ABSTRACT
Persian melons are one of the most important cucurbits in Iran with a wide variety of types. Due to their high economical and nutritional values, they are cultivated in most cucurbit cultivation areas in Iran and some surrounding countries. It is believed that melon domestication began in Iran. Historical records and archeological remains show the place of origin of melons as Egypt and Iran (Robinson and Decker-Walters, 1997). Persian melons have a considerable tolerance to drought and saline condition and need a long warm growing season (Javanmardi, 1998). The best conditions for growing Persian melons are around the central desert in Iran, where other plants rarely could be grown. Farmers in those areas have grown Persian melons for centuries. Since Persian melons are endemic to Iran, internationally published literature on their research is rare and most of the information is local or based on centuries of farmers’ experiences.
