Introduction, screening and evaluation of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. germplasm resources

ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper was to evaluate general fitness and stress resistance of different types of Lagenaria siceraria(Molina) Standl. germplasm resources, screen breeding materials suitable for early spring cultivation in Shanghai, and provide basic materials for germplasm innovation and breeding of new varieties. MethodFifty-five L. siceraria(Molina) Standl. germplasm resources were studied. Twenty-six agronomic traits including characteristics of biology, the characteristics and quality of fruit were investigated at different fertility periods,and the correlation analysis of eight major agronomic traits related to growth and resistance were analyzed. ResultMaterials B2,B3,B10,B12,B16,B17,B18,B19, B20,B21,B23,B25,B28,B33,B35,B43,B45,B54,B55,B56,B58,B61,B64,B65 and B66 had strong advantages in wide adaptability and stress resistance. The correlation analysis for some agronomic traits showed that, the powdery mildew resis-tance, heat resistance of L. siceraria(Molina) Standl. and growth potential,maturity and whole growth period were ex-tremely significantly negative correlated(P<0.01), which meant L. siceraria(Molina) Standl. with strong growth potential, late-maturing and long growth period were with strong disease resistance and heat resistance. ConclusionTwenty-five L. siceraria(Molina) Standl. germplasms are selected form fifty-five L. siceraria (Molina) Standl. germplasms that were better in wide adaptability and stress resistance. They are suitable for early spring planting in Shanghai and reach the market demand. Therefore, they can be used as the basis material for breeding new varieties of L. siceraria(Molina) Standl.