Interspecific Hybridization between Cucurbita Maxima Duch. and Cucurbita Moschata Duch. for High Efficient Development of Cucurbit Rootstocks

Abstract

Interspecific hybrids between Cucurbita maxima and C. moschata have been commonly used as a rootstock for watermelon, melon, and cucumber, as well as to develop new Cucurbit types and widen the genetic variation. In this study, 218 interspecific hybridizations were performed between C. moschata (Alseiny) and ten lines of C. maxima. C. moschata (Alseiny) was successfully crossed with all ten lines of C. maxima resulted 20 interspecific hybrid combinations (including reciprocal) and fruit set, hybrid normal seed and seed germination was obtained. Fruit set and hybrid seed was generally higher in interspecific hybrid combinations when C. moschata (Alseiny) used as maternal parent, with the exception of hybridizations involved C. maxima MAX5 and MAX7. The highest fruit set percentage with normal seeds was obtained in interspecific hybrid MAX5 X Alseiny (86.6%), followed by Alseiny X MAX14 (83.3%). In addition, interspecific hybrid combinations Alseiny X MAX20, MAX2 X Alseiny, MAX5 X Alseiny gave the higher hybrid seed number and weight per fruit. Overall, interspecific hybrid MAX5 X Alseiny was the most promising combination for fruit setting and hybrid seed yield. Success in production of interspecific hybrid seeds and germination could be promising for cucurbit rootstock production in Egypt.