Abstract
Seed development in selfs and interspecific crosses of Cucurbita was observed. Endosperm growth in interspecific crosses was similar to that in selfs, but embryo growth in interspecific crosses was less than that in selfs. The difference between selfs and interspecific crosses in embryo growth after normal fertilization may result from the differences in compatibility between embryo and endosperm. In the same interspecific crosses, there was a great difference in seed development according to the parental materials used. Varietal differences are important in the success of interspecific hybridization. A medium containing half strength Murashige and Skoog′s (MS) salts with the addition of MS organics and 5g/l sucrose was suitable for the germination of 5-6mm embryos from selfs. This medium is also applicable to 1-2mm embryos from interspecific crosses. The use of parental materials with different genetic background and embryo culture can be an aid for obtaining hybrids in interspecific crosses of Cucurbita.
