Genetic System of  Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii (Royle) Alef. –   (wild cucumber) in Jammu, J&K, India

Abstract

A small population of Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii (wild cucumber) has been localized for the first time from Billawar, Kathua (District) in UT of J&K. This variety as expected is monoecious in sex expression, but shows unique pattern of development of male and female flowers on the vine throughout its blooming period. Keeping provision for both both self and cross pollination, it is found to be self compatible, insect pollinated taxa with high reproductive output and a stable diploid complement (2n = 14). Small proportion of cells (9.92%) shows tetraploidy (2n = 28). The species exhibits high and healthy fruit set on open pollination as well as on manual self and cross pollination.