Implications of the inoculation method and environment in the selection of melon genotypes resistant to Didymella bryoniae

•Implementing the most appropriate screening condition allows a reliable selection of resistant melon genotypes to D. bryoniae.•Fungal spores’ inoculation must be used for a better differentiation of resistant genotypes.•Although resistance is often assumed as monogenic, it is affected by environmental factors.•The combination of two or more genes does not always generate more resistant individuals than parents.