Interspecific Hybridization Characteristics of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) and Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima Duch.)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

university of Tehran

Abstract

Abstract
This research is dedicated to the production and evaluation of Cucurbita interspecies hybrids (Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata) to use as rootstock for cucurbit crops such as cantaloupe. The experiments included cultivating and crossing different varieties of pumpkin and squash in controlled and field conditions, checking the germination ability, and pollen fertility, and evaluating the morphological traits of the rootstock. In total, 307 crosses were made, 17 of which succeeded in forming fruit and producing seeds. Investigations showed that factors such as hypocotyl length and diameter, germination percentage, and pollen fertility play a key role in transplant success. The results showed that the hybrids MB525×SI8910, and MB525×SB409 had good performance in terms of basic traits, including suitable length and diameter of hypocotyl, dry weight, and percentage of shoot dry matter. Also, the percentage of pollen infertility in some hybrids was high due to genetic incompatibility and environmental conditions, but several hybrids with favorable characteristics were identified, which can be used as rootstock in commercial crops. These findings show that the production of suitable hybrids not only improves plant establishment under environmental stress conditions but also provides the potential to increase the yield and quality of horticultural products. This research provides valuable information on the use of interspecies hybrids in modern agriculture and suggests that future studies focus on optimizing the genetic and environmental traits of these rootstocks.

Keywords

International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 November 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 12 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 May 2025

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