Combining ability and heterosis for root structure and graft-related traits of interspecific Cucurbita rootstocks

Interspecific hybrid Cucurbita rootstocks (Cucurbita maxima × moschata) are the most widely used for Cucurbitaceous vegetables in world. In recent years, scientists have focused on understanding and exploiting root architectures as new opportunities crop improvement. Selection of parents hybrids based combining ability test is an effective approach interspecific variety breeding. However, limited information available tests rooting graft-related traits these rootstocks. Ondokuz Mayis University Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute conducting a program to breed Turkey fifteen years. this study, seven C. (BC5F1 generation) lines female three moschata (S6 male were obtain 21 crosses. The watermelon grafted onto their parent analyzed terms general (GCA), specific (SCA), heritability, heterosis roots including volume (cm3), length (m), dry weight (g), hairy rate (%), average diameter (mm), shoot graft success hypocotyl thickness ratio (%) by using line tester mating design. quotient GCA/SCA effects all higher than 1, suggesting preponderance additive over non-additive gene action expression traits, whereas was controlled effects. It determined that had high heritability (63.85%) other intermediate ranging from 40.59 58.98%. Combining analyses indicated FTS5, GH12, GRD17 promising with greater ability. Three crosses, B12 BH5 CHI2 showed superior mid-parent significant SCA studied characteristics. Present findings will provide contributions related characteristics then achieving desirable improved moschata.