A prospective method of interspecific hybridization in the Cucurbita genus

A new method of interspecies crossing representatives of the Cucurbita genus was tested, which involves simultaneously applying an aqueous mixture of growth regulators to the base of the pistil of female flowers during the pollination of the maternal hybridization partner. This experimental method made it possible to carry out a successful crossing and obtain a full-fledged hybrid F1 progeny (Cucurbita pepo var. giraumtonia Duch. / Cucurbita maxima Duch.). From the hybrid seeds planted in the field, it was possible to obtain hybrid forms of plants, which, according to the morphology of the leaf and the shape of the fruit, had intermediate traits of the hybridization partners. It was established that interspecific F1 hybrids had a bushy plant form inherited from the maternal component. The fruits of interspecies hybrids had either an elliptical or broadly elliptical shape of green color with small and dense dots and with a darker and denser color of the ribs. Leaf blades in interspecific hybrid plants were characterized by heart-shaped or triangular shapes, with a complete absence or very shallow incisions, intense green color, sometimes with the presence of silver spots on the upper side. The procedure of artificial pollination of each hybrid plant was carried out. The final results regarding the analysis of hybrid plants will be carried out after the completion of all phenological phases of development.