The breeding of scab-resistant frame cucumbers in the Netherlands

Summary Scab caused by the fungus Cladosporium cucumerinum, may cause serious damage to frame cucumbers. Bulbosan (trichlorotrinitrobenzene) is an effective chemical means of control. Between 1945 and 1954 this German fungicide could not be supplied, and, as a result, the need for resistant varieties became very great.Before 1920 scab-resistance in pickling cucumbers was already known to Dutch growers. Selection started around 1920 on the initiative of W. G. v. d. Kroft and resulted in scab-resistant pickling cucumbers of which Baarlose Nietplekker VI is still widely grown. In 1948 G. W. v. d. Helm (Exp. Garden at Sloten) started breeding a scab-resistant yellow slicing cucumber destined for gardeners in the neigh-bourhood of Amsterdam. The resistant variety Highmoor was used as one parent. In 1954 the yellow variety Vios and the white variety Mabro were introduced. In 1952 G. W. v. d. Helm at the Exp. Garden Sloten, and J. M. Andeweg at the Institute of Horticultural Plant Breeding, Wageningen, simultaneously started breeding green scab-resistant frame cucumbers, using Highmoor as the resistant parent. In 1955 the experimental garden at Sloten introduced the scab-resistant green slicing cucumbers Amato and Proso, while in 1956 the Institute of Horticultural Plant Breeding introduced the scab-resistant green slicing cucumber Esvier. In 1953 seed of 2 first-backcross populations was supplied by the Institute to seed growers. At present intensive breeding for scab-resistance is also being carried out by a number of Dutch seed growers.Scab-resistance depends on one dominant gene; and young plants can readily be tested for resistance. Consequently a backcross scheme can easily be carried out. Rapid breeding is possible because at least 2 cultures can be carried out yearly. If necessary, cuttings of promising plants can be taken. Before and after artificial pollination the flowers can be tied up with raffia. It is simpler, however, to pinch the flowers with a special stainless clip as originally used for grafting cucumbers.The uniform fruit colour of the Dutch green frame slicing cucumbers is a recessive character; the fruit length of the Dutch varieties is dominant.