Cross Polination

Cucumbers & Melons, Zucchini & Pumpkin

Hopefully, we can all learn from Joe s question. I will assume
that the answer is not a very over-ripe zucchini and a very under-ripe
watermelon, although those may have been factors in either or both
situations.

In talking with Dr. Mittleider about this, he said he never says never about
these things. Although the research I have been able to read all says
plants won't cross pollinate between different genus's, sometimes we see
some strange things, such as Joe Mandell just mentioned.

The only thing I have been able to find that may be a partial explanation
for this phenomenon is the following: In talking about the fruit growth of
seedless watermelons, researchers Beste et al. (1999) found that fruit
enlargement is stimulated by growth-promoting hormones provided by the
pollen placed on the stigmas of the seedless watermelons. Perhaps it's
possible that growth-promoting hormones from an adjacent cucumber plant
could influence more than just the growth (?)

It may have nothing to do with it, but at least it's a thought. Does anyone
else have more wisdom or experience in this matter?