Generation and Potential Use of Interspecific Cucumis Hybrids

Abstract

[EN] Grafting is a traditional method used to avoid soil stresses. It is commonly used today in vegetable production as an alternative to conventional agrochemical control. Cucurbita hybrids are widely used as rootstocks for cucurbits, such as watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf.) and melon (Cucumis melo L.), but they sometimes have negative effects on fruit quality (5) or lack resistance against nematodes (3)(14). The Cucumis genus represents an important source of germplasm to obtain new potential rootstocks useful for melons. Interspecific hybrids between Cucumis species can provide resistances against important pathogens without altering fruit quality due to a closer genetic relationship between the rootstock and the scion. Some attempts have been conducted to cross cultivated Cucumis species (melon and cucumber) with wild ones, but with limited success (2)(10)(12)(15). However, hybridization among wild Cucumis species is successful for some cross combinations (2). We have performed several interspecific crosses and found promising results with the hybrid between C. ficifolius A.Rich x C. myriocarpus Naudin.