Cucurbits

Authors: WEHNER, TODD - North Carolina State University; Naegele, Rachel; MYERS, JAMES - Oregon State University; DHILLON, NARINDER - World Vegetable Center; CROSBY, KEVIN - Texas A&M University

Submitted to: Center for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) Invasive Species Compendium
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/30/2019
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Cucurbitaceae is a family of frost sensitive, predominantly tendril-bearing, vining plants which are found in subtropical and tropical regions around the globe. There are only a few species that are native to temperate climates; they are either prolific seed-producing annuals, perennials that live for one season until killed by frost, or xerophytic perennials whose succulent underground parts survive the winter. The Cucurbitaceae, which is not closely related to any other plant family, consists of two well-defined subfamilies, eight tribes representing varying degrees of circumscriptive cohesiveness, and about 118 genera and 825 species (Jeffrey, 1990). The four major cucurbit crops (watermelon, cucumber, melon, squash) and five other important crops (luffa, bottle gourd, chayote, wax gourd, bitter gourd) in the family belong to the Cucurbitoideae subfamily. Cucurbit fruits are comparable in nutrient content to other fruits and vegetables and are exceptional for high pro-vitamin A content in some cultivars of squash and melon. Cucurbits are a good source of carbohydrates, and play a significant role in human nutrition, especially in tropical countries where their consumption is high. Cucumber, Cucumis sativus, is the fourth most important vegetable crop in the world and the most important cucurbit. Progress in cucurbit breeding has been improved through the use of multivariate statistical analyses (e.g. to increase selection efficiency), research on gene mapping and linkage, the induction of mutations with chemicals and gamma radiation, marker assisted selection, the use of wider crosses within species and gene transfer among species, and the collection and screening of germplasm in genebanks for desirable characteristics. Through breeding, nonbitter foliage and fruits have been selected, making cucurbits highly vulnerable to pests and diseases. Cucurbits suffer from many diseases that are caused by bacteria, fungi (and oomycetes), nematodes, viruses and phytoplasma. Plant pathogens attack cucurbits at every stage of development, from damping off at the beginning of germination to postharvest fruit rots. Reliable fruit yield and quality of cucurbits is dependent on adequate pathogen control. Numerous abiotic stresses impact yield, quality and adaptation of cucurbit crops under the diverse cultivation systems across the globe. Insects are often a major obstacle to the successful production of cucurbits (York, 1992). They can severely reduce yield, injure or kill plants, spread disease and adversely affect fruit quality. Spider mites can also be a problem, particularly with glasshouse cucumbers. Irrigation systems, elevation, soil type, solar radiation, wind, pathogens, fertility and genotype all interact to determine the degree to which abiotic stress may impact the crop.