The study was carried out at AI-Sowairy Experimental Farm of Seiyun Agricultural Research Station to evaluate 44-land races and varieties of local Melon crop, which were collected from different locations of Wadi Hadhramount during January-April 2003 . Seeds of different lines and genotypes were planted in lines in flat basins (2 lines each) in Jan. 2004 . Data on morphological, phonological and fruit characters were recorded and analyzed . Results showed that local sweet Melon in Hadramout could be classified into nine distinct groups on bases of their fruit color , shape and skin touch . Results of this study have also showed variation in some other characters and suggested the need to preserve seeds of these races at the gene bank of the National Center for Genetic Resources of the Agricu ltural Research and Extension Authority for further studies and utilization.

Key Words :collection, evaluation, local races, melon, Hadhramout Yemen.