Diseases

Fusarium Wilt — Squash (Interspecific Hybrids)

Cucurbita maxima Duchesne x Cucurbita moschata Duchesne

The primary pathogen of Fusarium fruit rot in interspecific squash hybrids is the fungus Fusarium solani f. sp. cucurbitae. The hybrids themselves are widely used as resistant rootstocks, possessing resistance to tracheomycotic wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum species.

In the reference 30 varieties crop Cucurbita maxima Duchesne x Cucurbita moschata Duchesne, where this is mentioned in the description.

The pathogen responsible for Fusarium fruit rot in interspecific Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata hybrids is Fusarium solani f. sp. cucurbitae, which is represented by two physiological races, Fsc1 and Fsc2. The infection primarily affects the fruit through mechanical injuries, forming watery, sunken spots that eventually coalesce and become covered with mycelial growth.

When the stems are infected by the pathogen Fusarium solani f. sp. cucurbitae, basal necrosis develops, disrupting the transport of water and nutrients and leading to plant wilting. At the same time, the hybrids demonstrate high resistance to Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum, which facilitates their use as rootstocks for other cucurbit crops.

Specific resistance genes to Fusarium pathogens in this group of hybrids have not been identified; therefore, breeding is conducted through phenotypic selection or the use of molecular markers, such as QTLs.

General information about the subject — on the page Fusarium wilt and blight.

Sources8

Varieties of Cucurbita maxima Duchesne x Cucurbita moschata Duchesne mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.