This study aimed to overcome the limited storability of Cucurbita maxima (Kabocha squash) by performing interspecific hybridization with Cucurbita moschata, a
species known for superior postharvest storability and tissue stability, and to comprehensiv...
This study aimed to overcome the limited storability of Cucurbita maxima (Kabocha squash) by performing interspecific hybridization with Cucurbita moschata, a
species known for superior postharvest storability and tissue stability, and to comprehensively evaluate the fruit characteristics and storage performance of the
resulting F₁ hybrids. Among 16 interspecific hybrid combinations using C. moschata as the female parent and C. maxima as the male parent, most exhibited high seed abortion rates. However, several combinations (e.g., 3-3-1 × 15-11-2S, 15-21-2S × 5-1-1, and 19-7S × 3-8-2) produced a relatively high proportion of normal seeds, allowing their use in subsequent analyses. The F₁ hybrids displayed substantial variation in growth and
flowering traits across combinations, with male sterility observed in some lines, limiting fruit set under open pollination. Fruit set induction trials using 2,4-D and GA₃
showed that stable fruit development occurred only with 2,4-D treatments (50–400ppm), while GA₃ alone or in combination did not significantly enhance fruit set.
At harvest, the 3-3-1 × 15-11-2S hybrid exhibited favorable commercial and quality traits, such as medium-small fruit size (1.54 kg), high soluble solids content
(16.28 °Brix), and balanced color parameters. Interspecific hybrids generally displayed increased flesh thickness and higher b* values, suggesting successful introgression of high sugar and carotenoid traits from C. moschata.
Storage trials assessed fruit weight, weight loss rate, rind and flesh firmness, color, respiration rate, decay rate, soluble solids content, β-carotene, lycopene, and cell
wall components (CWM, WSP). The interspecific hybrids showed slower declines in firmness, reduced weight loss, delayed decay onset, and more stable WSP and CWM profiles compared to C. maxima, indicating enhanced maintenance of cell wall structure. Furthermore, they exhibited superior retention of β-carotene and lycopene, contributing to better color and nutritional stability during storage.
These findings demonstrate that the cell wall integrity and storage resistance traits of C. moschata can be effectively transferred to C. maxima through interspecific
hybridization. The developed hybrids present promising breeding material for the development of long-shelf-life squash cultivars and offer foundational data for
extending marketability, stabilizing prices, and promoting the processing and export potential of Kabocha squash.