Potentials of interspecific hybrids of Luffa spp. for sponge fiber production.
1991
Reyes M.E.
Patola (Luffa spp.) sponge made of 100 percent natural fiber is gaining popularity both in local and international markets. In an attempt to develop suitable cultivars for sponge production and processing, a preliminary evaluation was conducted to explore the potentials of interspecific hybrids of Luffa spp. Five hybrids between L. cylindrica (smooth) and L. acutangula (ridged) together with an OP cultivar of L. acutangula, four lines and an F1 hybrid of L. cylindrica were evaluated in observational plots at IPB, UPLB. The interspecific hybrids had semi-ridged fruits that are very bitter. The mature brown fruits of these hybrids can easily be processed unlike that of the L. acutangula entry Rdp-1. Although L. acutangula has superior sponge fiber density, it is not suitable for processing due to its tough fruit skin. The interspecific hybrids produced sponges with much better fiber density than that of the L. cylindrica entries. Furthermore, higher yield in terms of number of fruits per plant and better resistance to fruit fly were observed among the interspecific hybrids than either the L. cylindrica and L. acutangula entries.
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