Genetic mapping and localization of major QTL for bitterness in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

•We demonstrated that bitterness in melon was controlled by dual genes, and bitterness was dominant to non-bitterness.•A linkage map was developed including 781 SNPs and 12 linkage groups covering a genome length of 851.53 cM.•Three novel QTLs were mapped on LG3 and LG4, and InDel markers proved the accuracy of mapping results for melon bitterness.