Comprehensive review of pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.): Domestication, global distribution, genetic characterization, breeding strategies, and genomic insights

Abstract

Cucurbits are a diverse group of plant species grown worldwide for both immature and mature fruits. The fruit is the finest source of beta-carotene, vitamins, and minerals. The crop originated in South America, with Mexico having the most diversity, but it is now scattered worldwide, with Asia Minor serving as a secondary center of diversity. Cucurbita pepo and C. moschata are the two most extensively cultivated species, demonstrating tolerance to a wide range of environments. The systematic breeding process has resulted in the production of numerous significant cultivars appropriate for a variety of applications. The spontaneous mutation resulted in hull-less seeded cultivars, which allowed for the use of seeds for culinary purposes. Bush growth habit, hull-less seeded, higher beta-carotene, biotic stresses such as fungal (powdery mildew, downy mildew, root or crown rot) and viral (begomovirus and potyviruses) diseases were the primary focus of the breeding. C. okeechobeensis and C. lundelliana are wild species with the capacity to withstand a variety of diseases. The genomic sequences for the species C. moschata, C. maxima, C. pepo subsp. pepo, C. argyrosperma subsp. argyrosperma, and C. argyrosperma subsp. sororia is available for use in precision breeding. Saturated genetic maps and the identification of QTLs related to horticulturally important traits will aid in the use of genomic resources for quick improvement and cultivar development with biotic and abiotic stress tolerance.