THE MAIN RESULTS IN ACCLIMATIZATION AND BREEDING OF BENINCASA HISPIDA.

Benincasa hispida, known as winter melon, name inspired by the fruit shape similar to melon and also to the fact that fruits are kept very well after harvest, over winter time. The Breeding and Biodiversity Laboratory from VRDS Buzău has taken into study this species after year 1996. The research began with purchase of genetic material from various area of origin, followed by acclimatization of the species. After year 2005, valuable genotypes have been subject to intensive breeding work and the research completed so far with obtaining of three genotypes (G1, G2, G3) with distinct phenotypic expressiveness, especially in terms of fruit shape and size. G1 has elongated, cylindrical, rounded fruits at both ends, with an average fruit mass of 3.39 kg; G2 has round fruits, slightly ovoid, with an average fruit mass of 8.77 kg; G3 has large, round fruits with a pronounced depth on the top and with an average fruit mass of 14.42 kg. The G1 genotype has been proposed for patenting and from 2021 it will be registered in the Official Catalogue of Românian Crop Plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]