Relevance One of the priority directions of selection is the creation of varieties that are most adapted to local conditions with high productivity. Methods The object of study – varieties and hybrids of pumpkin of three Botanical species: Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita pepo. The purpose of the work is the creation and introduction into production of high-yielding varieties of pumpkin with high quality fruits, resistant to bio-and abiotic conditions of the lower Volga region. Research objectives: the study of varietal diversity and identification of genetic sources adapted to the conditions of the region; artificial hybridization, evaluation of the obtained source material on the main economic and valuable features, selection of the best hybrid combinations and testing them in comparison with the best zoned varieties. Results The collection identified genetic sources of productivity: Chino, Sviten, Kham, Creen Warted Habbard, Zukat, Arina, Madam; the quality of the fruit: Sorme poire, Burgess Buttercup Wintes, Malishka, Duchess, Konfetka. Using the selected genetic sources in crossbreeding, new hybrid combinations were obtained, after testing of which the source material for breeding was formed in the hybrid nursery. The table shows the characteristics of the best hybrid populations of pumpkin species S. maxima, S. moschata. The best zoned varieties of table pumpkin created in recent years. Izyashnaya – medium-ripe, shortleaved, high-yielding (17.0-26.0 t/ha), with high quality fruits (12.0-16.0% solids); Izobilie – yield (18.0-25.0 t/ha), drought-resistant; Romantika – medium-ripe, resistant to powdery mildew, yielding (16.0-20.0 t/ha), high quality fruits (10.0-15.0% dry-VA, 60.4 mg% carotene).
Selection of competitive of pumpkin varieties for the Lower Volga region
