Breeding of organic open pollinating zucchini cultivars – selection and evaluation of G x E interactions with regard to agronomic parameters, organoleptic attributes and volatile and non-volatile compounds

The overall goal of the project is the development of open pollinating zucchini cultivars based on the traditional breeding method of a single plant selection process. The major breeding goals will consider agronomic parameters, GxE interactions, and organoleptic attributes associated with volatile and non-volatile compounds.

Different breeding lines will be evaluated for their agronomic parameters like yield, size etc. and the amount of volatile and non-volatile compounds based on experimental field trials carried out at pedoclimatic different locations by the partners Kultursaat and University of Hohenheim. The interaction of determined compounds with organoleptic properties will be determined by sensory tests. Effects of GxE on yield and volatile/non-volatile compounds will be analyzed. The determined characteristic will be fed-back into the breeding process. The project will come up with a clear recommendation of possible zucchini breeding lines/ cultivars indicating a high potential for quality and sensory attributes.