Genomics of Cucurbits

Abstract

The Cucurbitaceae family possesses economically important species including cucumber, melon, watermelon, calabash, squash, and pumpkin. In this chapter, future outcomes of genomic research in Cucurbitaceae family members have been intensely discussed. Omics technologies, especially next-generation sequencing, provide mass analysis for genomes and transcriptomes of cucurbits. As a result of the application of these advanced techniques, genes, regulatory sequences, and molecular markers are found in cucurbits genomes. The resolution of the whole genome sequence of cucumber is the cornerstone of genome studies for the Cucurbitaceae family. Genome-wide characterization and expression analysis of specific cucurbits genes enable the identification of agronomically important traits for cucurbits breeders. TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes) and resequencing of genomes are also known as genomic approaches in which new mutant alleles and molecular markers are detected at the genomic level in cucurbits members. As a conclusion, extensive genome analysis and editing studies have expanded our knowledge and implementation for genomes of Cucurbitaceae family members.