06 to SNP_09, or SNP_06 to SNP_08, or SNP_07 to SNP_12, or SNP_07 and SNP_08, or SNP_15 to SNP_17, or SNP_14 to SNP_17, or SNP_13 to SNP_17, or SNP_12 to SNP_17, or SNP_11 to SNP_17, or SNP_10 to SNP_17, or SNP_09 to SNP_17, or SNP_08 to SNP_17;

[0495] b) identifying and / or selecting a wild melon plant plant comprising the donor SNP haplotype or donor SNP genotype for at least the following SNP markers is selected: for SNP_01 to SNP_23, or SNP_02 to SNP_22, or SNP_03 to SNP_21 , or SNP_04 to SNP_20, or SNP_04 to SNP_19, or SNP_04 to SNP_18, or SNP_04 to SNP_17, or SNP_04 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 to SNP_17, or SNP_03 to SNP_16, or SNP_03 to SNP_12, or SNP_05 to SNP_15, or SNP_05 to SNP_14, or SNP_05 to SNP_13, or SNP_05 to SNP_12, or SNP_05 to SNP_11 , or SNP_05 to SNP_10, or SNP_05 to SNP_09, or SNP_06 to SNP_12, or SNP_06 to SNP_09, or SNP_06 to SNP_08, or SNP_07 to SNP_12, or SNP_07 and SNP_08, or SNP_15 to SNP_17, or SNP_14 to SNP_17, or SNP_13 to SNP_17, or SNP_12 to SNP_17, or SNP_11 to SNP_17, or SNP_10 to SNP_17, or SNP_09 to SNP_17, or SNP_08 to SNP_17;

[0496] c) optionally confirming WMV-resistance in a resistance assay, especially using a WMV strain against which the positive control TGR-1551 shows resistance (see examples);

[0497] d) and optionally introgressing said WMV-resistance from said wild donor accession into a cultivated melon plant.

[0498] The wild melon accessions may e.g. be of the group C. melo var conomon or var. momordica, e.g. landraces or wild or feral accessions originating from Myanmar or other Asian countries.

[0499] A cultivated Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, is provided comprising a recombinant chromosome 5, the recombinant chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment that confers WMV-resistance onto the Cucumis melo plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form and wherein said introgression fragment comprises at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12 or 13 donor SNP markers (preferablyNunhems Netherlands B.V. 71 241120W001

[0500] consecutive markers) selected from:

[0501] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0502] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0503] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0504] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0505] the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0506] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0507] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 72 241120W001

[0508] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0509] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0510] the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0511] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0512] the AA genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the A haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as AX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; and

[0513] the GG genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the G haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as GX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16,

[0514] and optionally wherein said introgression fragment is, in one aspect, from a donor plant of e.g. the species Cucumis melo var. conomon or var. momordica, said donor plant having an average WMV-disease score of at least 7.0, 7.1 , 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, preferably at least 9.0, on a scale of 1 = severe rugosity and / or mosaic (possibly death) to 9 = no symptoms (healthy plant). The donor plant accession may in one aspect have low brix and small seed size as described elsewhere herein.

[0515] In one aspect the cultivated melon plant comprises at least the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where XNunhems Netherlands B.V. 241120W001

[0516] may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7; the CC genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the C haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as CX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8; and the TT genotype (homozygous for the donor nucleotide) or the T haplotype (heterozygous for the donor nucleotide, also referred to as TX, where X may be any nucleotide on the other chromosome) for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9.

[0517] In one aspect the WMV-resistance QTL5 or the introgression fragment comprising the QTL5 is the obtainable from I can be obtained from I is as present in seeds of which a representative sample has been deposited under Accession Number NCIMB 44531 or progeny thereof (whereby the progeny retain the WMV-resistance).

[0518] When referring herein to a melon plant this encompasses in one aspect a seed from which the plant can be grown, i.e. the embryo in the seed may comprise at least one copy (or two copies) of QTL5 as described.

[0519] In one aspect, especially in respect of the European Patent Convention, the plant according to the invention is “not obtained exclusively by an essentially biological process”.

[0520] Detection and / or Selection methods

[0521] Provided is a method of selecting a Cucumis melo plant (especially a cultivated C. melo), or plant part, comprising a chromosome 5, said chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment comprises a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) named QTL5 located in between a Guanine for SNP_01 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1 (or at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92% 93%, 94%, 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1), corresponding to nucleotide 11976009 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, and a Thymine for SNP_23 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 23 (or at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92% 93%, 94%, 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 23), corresponding to nucleotide 14936674 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, said QTL5 confers Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) resistance onto the Cucumis melo plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form, said method comprises selecting a plant or plant part comprising one or more or all of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers of the group:

[0522] a Guanine for SNP_02 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2;

[0523] an Adenine for SNP_03 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3 or an Adenine at the equivalent positionNunhems Netherlands B.V. 74 241120W001

[0524] in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3;

[0525] a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or a Cytosine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0526] a Thymine forSNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 ora Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0527] an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or an Adenine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0528] a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a Cytosine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0529] a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a Cytosine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0530] a Thymine forSNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 ora Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0531] an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or an Adenine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0532] a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or a Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0533] a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or a Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0534] a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or a Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0535] an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or an Adenine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 75 241120W001

[0536] or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0537] an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or an Adenine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; and

[0538] a Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or a Guanine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16;

[0539] an Adenine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17);

[0540] a Cytosine for SNP_18 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 18 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 18);

[0541] an Adenine for SNP_19 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 19 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 19);

[0542] a Thymine for SNP_20 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 20 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 20);

[0543] a Guanine for SNP_21 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 21 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 21);

[0544] an Adenine for SNP_22 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 22 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 22).

[0545] Optionally the introgression fragment also comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_01 (i.e. a Guanine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1) and / or SNP_23 (i.e. a Thymine at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 23 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 23).

[0546] Also provided is a method of selecting a Cucumis melo plant (especially a cultivated C. meld), or plant part, comprising a chromosome 5, said chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment comprisesNunhems Netherlands B.V. 76 241120W001

[0547] a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) named QTL5 located in between a Guanine for SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4 (or at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92% 93%, 94%, 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1), corresponding to nucleotide 13177408 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, and a Thymine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 (or at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92% 93%, 94%, 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16), corresponding to nucleotide 13837360 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, said QTL5 confers Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) resistance onto the Cucumis melo plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form, said method comprises selecting a plant or plant part comprising one or more or all of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers of the group:

[0548] a Thymine for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0549] an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0550] a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0551] a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0552] a Thymine for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0553] an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0554] a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0555] a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0556] a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 77 241120W001

[0557] sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0558] an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0559] an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15.

[0560] Optionally the introgression fragment also comprises the donor SNP nucleotide for SNP_04 (i.e. a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4) and / or for SNP_16 (i.e. a Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16).

[0561] Further, a method of selecting a Cucumis melo plant comprising a chromosome 5 is provided, said chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment comprises a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) named QTL5 located in between an Adenine for SNP_03 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3, corresponding to nucleotide 12286432 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, and an Adenine forSNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17, corresponding to nucleotide 13928623 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, said QTL5 confers Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) resistance onto the Cucumis melo plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form, said method comprises selecting a plant or plant part comprising one or more or all of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers of the group:

[0562] a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0563] a Thymine for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0564] an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0565] a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0566] a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0567] a Thymine for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 78 241120W001

[0568] an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0569] a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0570] a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0571] a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0572] an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0573] an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; and

[0574] a Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16.

[0575] For selection for example a KASP assay or other genotyping assay may be used.

[0576] In one aspect, therefore, a genotyping assay is provided for genotyping melon plants, seeds, plant parts, cells or tissues, comprising the steps:

[0577] a) providing genomic DNA of one or more melon plants or a population of plants (e.g. breeding population, F2 population, backcross population etc.), and

[0578] b) carrying out a genotyping assay which detects the presence of one or more of the markers:

[0579] - a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0580] a Thymine for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0581] an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0582] a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 79 241120W001

[0583] sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0584] a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0585] a Thymine for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0586] an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0587] a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0588] a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0589] a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0590] an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0591] an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15;

[0592] a Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16

[0593] and

[0594] c) selecting a plant, seed, plant part, cell or tissue comprising one or more of the donor SNP nucleotides of step b).

[0595] The melon plants may be wild melon accessions or cultivated melon plants.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 80 241120W001

[0596] In another aspect, a genotyping assay genotyping melon plants, plant parts, cells or tissues, comprising the steps is provided, comprising the steps:

[0597] a) providing genomic DNA of one or more melon plants or a population of plants (e.g. breeding population, F2 population, backcross population etc.), and

[0598] b) carrying out a genotyping assay which detects the presence of one or more of

[0599] a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;

[0600] a Thymine for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;

[0601] an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;

[0602] a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;

[0603] a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;

[0604] a Thymine for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;

[0605] an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;

[0606] a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;

[0607] a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;

[0608] a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 81 241120W001

[0609] sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0610] an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;

[0611] an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15;

[0612] a Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16

[0613] and optionally

[0614] c) selecting a plant, seed, plant part, cell or tissue comprising one or more of the donor SNP nucleotides of step b) in homozygous form.

[0615] Step a) may comprise isolation of genomic DNA from the plant, seeds, plant part, cell or tissue to be analyzed in the genotyping assay. Often crude DNA extractions methods can be used, as known in the art.

[0616] Step b) preferably comprises a bi-allelic genotyping assay, which makes use of allele-specific primers and / or allele-specific probes.

[0617] Causal gene underlying the resistance of QTL5

[0618] Further fine mapping and analysis of the QTL5 region narrowed down the resistance conferring region to lie in between SNP_03 and SNP_17 and seven genes in the region were identified as putative candidate resistance genes, see Examples.

[0619] In one aspect it is believed that the causal resistance gene is MELO3C031194, which encodes a Dynamin-like protein (CmDLP). All resistant lines had a single amino acid substitution (Q547R) in the protein compared to the susceptible lines. Figure 5 shows an alignment of the mutant protein (SEQ ID NO: 25) and the wild type protein (SEQ ID NO: 24). The protein, and the gene encoding it, is herein referred to as Cucumis melo Dynamin-like protein, or CmDLP, as it contains typical conserved regions of Dynamin-like proteins. In the reference melon genome the coding sequence is on chromosome 5 starting at nucleotide 13,836,899 and ending at 13,839,265. The wild type genomic sequence is provided herein as SEQ ID NO: 26. It encodes a wild type mRNA (cDNA) provided herein as SEQ ID NO: 28, which translates into a wild type CmDLP protein of SEQ ID NO: 24. The mutant found in the resistant lines comprises a mutant genomic sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27, a encoding a mutant mRNA (cDNA) of SEQ ID NO: 29, which translates into a mutant protein of SEQ ID NO: 25.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 82 241120W001

[0620] Dynamin-like proteins are known to be recruited by viruses for plant infection. For example Wu etal. 2018 (Journal of Virology Volume 92, Issue 23, “Dynamin-like proteins of Endocytosis in Plants Are Coopted by Potyviruses to Enhance Virus Infection”) show that knockdown or knockout of Dynamin-like proteins in soybean inhibits virus replication and intercellular movement. On the other hand, overexpression promoted virus replication and intercellular movement. The virus thus appears to recruit the plants Dynamin-like protein during its replication and movement and when these Dynamin-like proteins are modified, knocked down or knocked out, the virus replication and / or movement is significantly reduced, resulting in less or fewer disease symptoms (i.e. increased resistance of the plant).

[0621] It is, therefore, believed that the Q547R amino acid substitution reduces the WMV viruses’ ability to replicate and / or move in the melon tissue. As Wu et al. 2018 show that also knockdown or knockouts reduce virus replication and movement, it is believed that the same principle applies to the present Dynamin-like protein found here on chromosome 5 of melon. The virus recruits the wild type CmDLP protein for replication and / or movement and when no wild type protein or less wild type protein is present, the ability of the virus to replicate and / or move is reduced or inhibited accordingly. It is, therefore, believed that any reduction of wild type protein CmDLP protein, be it a reduction in gene expression or a modification of the endogenous gene in such a way that no wild type protein is produced (e.g. mutant protein is produced instead) will lead to WMV resistance.

[0622] Mutants can be generated in the wild type CmDLP allele, which result in one or more amino acids of the wild type protein being replaced by another amino acid or by a STOP codon (leading to a truncated protein), or by which expression of the protein is reduced or completely prevented. The plant comprising such a mutant CmDLP gene is expected to become less susceptible to WMV infection, as no or reduced wild type protein is available, which is required for virus replication and / or movement. As the resistance is co-dominant, a single copy of the mutant allele (heterozygous form) will already increase resistance (reduce susceptibility) to WMV infection, while two copies of the mutant allele (homozygous form) provide the highest resistance. As mentioned, the virus most probably recruits the wild type CmDLP protein for replication and / or movement, which means that there is a correlation between the levels of the wild type protein and the ability of the virus to replicate and / or move and thereby cause symptoms. Thus, the lower the level of wild type CmDLP protein, the fewer disease symptoms can develop as fewer or no virus particles can replicate and move within the plant.

[0623] Therefore, in one aspect a cultivated Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, is provided herein comprising at least one copy of a mutant allele of a gene named CmDLP (Cucumis melo Dynamin-like protein) on chromosome 5, wherein said mutant allele either

[0624] a) comprises one or more mutations in the promoter of SEQ ID NO: 30 (or a variant sequence comprising at least 90%, 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:30), resulting in no expression or reduced expression of the allele compared to the wild type allele, especially significantly reduced mRNA transcript of SEQ ID NO: 28 (or a variant sequence comprising at least 90%, 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28) being made and / or

[0625] b) encodes a mutant protein comprising one or more amino acids replaced, inserted and / or deletedNunhems Netherlands B.V. 83 241120W001

[0626] compared to the wild type protein,

[0627] wherein said mutant allele of a) or b) confers an increase in resistance against Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) when the mutant allele is in heterozygous or in homozygous form, and wherein the wild type allele encodes a protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 (or a variant wild type protein comprising at least 90%, 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24).

[0628] A “variant” sequence of the wild type genomic sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, or of the wild type mRNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or of the wild type protein sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24 refers to sequences comprising at least 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to the given sequences and which encode wild type CmDLP proteins that are functional proteins in the plant and that may exist at the same locus in different cultivated melon lines or varieties. Genes are often not 100% identical and there may be slight variation in e.g. non-coding regions (introns), variation due to the degeneracy of the genetic code and also variation in the coding regions. The same applies to the promoter sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30. Also here variant promoter sequences may exist in different cultivated melon lines or varieties, which variant promoter sequences may comprise 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 30.

[0629] “Functional proteins” refer herein to wild type CmDLP proteins which can be recruited by the virus in its replication and / or intercellular movement. Thus, “functional proteins” are wild type proteins, which cannot restrict the virus infection and the plant is susceptible to WMV.

[0630] On the other hand “reduced function CmDLP proteins” or “loss-of function CmDLP proteins” are therefore mutant proteins, which cannot be recruited by the virus in its replication and / or intercellular movement, or which can only be recruited by the virus to a lesser extent or lesser efficiency and therefore reduce the virus in its replication and / or intercellular movement.

[0631] Reduced expression or no expression means that there is a mutation in the promoter of the CmDLP gene, whereby significantly reduced wild type mRNA transcript of SEQ ID NO: 28 (or a mRNA encoding a variant wild type protein), e.g. 80%, 75%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less, of the wild type allele transcript, or no mRNA transcript of the wild type CmDLP allele is being made, compared to plants and plant parts comprising a wild type CmDLP allele with a wild type promoter. The decrease in the expression can, for example, be determined by measuring the quantity of mRNA transcripts encoding CmDLP protein, e.g. using Northern blot analysis or RT-PCR. Here, a significant reduction preferably means a reduction in the amount of mRNA transcripts by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, in particular by at least 60%, 70%, 75% or optionally by at least 80% or 85% or by at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or even by 100% (no expression) compared to the plant or plant part comprising a wild type CmDLP gene. Expression can be analysed e.g. in leaf tissue, optionally following WMV inoculation or infection. Various techniques can be used to study gene expression, e.g. quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction, northern blots, RNA sequencing, microarrays, etc. Thus, the mRNA transcript levels encoding the wild type CmDLP protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 or a variant protein comprising at least 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24 can be analyzed. The cDNA (which corresponds to the mRNA, except that Uracil is shown as Thymine in the cDNA) is provided in SEQ ID NO: 28, or in a variant of this sequence. Thus, in one aspect the level of mRNA transcript (orNunhems Netherlands B.V. 84 241120W001

[0632] the corresponding cDNA) is reduced or not produced in planta due to one or more mutations in the promoter sequence. The promoter is provided in SEQ ID NO: 30, or in a variant sequence comprising at least 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 30. The promoter is also found in the genome of melon (database cucurbitgenomics.org genome DHL92 - V4) on chromosome 5 in the region starting at nucleotide 13834898 and ending at nucleotide 13836898.

[0633] In one aspect the melon plant or plant part comprises one or more mutations in the promoter of the CmDLP allele, whereby no mRNA transcript (or significantly reduced mRNA transcript, see above) of the wild type CmDLP allele is produced, as determined for example by the absence of cDNA encoding the wild type CmDLP protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 ora variant wild type protein comprising at least 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24 (or the significant reduction of cDNA encoding the wild type CmDLP protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 or a variant wild type protein comprising at least 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24). As mentioned above also a cultivated Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, is provided herein comprising at least one copy of a mutant allele of a gene named CmDLP (Cucumis melo Dynamin-like protein) on chromosome 5, wherein said mutant allele encodes a mutant protein comprising one or more amino acids replaced, inserted and / or deleted compared to the wild type protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 (or a variant thereof). The reduction or absence of the wild type protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 in the plant will lead to a reduction of the virus’s ability to replicate and / or move intercellularly in the tissue and thereby to reduced disease symptoms (i.e. increase resistance).

[0634] Concerning the embodiments of the invention, the mutation in the mutant allele of a CmDLP gene can be any mutation, including deletions, truncations, insertions, point mutations, nonsense mutations, missense or non-synonymous mutations, splice-site mutations, frame shift mutations and / or mutations in regulatory sequences, such as the promoter.

[0635] In one aspect the mutation in the mutant allele of a CmDLP gene is a point mutation. In another aspect the mutation in the mutant allele of a CmDLP gene is an insertion of one or more nucleotides, e.g. an INDEL or a transposon or transposable element insertion.

[0636] The mutation can occur in a DNA sequence comprising the transcribed region of the gene or in the coding sequence of a CmDLP gene or in an RNA sequence encoding a CmDLP protein or it can occur in the amino acid of a CmDLP protein. Concerning a DNA sequence of a CmDLP gene the mutation can occur in the coding sequence or it can occur in non-coding sequences like 5’- and 3’-untranslated regions, promoters, enhancers, introns, etc. of a CmDLP gene. In respect to RNA encoding a CmDLP protein the mutation can occur in the pre-mRNA or the mRNA.

[0637] In one aspect the mutant allele is in the coding region and results in the mutant allele encoding a mutant protein which comprises one or more amino acids inserted, deleted and / or replaced by another amino acid or by a STOP codon. This means that a plant comprising the mutant allele in homozygous or heterozygous form will comprise less wild type protein (e.g. less protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 and less mRNA of SEQ ID NO: 28) being made in the plant tissue upon expression of the mutant allele. In homozygous form, the mutant allele will produce no wild type mRNA and no wild type protein. It is believed, without limiting the invention, that this reduction in or absence of wild type protein causes the resistance and thatNunhems Netherlands B.V. 85 241120W001

[0638] the virus thereby cannot recruit the wild type protein anymore for replication and / or intercellular movement. The amount of wild type protein is reduced by 50% (when the mutant allele is in heterozygous form) or by 100% (when the mutant allele is in homozygous form).

[0639] Various mutants in the coding sequence of the wild type CmDLP allele (such as insertion, deletion, and / or replacement of one or more amino acids or premature stop codons) will result in this reduction in wild type protein, and various mutants are described herein below, which is not limiting to these mutants.

[0640] In one aspect the mutant allele results in the mutant protein comprises one or more amino acids being replaced, inserted and / or deleted, for example resulting in one or more amino acids being replaced, inserted and / or deleted at the C-terminal end of the protein (e.g. starting at amino acid 539 to the end of the protein at amino acid 680) and / or in the GTPase effector domain of the protein (starting at amino acid 579 and ending at amino acid 669 of the protein) and / or in the Dynamin M-domain of the protein (starting at amino acid 253 and ending at amino acid 538 of the protein) and / or in the Dynamin-like domain or DLP1 domain of the protein (starting at amino acid 68 and ending at amino acid 252 of the protein), or in the region between the Dynamin-M domain and the GTPase effector domain, i.e. starting at amino acid 539 and ending at amino acid 578. When mentioning “starting at” and “ending at” the mentioned amino acid is included.

[0641] In one aspect one or more amino acids in the region in-between the Dynamin-M domain and the GTPase effector domain, i.e. starting at amino acid 539 and ending at amino acid 578, is inserted, deleted and / or replaced by another amino acid or (the codon is replaced) by a STOP codon. In one aspect the amino acid Q547 is deleted or replaced by another amino acid or by a STOP codon. In a further aspect the amino acid Q547 is replaced by R. In another aspect any amino acid selected from T539 to L578 is deleted or replaced by another amino acid or by a STOP codon. In one aspect any Q of the wild type CmDLP protein is replaced by another amino acid, especially by an R. In one aspect any Q selected from Q540, Q541 , Q542 and Q547 is deleted or replaced by another amino acid, e.g. an R, or the codon is replaced by a STOP codon.

[0642] In another aspect the mutant CmDLP allele encodes a truncated protein (e.g. through a premature STOP codon), whereby at the mutant protein comprises a deletion of at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 100, 140, 141 , 142, 143, 144, 145, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650 or more amino acids of the C-terminal end of the wild type protein will result in a mutant protein lacking C-terminal amino acids. A mutant which lacks all or part of the C-terminal GTPase Effector domain starting at amino acid 579 and ending at amino acid 669, will render the mutant CmDLP protein non-functional in vivo. Similarly, a mutant which lacks all or part of the Dynamin M-domain starting at amino acid 253 and ending at amino acid 538, will will render the mutant CmDLP protein non-functional in vivo. Therefore, mutant alleles which result in a premature STOP codon in or prior to the GTPase Effector domain or in or prior to the Dynamin M-domain are encompassed herein.

[0643] Any mutant allele of the CmDLP gene can be analysed for the phenotype when the allele is in heterozygous or in homozygous form to see if indeed the plant becomes less susceptible to WMV infection (more resistant) compared to a suitable control (comprising the wild type CmDLP allele in homozygous form). For phenotyping several plants (e.g. at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) of a control plant and a mutantNunhems Netherlands B.V. 86 241120W001

[0644] plant (heterozygous or homozygous for the mutant allele) are grown as e.g. described in the Examples and tested for WMV resistance / susceptibility in a disease assay.

[0645] One embodiment of the invention, therefore, concerns plant cells or plants according to the invention comprising a mutant allele of a CmDLP gene characterized in that the mutant allele comprises or effects one or more of the mutations selected from the group consisting of

[0646] a) a deletion, truncation, insertion, point mutation, nonsense mutation, missense or non-synonymous mutation, splice-site mutation, frame shift mutation in the genomic sequence;

[0647] b) a mutation in the promoter sequence;

[0648] c) a deletion, truncation, insertion, point mutation, nonsense mutation, missense or non-synonymous mutation, splice-site mutation, frame shift mutation in the transcribed sequence or coding sequence; d) a deletion, truncation, insertion, point mutation, nonsense mutation, missense or non-synonymous mutation, splice-site mutation, frame shift mutation in the pre-mRNA or mRNA; and / or

[0649] e) a deletion, truncation, insertion or replacement of one or more amino acids in the CmDLP protein. When referring to an amino acid being ‘deleted’, this includes a mutation whereby the codon is changed into a stop codon, or the codon is deleted, or a mutation whereby there is a frameshift, resulting in the amino acid not being encoded, or a mutation in the transcribed region whereby the mRNA transcript becomes truncated and translation results in a truncated protein. Equally, when referring to an amino acid being ‘replaced’, this includes a mutation whereby the codon encodes a different amino acid, or a codon is inserted, or a mutation whereby there is a frameshift resulting in a different amino acid being encoded. In one aspect the mutant CmDLP allele is heterozygous in a diploid melon plant cell or plant. In another aspect the mutant CmDLP allele is homozygous in a diploid melon plant cell or plant.

[0650] Aspects described elsewhere herein for plants comprising an introgression of WMV resistance-conferring QTL from a donor accession also apply to mutants generated in the CmDLP allele, which is thought to be causal for WMV resistance.

[0651] The plant cells and plants are preferably cultivated plants, such as elite breeding lines or varieties, and not wild plants. Melon may be any type of melon, such as Piel de Sapo, Charantais, Galia, Honey Dew, Yellow Canary, etc.

[0652] In one aspect the diploid melon plant comprising the CmDLP allele in homozygous form is a double haploid plant (DH), e.g. a double haploid melon, plant or plant cell or plant part. DH plants can be made by chromosome doubling (e.g. through colchicine treatment) of haploid cells.

[0653] In one aspect it is an inbred line or a variety. In a further aspect it is an F1 hybrid.

[0654] Seeds from which such a diploid plant can be grown are also encompassed herein, as are parts of such a plant, such as diploid fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, roots, vegetative propagations, cells, cuttings, seedNunhems Netherlands B.V. 87 241120W001

[0655] propagations (e.g. selfings) and also in vitro cell- or tissue cultures, as well as pollen, ovaries, etc. are encompassed herein. Thus, in one embodiment the diploid plant, or seeds from which the plant can be grown, or tissue or parts of the plant (pollen, anthers, ovules) comprises a mutant CmDLP allele as described elsewhere herein.

[0656] In one aspect the endogenous, wild type CmDLP allele on chromosome 5 of a cultivated or elite WMV-susceptible melon plant is mutated to generate a mutant CmDLP allele in cultivated melon. This avoids introgression of a mutant allele from wild melon, whereby also linkage drag may be incorporated concomitantly. Generating the mutant allele directly in elite melon lines, therefore, has the advantage that negative linkage drag can be avoided and extensive backcrossing to remove such linkage drag is not required. Therefore, in one aspect, the endogenous CmDLP allele of a cultivated melon line is mutated, either in the promoter or in the protein-coding sequence, so that less wild type CmDLP protein is present in the elite line and the plant comprises resistance against WMV.

[0657] A mutant CmDLP allele can be generated in any background melon type, or can be introduced by crossing from one background (e.g. in which it was generated) into another background, e.g. Piel de Sapo, honeydew, Galia, Charantais, etc. Thus, any melon type can be made which has the the mutant CmDLP allele.

[0658] Cultivated melon plants or seeds (e.g. elite breeding lines) can be mutagenized by treatment with mutagenizing agents such as chemical mutagens, e.g. EMS (ethyl methane sulphonate), or irradiation with UV radiation, X-rays or gamma rays or the like. For example a so-called TILLING population may be generated and screened for mutant alleles of the CmDLP gene.

[0659] As mentioned, having identified the nucleotide sequence of the gene, the skilled person can generate melon plants comprising mutants in the CmDLP gene by various methods, e.g. mutagenesis, TILLING or CRISPR-Cas or other methods known in the art. Especially with targeted gene modification technologies such as Crispr-Cas, TALENS, base editing methods and others, targeted mutations can be made in e.g. the promoter or the transcribed sequence or in the coding sequence of the gene by the person skilled in the art. The skilled person can then confirm the phenotype of a plant e.g. homozygous for the mutant CmDLP allele, i.e. being less susceptible to WMV infection. Therefore, the skilled person is not limited to the specific mutant identified (the Q547R mutant), but the skilled person can equally generate other mutations in the allele of melon and thereby generate other mutants which lead to increased WMV resistance.

[0660] Various mutations can be generated and tested for the resulting phenotype, for example the regulatory elements, especially the promoter, can be mutated to reduce expression (knock-down) or eliminate expression (knock-out) of the allele and thus reduce or eliminate the amount of wild type CmDLP protein present in the cell or plant. Alternatively, mutations which lead to reduced function or loss-of-function of the CmDLP protein can be generated (at least in the sense that there is reduced or no wild type protein and the mutant protein cannot be recruited by the virus for replication and / or intercellular movement, or not recruited at the same efficiency as the wild type protein), i.e. mutations (such as missense mutations or frame shift mutations) which lead to one or more amino acids being substituted, inserted and / or deleted,Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 88 241120W001

[0661] or whereby the protein is truncated through the introduction of a premature stop-codon in e.g. the coding sequence (non-sense mutations).

[0662] Whether the mutation results in the expected phenotype can then be tested by generating plants homozygous for the mutation through selfing and growing the plant line and testing it in a disease assay for WMV resistance.

[0663] Thus, mutants in the endogenous CmDLP gene of a melon plant can be generated by e.g. random mutagenesis or targeted mutagenesis, such as CRISPR- based methods. A review of targeted gene editing is provided e.g. by Erpen-Dalla Corte et al. in Plants 2019, 8, 601 (doi:10.3390 / plants8120601) and by Bed Prakash Bhatta and Subas Malla in Plants 2020, 9, 1360; doi:10.3390 / plants9101360. Crispr-based editing has also already been carried out in melon and other cucurbit crops and can thus be used by the skilled person to edit the endogenous CmDLP gene of melon to e.g. generate an endogenous mutant allele. For example CRISPR has been used in cucumber to generate mutants in a target gene as described in WO2017098508. Also, in watermelon CRISPR has been successfully used to modify target genes, see e.g. Wang, Y., Wang, J., Guo, S. et al. CRISPR / Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of CIBG1 decreased seed size and promoted seed germination in watermelon. Hortic Res 8, 70 (2021). https: / / doi.org / 10.1038 / s41438-021-00506-1. Furthermore, Andrea Giordano et al. (bioRxiv 2022.01.30.478227; doi: https: / / doi.org / 10.1101 / 2022.01.30.478227) published ‘CRISPR / Cas9 gene editing uncovers the role of CTR1 and ROS1 in melon fruit ripening and epigenetic regulation’ wherein melon plants were edited using Crispr / Cas9, generating loss-of-function mutants of two target genes. Alternatively, mutants in the endogenous CmDLP gene can be generated by targeted insertion via transposition of TEs as described in e.g. WO2022 / 197749 (incorporated herein by reference).

[0664] Of course, the mutant CmDLP allele can also be introgressed from a donor accession, as described in the Examples and elsewhere herein. WMV resistant accessions can be screened and analysed for the presence of a mutant CmDLP allele in order to select an accession comprising a mutant allele.

[0665] In one aspect the mutant allele comprises a mutation in the codon for amino acid Q547 of SEQ ID NO: 24 (or the equivalent amino acid in a wild type variant protein comprising at least 94%%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24). Thus, in one aspect a Cucumis melo plant or plant part is provided comprising a mutant allele, wherein said mutant allele comprises a mutation in the codon encoding amino acid number Q547 of SEQ ID NO: 24, or the equivalent amino acid in a protein comprising at least 94%%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 24. Thus, in one aspect amino acid Q547 is replaced by another amino acid, or the codon is changed into a STOP codon.

[0666] The equivalent amino acid in a protein comprising a certain percentage sequence identity can be determined by pairwise alignment of the two sequences in e.g. the program Needle. The same applies to nucleotides of a nucleotide sequence.

[0667] In another aspect a Cucumis melo plant or plant part is provided comprising a mutant allele, wherein said mutant allele encodes a mutant protein which comprises one or more amino acids inserted, deleted and / or replaced by another amino acid or by a stop codon compared to the wild type protein of SEQ ID NO: 24, or the equivalent amino acid in a variant protein comprising at least 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 89 241120W001

[0668] sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24. In one aspect the mutant allele comprises at least one amino acid selected from amino acid 539 to 578 replaced by another amino acid or by a STOP codon, especially at least one amino acid selected from Q540, Q541 , Q542 and Q547 is replaced by another amino acid or by a STOP codon.

[0669] In one aspect the Cucumis melo plant or plant part is provided comprising a mutant allele, wherein said mutant allele said mutant allele is a knock-down allele that has reduced expression or a knock-out allele that is not expressed or wherein the mutant allele encodes a mutant protein that comprises one or more amino acids inserted, deleted and / or replaced by a different amino acid (compared to the wild type CmDLP protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 or a variant wild type protein) or by a STOP codon and that e.g. has reduced function or no function in vivo.

[0670] As mentioned further above, “reduced function” or “no function in vivo" refers to at least the reduced ability or loss of ability of the mutant protein to be recruited by the virus in its replication and / or movement intercellularly compared to the wild type protein, whereby in plants homozygous for the mutant protein disease symptoms are reduced in e.g. a disease assay.

[0671] As the effect of the mutant allele is co-dominant, the strongest symptom reduction compared to the wild type control plant is seen when the mutant allele is in homozygous form. This is explained by the fact that when the mutant allele is in heterozygous form, there is still about 50% wild type protein being made by the wild type allele, whereby the virus can likely still recruit the available wild type protein to replicate and / or move, albeit to a lesser extent than in a wild type plant (homozygous for the wild type CmDLP allele and protein).

[0672] Thus, in one aspect the mutant CmDLP allele is an induced mutant allele, generated by random or targeted mutagenesis and is not introgressed from a wild or landrace accession of Cucumis melo. The chromosome 5 of an elite breeding line or variety is, thus, mutated in the endogenous CmDLP gene to generate the mutant allele. Thereafter it can be crossed into other C. melo elite breeding lines or varieties. In this way the mutant allele can also be transferred from one cultivated melon type (e.g. Piel de Sapo) to another cultivated melon type (e.g. Charantais, honeydew, etc.).

[0673] The chromosome 5 region comprising the mutant allele is, therefore, in one aspect not an introgression fragment. When analyzing the SNP haplotype of SNP markers prior to and after the CmDLP allele, one can distinguish the resistance donor introgression fragment and the recurrent parent or reference genome region, see e.g. Table 2. Thus, for example SNP_08 to SNP_15 of the introgression fragment have a SNP haplotype C-T-A-T-T-T-A-A for these SNP markers, while both the recurrent parent and the reference genome have the SNP haplotype A-G-G-G-C-C-C-G for these SNP markers. Likewise on the other side of the CmDLP allele SNP_17 to SNP_23 of the introgression fragment from the donor comprise a SNP haplotype A-C-A-T-G-A-T, while both the recurrent parent and the reference genome (lacking the introgression) have a SNP haplotype for SNP_17 to SNP_23 of G-T-G-C-A-G-C, see Table 2 and elsewhere herein. Thus, by analyzing the chromosome 5 genomic region prior to and after the CmDLP allele one can determine by e.g. sequencing or SNP haqplotype analysis of one or more of the SNP markers selected from e.g. SNP_08 to SNP_15 (region prior to the CmDLP allele) and / or one or more of the SNP markers selected from e.g. SNP_17 to SNP_23 (region after the CmDLP allele) whether theNunhems Netherlands B.V. 90 241120W001

[0674] CmDLP allele is present on an introgression fragment or whether the CmDLP allele is present in the cultivated melon chromosome 5 and not present on an introgression fragment. If one wants to determine if the CmDLP allele is on an introgression fragment or not, it is sufficient to determine the SNP haplotype of e.g. 1 , 2 or 3 SNP markers prior to the allele (e.g. SNP_13, SNP_14 and SNP_15) and e.g. 1 , 2 or 3 SNP markers following the CmDLP allele (e.g. SNP_17, SNP_18 and SNP_19). It is even sufficient to only determine the SNP haplotype for SNP_15 and / or SNP_17, as these are the closest to the mutant CmDLP allele. Alternatively, one can sequence the genomic region and thereby see if the genomic region is a cultivated genome or a wild genome region, as wild genome regions will have a lower sequence identity to the same region of the reference genome DHL92 V4, while the cultivated genome region will have a very high sequence identity to the same region on the reference genome DHL92 V4, e.g. at least 99% or 99.5% or 99.6%, 99.7%. 99.8%, 99.9% or 100% sequence identity. For example, one can sequence the region from 100.000 nucleotides prior to and 100.000 nucleotides following SEQ ID NO: 26 and compare that to the sequence of the reference genome DHL92 V4.

[0675] So, in the aspect where the mutant CmDLP allele is on the introgression fragment of the donor it comprises in the region prior to the mutant CmDLP allele:

[0676] a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or a Thymine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and / or

[0677] an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or an Adenine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14; and / or

[0678] an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or an Adenine the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15.

[0679] And / or where the mutant CmDLP allele is on the introgression fragment of the donor it comprises in the region following the mutant CmDLP allele:

[0680] an Adenine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17); and / or

[0681] a Cytosine for SNP_18 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 18 or a Cytosine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 18); and / or

[0682] an Adenine for SNP_19 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 19 or an Adenine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 19).Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 91 241120W001

[0683] On the other hand, in one aspect herein the mutant CmDLP allele is not on the introgression fragment from a donor, but is a mutant allele generated in a cultivated C. melo line or variety, it comprises in the region prior to the mutant CmDLP allele:

[0684] a Cytosine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or a Cytosine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13; and / or

[0685] a Cytosine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or a Cytosine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14; and / or

[0686] a Guanine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or a Guanine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15.

[0687] And / or where the mutant CmDLP allele is not on the introgression fragment from a donor but is a mutant allele generated in a cultivated C. melo line or variety, it comprises in the region following the mutant CmDLP allele:

[0688] a Guanine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17); and / or

[0689] a Thymine for SNP_18 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 18 or a Thymine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 18); and / or

[0690] a Guanine for SNP_19 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 19 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 19).

[0691] The same applies for the other SNP markers, further away from the mutant CmDLP allele, as mentioned above, and see also Table 2, but it is sufficient to determine the nucleotide for SNP markers SNP_15 and / or SNP_17, as these are relatively closely prior and after the mutant CmDLP allele and are therefore the most suited for determining whether the mutant allele is on an introgression fragment or in an endogenous cultivated C. melo chromosome background. It is noted that SNP_16 is not a suitable marker for analysis, as it is an in-gene marker which is a silent mutation not causing any amino acid change (codon gga to codon ggg, both coding for Glycine) and either codon may be present.

[0692] Therefore, in one aspect the mutant CmDLP allele is identified in and introgressed from a wild or landrace accession of Cucumis melo into cultivated melon, while in another aspect the mutant CmDLP allele is generated in a cultivated C. melo plant background, as can be differentiated by the genomic region prior to and / or following the mutant CmDLP allele on the chromosome 5.Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 92 241120W001

[0693] In one aspect, therefore, a cultivated Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, comprising at least one copy of a mutant allele of a gene named CmDLP (Cucumis melo Dynamin-like protein) on chromosome 5, wherein said mutant allele either

[0694] a) comprises one or more mutations in a regulatory element, resulting in no expression or reduced expression of the allele compared to the wild type allele, and / or

[0695] b) encodes a mutant protein comprising one or more amino acids replaced, inserted or deleted compared to the wild type protein,

[0696] wherein said mutant allele of a) or b) confers an increase in resistance against Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) when the mutant allele is in heterozygous or in homozygous form, and wherein the wild type allele encodes a protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 or a protein comprising at least 94%%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24, and

[0697] wherein the plant or plant part comprises

[0698] a Guanine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or a Guanine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15, and / or

[0699] a Guanine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17.

[0700] In a further aspect, therefore, a cultivated Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, comprising at least one copy of a mutant allele of a gene named CmDLP (Cucumis melo Dynamin-like protein) on chromosome 5, wherein said mutant allele either

[0701] a) comprises one or more mutations in a regulatory element, resulting in no expression or reduced expression of the allele compared to the wild type allele, and / or

[0702] b) encodes a mutant protein comprising one or more amino acids replaced, inserted or deleted compared to the wild type protein,

[0703] wherein said mutant allele of a) or b) confers an increase in resistance against Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) when the mutant allele is in heterozygous or in homozygous form, and wherein the wild type allele encodes a protein of SEQ ID NO: 24 or a protein comprising at least 94%%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24, and wherein the endogenous allele on chromosome 5 comprising SEQ ID NO: 26 of a cultivated WMV susceptible melon plant has been mutated and wherein the plant or plant part comprises

[0704] a Guanine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or a Guanine at the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15, and / or

[0705] a Guanine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 or a Guanine at the equivalent position in a sequence comprising at least 90%, preferably at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%,Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 93 241120W001

[0706] 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 17.

[0707] As mentioned previously, most aspects described elsewhere herein for plants comprising an introgression fragment comprising the WMV-resistance conferring QTL generally also apply to plants comprising a mutant allele of the CmDLP gene. Thus, e.g. phenotype assays to determine whether the plants are resistant, or to determine whether a mutation in the CmDLP promoter or coding region results in enhanced WMV resistance (reduced susceptibility) apply equally.

[0708] The resistance is co-dominant, as described. In one aspect the melon plant therefore comprises the mutant allele in heterozygous form or, preferably, in homozygous form.

[0709] In one aspect the plant which is heterozygous or preferably homozygous for the mutant CmDLP allele comprises an average resistance score of at least 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 or 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5 or more on a scale a scale of 1 (severe symptoms) to 9 (healthy plant), as disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0710] The plant comprising one ortwo copies of a mutant CmDLP allele which confers WMV resistance (reduces susceptibility) is in one aspect of the type C. melo var. cantaloupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. cassaba, or C. melo var. ibericus. The mutant allele may be generated in a cultivated melon elite line or variety of one of these types and may then be transferred to another type by crossing, e.g. backcrossing. Thus, the endogenous wild type CmDLP allele of e.g. a Piel de Sapo or a Honeydew melon may be mutagenized to generate a mutant allele which confers WMV resistance and the mutant allele may then be crossed into any other melon type or background.

[0711] The Cucumis melo plant may be an inbred line or an F1 hybrid. It may comprise one ortwo copies of the mutant CmDLP allele. Also plant parts are encompassed, as are seeds ...

Claims

Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 124 241120W001CLAIMS1. A cultivated Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, comprising a recombinant chromosome 5, the recombinant chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment from a donor accession which comprises a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) named QTL5 located in between an Adenine for SNP_03 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3, corresponding to nucleotide 12286432 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, and an Adenine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17, corresponding to nucleotide 13928623 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, said QTL5 confers Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) resistance onto the Cucumis melo plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form and wherein said introgression fragment comprises one or more or all of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers of the group:a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;a Thymine for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;a Thymine for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 125 241120W001an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; anda Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16.

2. The Cucumis melo plant according to claim 1, wherein the QTL5 is located in between SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15, corresponding to nucleotide 13810729 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome and SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17 corresponding to nucleotide 13928623 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome.

3. The Cucumis melo plant, or part thereof, according to claim 1 , wherein the QTL5 is obtainable from seeds, a representative sample of which has been deposited under accession number NCIMB 44531 or from another Cucumis melo donor which comprises the following SNP marker haplotype:a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;a Thymine for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;a Thymine for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 126 241120W001an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; anda Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16.

4. The Cucumis melo plant or plant part according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said QTL5 confers resistance in a co-dominant manner.

5. The Cucumis melo plant according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the donor accession of QTL5 is of the C. melo var. conomon group or of the C. melo var. momordica group.

6. The Cucumis melo plant according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the donor accession of QTL5 comprises a WMV resistance score of 9 on a scale of 1 (severe symptoms) to 9 (healthy plant).

7. The Cucumis melo plant or plant part according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plant is homozygous for said QTL5 and comprises a WMV resistance score of 7 on a scale of 1 (severe symptoms) to 9 (healthy plant).

8. The Cucumis melo plant or plant part according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plant is of the type C. melo var. cantaloupensis, C. melo var. inodorous, C. melo var. cassaba, or C. melo var. ibericus.

9. Seeds from which a plant according to any one of claims 1 to 8 can be grown.

10. A method of selecting a Cucumis melo plant comprising a chromosome 5, said chromosome 5 comprising an introgression fragment comprises a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) named QTL5 located in between an Adenine for SNP_03 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 3, corresponding to nucleotide 12286432 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, and an Adenine for SNP_17 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 17, corresponding to nucleotide 13928623 of chromosome 5 of the melon genome, said QTL5 confers Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) resistance onto the Cucumis melo plant when present in homozygous or heterozygous form, said method comprises selecting a plant or plant part comprising one or more or all of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers of the group:a Cytosine for the SNP_04 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4;a Thymine for SNP_05 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5;an Adenine for SNP_06 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6;Nunhems Netherlands B.V. 127 241120W001a Cytosine for SNP_07 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7;a Cytosine for SNP_08 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8;a Thymine for SNP_09 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 9 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 9;an Adenine for SNP_10 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 10 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10;a Thymine for SNP_11 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 11 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11 ;a Thymine for SNP_12 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 12 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12;a Thymine for SNP_13 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 13 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13;an Adenine for SNP_14 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 14 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14;an Adenine for SNP_15 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 15 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15; anda Guanine for SNP_16 at nucleotide 51 of SEQ ID NO: 16 or the equivalent nucleotide in a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 16.

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