ARS | Publication request: THE INTROGESSION OF CUCUMIS HYSTRIX GENES INTO CUCUMIS SATIUVS

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 20, 2003
Publication Date: October 15, 2003
Citation: Staub, J.E., Chen, J.F. 2003. The introgession of cucumis hystrix genes into cucumis satiuvs. Meeting Abstract.

Technical Abstract: An interspecific hybrid between Cucumis hystrix Chakr. (2n = 24) x C. sativus L. (2n = 14) was reproduced by means of embryo rescue (2n = 19), and then subsequently its chromosome number was doubled to produce an amphidiploid (2n = 38). The amphidiploid was backcrossed and then self-pollinated to cucumber (Chinese type) to produce genetically enhanced cucumber germplasm. These backcross progeny (BC1S3) were fully fertile with C. sativus. Multiple harvest yield potential and length:diameter fruit ratio (i.e.,L:D, fruit quality component) of these BC1S3 progeny were evaluated in replicated trail at Hancock, WI in 2003. A test cross was made between a USDA inbred processing cucumber line (P-10) and a randomly selected BC1S3 individual. This hybrid was compared to the BC1S3 itself, line P-10 and 'Vlasset' for fruit yield and quality in four replications arranged in a randomized complete block design (~62,000 plants/ha). The monoecious BC1S3 progeny were relatively late flowering (~ 45 days) when compared to 'Vlasset' (~36 days), P-10 (~38 days), or the hybrid (~ 41 days). While 'Vlasset' and P-10 produced fruit approximately 42 days after sowing, the BC1S3 progeny and hybrid did not. Although yield of 'Vlasset' and P-10 was higher than either the BC1S3 progeny or the hybrid in the second harvest, the yield of both the BC1S3 progeny and the hybrid were higher than 'Vlasset' and P-10 in the fourth harvest. The mean cumulative L:D ratio of 'Vlasset', P-10, the BC1S3 progeny, and the hybrid fruit was approximately 3.0, 2.8, 3.9, and 3.4, respectively. The vegetative growth of both the progeny and the hybrid were remarkably light green in color and considerably greater than 'Vlasset' due to its highly branched growth habit (secondary and tertiary branches). These data and results from previous published communications suggest that amphidiploid-derived germplasm may be of value in the germplasm enhancement of cucumber.