Intraspecific hybridization in “Egusi” melon, <I>Colocynthis citrullus</I> L.

Abstract

Intraspecific hybridization in Melon, Colocynthis citrullus L. was carried out in the botanical garden of university of Calabar using three varieties namely “sewere” (S) “barablackedge” (BB) and “barawhite edge” (BW). They were crossed in all possible combinations including their reciprocals. Average percentage fruit set of 18.1 was recorded. Colour of young fruits and colour of mature fruits were each found to be controlled by a single gene pair (monogenic inheritance). Chi-square analysis of the data on inheritance showed a good fit between observed and expected ratios in all the populations. Analysis of variance for some growth characters studied showed that most of the hybrids obtained did not differ significantly from their parents (P >0.05) in leaf length, number of leaves per branch, stem width, vine length at maturity and height at branching. However, hybrid BW X BB was found to have produced significantly (P<0.05) longer internode length than its parents. Hybrids BBXBW, BWXBB, SXBW and BW x S showed better parent heterosis for vine length at maturity. These findings may prove useful in future breeding work involving the crop.


KEY WORDS: Colocynthis citrullus, Intraspecific Hybridization, Heterosis, Fruit colour inheritance


Global Jnl Pure and Applied Sciences Vol.10(4) 2004: 519-523