STM Article Repository

The aim of this study was to identify parents and promising hybrid combinations for the improvement
of Citrullus mucosospermus (Fursa). 12 F1 hybrids obtained from a 4x4 full diallel crossing along with
their parental lines (Bebu (B), Wlêwlê small seeds 1 (Wss1), Wlêwlê small seeds 2 (Wss2) and
Wlêwlê small seeds 3 (Wss3)) were evaluated. The experimental design was a randomized complete
block design with three replications. Results showed that hybrids having one parent Bebu, expressed
significant positive heterosis effect relative to mid-parental values for characters’ fruit weight, fruit
diameter and fruit volume. Combined analysis of variances for all investigated traits showed
significant (P˂0.001) mean squares of GCA and SCA for all studied traits, indicating the involvement
of both additive and non-additive gene actions in the inheritance of these traits. Non-additive gene
effects were predominant for all studied traits. Bebu appeared the best general combiner for FMp,
FW, FD and FV while, Wss2 and Wss3 were the best general combiner for NF. Therefore, there were
suggested for their incorporation into C. mucosospermus breeding programs, in order to accumulate
their favorable genes responsible for increasing fruit yield in promising pure lines. Crosses
Wss1×Wss2 and Wss2×Wss3 showed significant SCA effects for NF while, crosses B x Wss1, Wss1
x B, B x Wss2, Wss2 x B, B x Wss3 and Wss3 x B presented significant positive values of SCA for
FW, FD and FV. Progeny B×Wss2 had recorded a negative value of SCA for FMp. These promising
crosses with significant SCA effects could be included in C. mucosospermus breeding programs,
which could be advanced further for the isolation of transgressive segregants in order to develop good
inbred lines.