[Signal trait of cucumbers]

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics and breeding
• Horticultural science
• Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) research

Context:

• Discovery of a spontaneous cucumber mutant at Birjuchekutian station in 1970.
• Identification of a recessive genetic trait responsible for the absence of plant organ "nappiness".

Purpose:

• To characterize a novel cucumber mutant lacking plant organ nappiness.
• To investigate the inheritance pattern and viability of the nappy and plain cucumber forms.
• To assess the productivity and combining ability of the developed plain cucumber varieties.

Summary:

• A cucumber mutant exhibiting complete absence of nappiness across all plant organs was identified.
• The nappy character is recessive, with a 3:1 ratio of nappy to plain plants observed in the second generation.
• This mutant facilitated the development of cucumber forms without nappiness, which are clearly distinguishable early in development.

Impact:

• Provides a valuable genetic resource for cucumber breeding programs.
• Plain cucumber forms demonstrate viability, productivity, and high combining ability, suggesting potential for improved cultivars.
• Facilitates further research into the genetic control of plant surface morphology in cucumbers.