Final answer:
The available materials do not specify which cultivar was the first to be released with resistance to melting out disease. They do discuss various other genetic modifications for disease resistance in crops such as sugar beets, yellow squash, and tomatoes, emphasizing the role of genetic engineering in enhancing crop resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
While the provided reference materials mention several genetically modified (GM) crops with resistance to specific diseases or pests, the direct answer to what cultivar was the first released that had resistance to melting out disease is not specified within them. However, it is known that pathology and genetic engineering have led to developments of various resistance traits in crops. For example, GM sugar beets with Rz1 resistance gene to combat rhizomania, and yellow squash that was modified to resist viruses, including the watermelon, cucumber, and zucchini/courgette yellow mosaic viruses. Additionally, resistance in crops like the FlavrSavr Tomato has been achieved through modification, albeit for increased shelf life rather than disease resistance per se.
More specific information about the first cultivar with resistance to melting out disease, a common issue with grasses particularly in the turf industry, would likely be found in agronomic literature and research specifically focused on turfgrass breeding and pathology.