Genetic and Chlorophyll Studies of a Yellow-Green Mutant in Muskmelon

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Abstract
Genetic studies of a yellow-green mutant in muskmelon indicated that it was monogenic and originated as a somatic mutation in a single runner of an andromonoecious plant. The total chlorophyll content of leaves of the yellow-green plants was approx. one-half that of leaves from normal green plants. In addition, there was a qualitative difference in the chlorophyll components of the mutant when compared with normal green plants. Thus the ratio of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b in normal green plants was 2.42, and in the yellow-green mutant 3.18; the % of chlorophyll a in normal green plants was 70.76 and in the yellow-green mutant 76.09. In the heterozygous condition the yellow-green mutant was completely recessive, and there was no reduction of vigor or reproductive capacity in the homozygote.