ARS | Publication request: CUCURBITS (CUCURBITACEAE; CUCUMIS SPP., CUCURBITA SPP., CITRULLUS SPP.)

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: July 12, 2005
Publication Date: November 1, 2006
Citation: Lebeda, A., Widrlechner, M.P., Staub, J.E., Ezura, H., Zalapa, J., Kristkova, E. 2006. Cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae; Cucumis spp., Cucurbita spp., Citrullus spp.). In: Singh, R.J., editor. Genetic Resources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement Series, Volume 3 - Vegetable Crops. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Chapter 8. p. 273-377.

Technical Abstract: This chapter presents a comprehensive review of scientific literature on cucurbit genetic resources as part of a volume on vegetable crops for the series, “Genetic Resources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement.” Emphasis is placed on the world’s primary cultivated cucurbit genera, Citrullus, Cucumis, and Cucurbita, but this review incorporates research on many other regionally or locally important genera, such as Benincasa, Lagenaria, Luffa, Momordica, and Sechium. The chapter begins with an overview of world production and then covers topics in genetic resource conservation and distribution and taxonomic research. It synthesizes a broad range of recent research on genetic diversity, gene mapping and genomics, breeding strategies, and biotechnological approaches to germplasm utilization and crop improvement. It also presents detailed summaries of projects to evaluate cucurbit germplasm for horticultural, biochemical and quality characteristics and for reaction to biotic and abiotic stresses.