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Thirty-nine Hungarian accessions either collected from different regions of Hungary or obtained from gene banks and 11 Turkish accessions representing particular regions of Turkey were evaluated and compared for morphological characteristics. Qualitative characters were obtained according to the modified UPOV descriptor list for 58 characters. Sixteen quantitative characters (hypocotyl length, cotyledon width and length, length of main stem, number of nodes, length and width of leaf, length of petiole, length and width of the ovary, fruit weight, size of pistil scar, diameter and length of fruit, thickness of outer layer of pericarp, total soluble solids) were also measured. Results of both qualitative and quantitative measurements indicated that Hungarian and Turkish germplasm resources present a wide range of diversity for morphological traits. Accessions of the two countries show many similarities, therefore cannot be separated clearly. Considering the historical background, the two countries might have varieties with similar phenotypes and genetically common backgrounds.

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The aim of our experiments was to investigate the internal quality parameters of some old melon and watermelon landraces or varieties whether they have any desirable characteristics. Measurements were carried out using 8 different types of melon (Cucumis melo L.) and 8 accessions of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus [Thumb]), which were self pollinated under greenhouse conditions. Besides the determination of dry matter content; soluble solids, titratable acidity of the fruit juices, investigation of carbohydrates, total phenol content was measured by spectrophotometer. Total antioxidant capacities were determined spectrophotometrically using the FRAP method. We found some accesions both among melon and watermelon varieties, which could be characterized by outstanding inner content.

While supermarkets devote whole aisles to hybrids, traditional varieties are hard to find, and becoming scarcer day by day. Unfortunately, countless old melon varieties have already been lost. Luckily we succeded in collecting most of these varieties, and thus conserving them in Gene Banks. Landraces, local types, and old breed races show many characteristics that could be useful in organic farming. It is important to get acquainted with these varieties and cultivars, because they have greatly adapted to the climatic and pedological conditions of the Carpathian basin. Therefore their conservation is essential for the protection of Hungarian genetic variability. With the help of utilising our landraces in organic farming; careful selection; and the usage of marketing strategy in order to enhance quality features, such as unique flavour; we could reclaim the one-time excellent reputation of Hungarian melon.