NUMERICAL TAXONOMY APPLIED TO CUCURBITA RELATIONSHIPS
Abstract
In a numerical study of taxonomic relationships in Cucurbita, the inclusion of F1 interspecific hybrids did not materially alter the species grouping in the phenogram. The F1 interspecific hybrids tend to cluster with one of the parent species or species groups unless the parents are widely divergent. Also, the F1 interspecific hybrids between wild and domesticated species cluster with the wild parent Both parent species or species groups of an F1 interspecific hybrid can usually be determined from Q-correlation values. It is essential that compatibility relations be determined between species; i.e., species groups must be established before Q-correlation values can be successfully used in determining the parentage of hybrids. Undescribed collections can usually be correctly placed in the proper species group.