Evaluation of F1 hybrids for horticultural and quality traits and pumpkin yellow vein mosaic disease resistance in pumpkin

Abstract

Pumpkins being cheap and having higher medicinal value, can act as a saviour to low-income families. However, being a minor crop, little attention has been paid to its improvement. The hybridization in pumpkins is economically feasible due to the monoecious nature and higher number of seeds per fruit. Moreover, developing superior hybrids can enhance production and consumption through ease in cultivation, meeting consumers’ preferences and suitability to different seasons. Hitherto, 34 F1 hybrids were evaluated for standard heterosis during spring and rainy seasons. H9 (P-225 × GFR-6783) and H28 (VR-1365 × VR-13364) hybrids exhibited maximum standard heterosis for yield per plant and can be exploited for commercial cultivation. Resistance to PYVMD is a pre-requisite for the successful cultivation of pumpkin in the rainy season. 11 hybrids (H24, H25, H26, H27, H28, H29, H30, H31, H32, H33 and H34) tolerant to PYVMD offered the advantage of cultivating pumpkin in both seasons.