Cucurbits
Developing and testing germplasm of cucumber, gourd, melon, and watermelon.
The Cucurbit Breeding Program at NC State includes the breeding and genetics of cucumber, watermelon, specialty melon, and other cucurbits such as luffa sponge gourd. They also work on stevia breeding.
Their research focuses on the following areas:
- collection and evaluation of germplasm
- qualitative genetics of important traits
- quantitative genetics
- selection methods
- yield improvement
- induced mutation
- resistance to cold, insects, and disease
Historic Germplasm Releases
The Cucurbit Breeding Program develops and tests inbreds and hybrids for use in commercial plantings by growers. Seed companies can license these inbreds to use themselves or to make new hybrids using their own germplasm.