Attractiveness of Melon Genotypes to Whitefly ( <i>Bemisia tabaci</i> ) Mediated by Foliar Morphological and Biochemical Traits

ABSTRACT The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a major global pest of melon ( Cucumis melo L.), responsible for significant economic losses. Developing resistant cultivars through antixenosis offers a key strategy for sustainable management. This study evaluated resistance sources to B. tabaci in melon genotypes and investigated the morphological and biochemical leaf traits underlying this interaction. The preference of B. tabaci (biotype MEAM1) was assessed in six melon genotypes and a susceptible commercial hybrid (“Goldex”) under free‐choice and no‐choice assays in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates per genotype. Parameters measured included adult and egg counts, as well as foliar morphological traits (color attributes, trichome density, and leaf thickness) and biochemical traits (SPAD index, nitrogen, and water content). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA). Whitefly preference differed significantly among genotypes, with CNPH 13‐1076, BG MEL 16, CNPH 06‐1047‐343 and CNPH 11‐1071‐43 consistently supporting fewer adults and eggs, indicating strong antixenotic responses. PCA revealed a negative correlation between B. tabaci infestation and leaf color (R, G, B) and trichome density, while infestation correlated positively with leaf nitrogen content. Associations with leaf brightness, saturation, SPAD index, and water content were more complex and secondary. In conclusion, CNPH 06‐1047‐343, BG MEL 16, CNPH 13‐1076, and CNPH 11‐1071‐43 were identified as valuable sources of antixenosis‐based resistance. This resistance reflects multiple traits, including trichomes, specific leaf colors, and favorable biochemical profiles, making these genotypes promising resources for melon breeding programs.