Journal of Hunan Ecological Science

【Objective】Aiming at the issues of low uniformity, weak resistance, and slow coloration in current local wax gourd (Benincasa hispida) varieties, there is a need to breed a new local wax gourd variety with high yield, consistent uniformity, and superior quality. 【Method】‘Fengyuan No. 1’, a new F1 hybrid wax gourd variety, was developed by crossing the inbred line KT107 as the female parent with the inbred line KT206 as the male parent. Furthermore, research was conducted on its growth character- istics and cultivation techniques. 【Result】‘Fengyuan No. 1’ exhibited medium maturity, with both main and lateral vines capable of fruit setting and strong continuous fruit-bearing ability. The first female flower node typically appeared at around the 18th node. The fruit was long cylindrical with dark green skin, a small fruit cavity, and firm flesh, resulting in good commodity and excellent quality. The average fruit weight was approximately 11. 8 kg, and the average yield per 667 m2 was around 6 900 kg. By cultivating robust seedlings, scientifically implementing fertilizer and water management, conducting artificial polli- nation, strengthening comprehensive pest control measures, and harvesting at the appropriate time, the high yield and quality of ‘Fengyuan No. 1’ wax gourd can be effectively guaranteed. 【Conclusion】Based on comparative experiments and quality evaluations, ‘ Fengyuan No. 1’ wax gourd demonstrates high yield, strong resistance, wide adaptability, and superior quality. It is suitable for cultivation in Hunan and similar regions.

‘Fengyuan No. 1’; Benincasa hispida; F1 hybrid; breeding;cultivation techniques