Characterization of a fertile backcross progeny derived from inter-specific hybrid of Momordica dioica and M. subangulata subsp. renigera and its implications on improvement of dioecious Momordica spp

• We describe the first fertile backcross progeny obtained in the genus Momordica.
• The backcross progeny showed substantial heterosis for yield.
• Fruits of backcross progeny had better quality than to its paternal parent.
• The hybrid progeny may be used to maximize recovery of elite traits from parents.

A fertile female backcross progeny was produced from an inter-specific hybrid [teasel gourd (Momordica subangulata Blume subsp. renigera (G. Don) WJJ de Wilde) × spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb)] by backcrossing the F1 with the female parent. Agro morphological and biochemical traits of the first generation backcross (F1 ♀ BC) confirmed interchanges of genetic material. The F1 ♀ BC bear more resemblance to maternal parent than the paternal parent and exhibited substantial heterosis for number of flowers and yield per plant. In F1 ♀ BC, fruit set was significantly higher when pollinated with teasel gourd (84%) while the fruit set was very low upon sibbing (36%) and pollination with spine gourd (64%). The fruits of F1 ♀ BC had little variation for shape from teasel gourd when pollinated with teasel gourd pollen, while fruits obtained from sibbing and dusting of spine gourd pollen were deformed and smaller in size. The proximate and phytochemical analysis revealed that the F1 ♀ BC was intermediate between the original parents in its biochemical traits and antioxidant activity while mineral content was found to be higher or similar to its parents. The present study shows the potential for improving Momordica species through inter-specific hybridization followed by restoration of fertility by backcrossing.