Abstract: ‘Mingzhu 3’，a new mid-ripening muskmelon cultivar，is bred by crossing the maternal line M9-1 with the paternal line PM2. The plant shows moderate growth rate. The fruit is round shape with white and smooth skin. The average single fruit weight is 2.0 kg. The flesh is green with a thickness about 4.5 cm. The flesh is soft，delicate and juicy，and the center soluble solids content is about 16%. The whole growth period of the spring cultivation season is about 110 d and that of the summer-autumn cultivation season is about 80 d. The fruit development period is about 40–45 d after flowering stage. The plant shows good comprehensive resistance. The average output is more than 44 100 kg • hm-2. It is suitable for planting in all kinds of facilities and protected cultivation.

Key words: muskmelon, protected cultivation, cultivar