Momordica cochinchinensis (Gac) is a nutrient-rich Cucurbitaceae plant with notable therapeutic and antioncogenic potential. This study investigated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of its methanolic leaf and fruit extracts using ultrasound-assisted extraction. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and saponin contents were quantified, with leaf extracts showing higher values and stronger antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP). Cytotoxicity assays on LN229 glioblastoma cells revealed significant viability reduction (IC50: 0.48-0.92 mg/mL) after the extracts treatment. Further, leaf extract showed 80 % inhibition of cell migration in wound healing assay. LC-Q-Orbitrap-MS-based metabolomics identified diverse phytochemicals. Molecular docking highlighted Piperitol, 7-Hydroxy-5-Methoxy-6-Methylflavan, and Nogiragenin with strong affinities toward glioblastoma targets EGFR, PTEN, and TTN. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed Piperitol's stable binding, supporting its role as a potent inhibitor. Overall, M. cochinchinensis shows promise as a functional food and therapeutic source against glioblastoma due to its rich bioactive profile and strong antioxidant and anticancer activities.

Ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.) is a popularly grown cucurbitaceous crop cultivated across Southeast Asia for its young, immature fruits. This study evaluated genetic variability among 200 germplasm accessions sown in Augmented Block Design during Spring-summer season in 2021-22. Descriptive statistics showed substantial phenotypic variation was supported by Shannon diversity index. Euclidian clustering for quantitative traits divided the germplasm into six distinct morphological clusters, each exhibiting unique trait combinations. Among these, Cluster V comprised accessions with superior fruit traits, which contributed directly to enhanced yield potential. The first five principal components together accounted for 64.4% of the total cumulative variation. High value of genetic advance and genetic advance as percent of mean observed for fruit length, fruit width, number of fruits per vine, seed number per fruit and 100-seed weight. Estimates of heritability were also observed high for these key traits. Positive correlation observed between number of fruits per plant with days to 50% flowering and days to first female flower indicating selection of late maturing accessions for high yielding varieties. Molecular characterization using 18 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers revealed 94 alleles, with allele sizes ranging from 90 to 384 bp and polymorphic information content (PIC) values between 0.35 and 0.83. A dendrogram constructed from SSR profiles categorized entire set into three major clusters, with further subclustering reflecting genetic relatedness among genotypes. Additionally, population structure analysis using STRUCTURE software grouped the accessions into two distinct subpopulations irrespective of geographical location. Findings highlight the potential of diverse germplasm as a parent in hybridization program through targeted breeding.

This systematic review explores the impact of climate extremes and abiotic stresses on cucurbits, analyzing 154 articles from 1960 to 2024. The Cucurbitaceae crops, including cucumber, melon, watermelon, and bottle gourd, are vital for global food security but are increasingly vulnerable to environmental stresses. Elevated temperatures above 40 °C reduce germination by 52

The study was carried out during summer seasons of 2021 and 2022 at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi to evaluate 200 ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.] germplasm accessions from India’s national genebank for 14 qualitative traits and three seed quality parameters. A significant level of diversity was observed in seed quality parameters (germination percentage and vigour index I) as well as qualitative traits (100-seed weight, early plant vigour, plant growth habit, fruit shape, ridge number and ridge pattern). All three fruit shapes, elongate, elliptical, and oblong were present in the germplasm, with 155 accessions showing continuous ridges numbering ten. Elongate shaped fruits at the marketable stage (83.5% of the accessions) with excellent ridge character make them visually appealing and well-suited to Indian conditions. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that germination percentage showed a significant positive correlation with vigour index and early plant vigour. Shannon diversity index pointed to the existence of phenotypic variation across traits, ranging from 0.31 (ridge number) to 2.06 (vigour index I). Traits such as vigour index I, germination percentage, 100-seed weight, early plant vigour, and plant growth habit demonstrated high diversity indices (>0.5). Accessions IC 352782, IC 353319, IC 338527 and IC 344351 were identified as superior for seed quality traits, exhibiting high germination percentage (>95%) and vigour index I (>1800) in comparison to checks. These four accessions are expected to be good starting points in the ridge gourd breeding programmes.

Bottle gourd is amongst the widely grown yet under-researched cucurbit vegetable in India and sub-Saharan Africa. The fresh immature leaves, fruit and seed are used for food and medicinal purposes, as rootstock for watermelon. Despite the economic and culinary importance, availability of wide variation in Africa and India, the bottle gourd genetic resources remains under-utilized, particularly with respect to harnessing the nutri-tional quality. In the present study, we evaluated 91 bottle gourd accessions from India and identified prom-ising bottle gourd accessions for quality traits such as total phenol content, total antioxidant capacity, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper contents. High genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coeffi-cient of variation (>20%) were recorded for all the biochemical traits and mineral nutrients. High heritability (h2) with high genetic advance was recorded for phenol content (99.00/62.76%) and antioxidant activity (99.71/62.58%) whereas high heritability (h2) with low genetic advance was recorded for all the mineral nutrients except magnesium (98.79/49.84%). Simple correlation coefficients among the different traits revealed a highly significant positive association of total phenol content with antioxidant activity, magne-sium, iron and zinc content. Euclidian cluster analysis grouped 91 accessions into 12 clusters based on Ward's distance. Eigen value from principal component analysis depicted the first two components accounted for 62.43 cumulative percent of total variation which signifies a high degree of correlation between the analyzed traits. The promising accessions IC-0336825, IC-0385814, IC-0418246 and IC-0284925 and check cultivar Pusa Santusthi for phenol content, antioxidant activity and mineral nutrients (Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu) may be used as donors in the quality breeding program in bottle gourd. The implication of identified promising bottle gourd accessions for development of new cultivars in bottle gourd is discussed. (c) 2022 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fruiting behaviour and sex form are important goals for Luffa breeders and this study aimed to shed light upon inheritance patterns for both these traits. The hermaphrodite form of Luffa acutangula (known as Satputia) is an underutilized vegetable with a unique clustered fruiting habit. Its desirable traits, such as plant architecture, earliness, as well as contrasting traits like unique clustered fruiting, bisexual flower, and crossability with Luffa acutangula (monoecious ridge gourd with solitary fruits), make it a potential source for trait improvement and mapping of desirable traits in Luffa . In the present study, we have elucidated the inheritance pattern of fruiting behaviour in Luffa using F 2 mapping population generated from a cross between Pusa Nutan ( Luffa acutangula, monoecious, solitary fruiting) × DSat-116 ( Luffa acutangula , hermaphrodite, cluster fruiting). In F 2 generation, the observed distribution of plant phenotypes fitted in the expected ratio of 3:1 (solitary vs cluster) for fruit-bearing habit. This is the first report of monogenic recessive control for cluster fruit-bearing habit in Luffa . Herein, we designate for the first time the gene symbol cl for cluster fruit bearing in Luffa . Linkage analysis revealed that SRAP marker ME10 EM4-280 was linked to the fruiting trait at the distance of 4.6 cM from the Cl locus. In addition, the inheritance pattern of hermaphrodite sex form in Luffa was also studied in the F 2 population of Pusa Nutan × DSat-116 that segregated into 9:3:3:1 ratio (monoecious:andromonoecious:gynoecious:hermaphrodite), suggesting a digenic recessive control of hermaphrodite sex form in Luffa , which was further confirmed by the test cross. The inheritance and identification of molecular marker for cluster fruiting trait provides a basis for breeding in Luffa species.

Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. is an important cucurbit crop that assures food security and dietary diversity among the poor communities. In the present study, seeds of 42 genotypes of Luffa cylindrica were evaluated for their potential use as oil seed crop. Seed moisture, oil and protein content and fatty acids profile were estimated along with total phenol and sugar content. Significant differences were observed among the various genotypes where oil content ranged from 15.4-29.8% and protein 19.9-30.8%. Total phenol content was high 6.43-12.84 mg/100 g, which bodes well for the sponge gourd seeds' ability to act as antioxidants. Significant correlation were found between important constituents studied like protein and oil, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid. Total unsaturated fatty acids were in higher amount comparable to saturated fatty acids signifying the good quality of Luffa seed oil. Our research revealed that the NDSG-1, Pusa Sneha, DSG-95, DSG-98, DSG-108, and DSG-26 genotypes were very nutritious due to their high levels of protein, oleic acid, and oil output. Additionally, selection of traits having considerable correlation will be beneficial and help in improved varietal development for usage as an alternative oilseed crop. Our research sheds light on the nutritional value of sponge gourd seeds and suggests using them as a potential source for oil and protein, particularly in underdeveloped countries.

This study aimed to develop a long-term pollen storage protocol for Luffa species (L. acutangula, L. cylindrica, L. echinata, and L. graveolens) and assess its potential for crop improvement. The optimal medium for in vitro pollen germination varied by species, with Brewbaker and Kwack (BK) medium with 10% sucrose suitable for L. acutangula, L. cylindrica, and L. echinata, and BK medium with 3% sucrose ideal for L. graveolens. Overestimation in staining tests compared to in vitro pollen germination was observed. The best results for cryopreservation were achieved with desiccation periods of 20, 30, and 40 min, maintaining moisture content between 14.04% and 18.55%. Pollen viability was negatively correlated with storage temperature (25, 4, and −20°C) and duration. Cryopreserved pollen at −196°C exhibited the highest viability over a prolonged period (2 months) and was comparable to fresh pollen in terms of germination, ovule fertilization, and fruit and seed set. This study presents a simple and reproducible pollen cryopreservation protocol applicable across Luffa species, facilitating long-term storage and its use in crop improvement efforts.

Comprehending general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) is pivotal in maize breeding for successful hybrid development. GCA signifies the overall genetic worth of a parent, while SCA demonstrates unique interactions between parents. In instances where GCA variances surpass SCA variances, early assessments become more effective, enabling the anticipation of superior hybrids based on parental GCA impacts. Assessing the combining ability of maize becomes increasingly crucial with escalating temperatures, which can adversely affect maize growth and crop yield. Research conducted in Prayagraj involved utilizing 7x7 half diallel crosses of maize initially developed during the Rabi 2022 season, followed by their subsequent planting in a randomized block design (RBD) during spring 2023. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects exhibited by the parents and hybrids, respectively, in order to identify superior-performing parents and hybrids among them. The results showcased strong positive GCA in MILCT-145F (P7) and MILC-2050 (P6), while specific heat-tolerant hybrids, such as P7xP1, P6xP2 exhibited outstanding performance in grain yield and other associated traits.

Thaumatin-like protein (TLP) is the well-known sweetest protein which plays a crucial role in diverse developmental processes and different stress conditions in plants, fungi and animals. The TLP gene family is extensively studied in different plant species including crop plants. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an important cucurbit crop cultivated worldwide; however, the comprehensive information about the TLP gene family is not available in watermelon. In the present study, we identified the 29 TLP genes as gene family members in watermelon using various computational methods to understand its role in different developmental processes and stress conditions. ClaTLP gene family members were not uniformly distributed on 22 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the ClaTLP gene family members were grouped into 10 sub-groups. Further, gene duplication analysis showed thirteen gene duplication events which included one tandem and twelve segmental duplications. Amino acid sequence alignment has shown that ClaTLP proteins shared 16 conserved cysteine residues in their THN domain. Furthermore, cis-acting regulatory elements analysis also displayed that ClaTLP gene family members contain diverse phytohormone, various defense, and stress-responsive elements in their promoter region. The expression profile of the ClaTLP gene family revealed the differential expression of gene family members in different tissues and abiotic stresses conditions. Moreover, the expression profile of ClaTLP genes was further validated by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Taken together, these results indicate that ClaTLP genes might play an important role in developmental processes and diverse stress conditions. Therefore, the outcome of this study brings forth the valuable information for further interpret the precise role of ClaTLP gene family members in watermelon.

Ninety-one bottle gourd genotypes were characterized for 13 different qualitative traits and 4 quantitative traits as per the DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability) guidelines of PPV&FRA. The observations pertaining to the morphological descriptor and quantitative traits, the genotypes were grouped into different categories. All the genotypes were monoecious with tri-lobed leaves except JBG-51 which had penta-lobed leaves. Ovary length (on the day of anthesis) and peduncle length were maximum in IC-0146365 and Pusa Santusthi, respectively. Fruit shape at marketable maturity was elongated curved in maximum number of genotypes and the check Arka Bahar. Most (79.1%) of the genotypes were with straight neck, few (2.2%) had crooked neck and 18.7% had no neck at marketable maturity stage. Variability was also observed for fruit skin colour at marketable maturity stage. Seventy-one (78%), 13 (14.28%) and 4 (4.39%) genotypes had light green, mottled and green skin colour, respectively. On the basis of shape of apex at peduncle end of fruit, the genotypes were grouped as raised, flat and depressed. There was variation in intensity of pubescence on the fruit surface of different genotypes. Seed texture at marketable maturity stage, seed shape, and intensity of brown colour of seed testa were also recorded in order to differentiate the genotypes morphologically. The expression of characters remained consistent over two consecutive seasons indicating their uniformity. These genotypes can be successfully utilized as reference for protection of other varieties under PPV&FR Act, identification and grouping of bottle gourd varieties and for development of elite varieties/hybrids.

BACKGROUND:The evaluation of the magnitude of genetic diversity present in the germplasm collection is prerequisite for bottle gourd improvement programme. The characterization of the diversity pattern of Indian bottle gourd accessions will facilitate the optimal use of genetic resources for breeding improved cultivars.METHODS:In the present study, the magnitude of genetic diversity was evaluated in ninety-one genotypes of bottle gourd collected across fourteen different agro-climatic zones of India.RESULTS:Significant variations were observed for all the studied ten quantitative and nine qualitative traits. The ninety-one genotypes were grouped into nine clusters based on cluster analysis of morphological characteristics. Eigen value from principal component analysis depicted first seven quantitative traits accounted for more than 97.5 cumulative percent of the total variations. The first two components accounted for 50 cumulative percent of the total variation, which signifies a high degree of correlation between the analyzed traits. Molecular diversity with the 40 SSR markers screened revealed 11 polymorphic markers in the genotypes studied. Population structure analysis divulged five populations, conforming to the Principal Coordinate Analysis. Molecular analysis revealed genetically diverse genotypes along with the morphologically divergent genotypes from the quantitative traits and highest inter-cluster distance would be the most appropriate parents for exploiting heterosis.CONCLUSIONS:The results of this study will facilitate the optimal use of genetic resources for breeding improved cultivars of bottle gourd and the adoption of the identified superior genotypes directly by the breeders.

Morinda (Rubiaceae) is considerably recognized for its multiple uses viz. food, medicine, dyes, firewood, tools, oil, bio-sorbent etc. The molecular characterization of such an important plant would be very useful for its multifarious enhanced utilization. In the present study, 31 Morinda genotypes belonging to two different species Morinda citrifolia L. and Morinda tomentosa B. Heyne exRoth collected from different regions of India were investigated using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Fifteen ISSR primers generated 176 bands with an average of 11.7 bands per primer, of which (90.34%) were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic bands, mean Nei’s gene diversity and mean Shannon’s information index in M. tomentosa and M. citrifolia was [(69.89%, 30.68%); (0.21 ± 0.19, 0.12 ± 0.20) and (0.32 ± 0.27 0.17 ± 0.28)] respectively, revealing higher polymorphism and genetic diversity in M. tomentosa compared to M. citrifolia. These diversity rich genotypes of M. tomentosa can be evaluated for nutraceutical, nutritional and other nonfood purposes to identify trait specific genotypes for its enhanced utilization. ISSR markers based Structure, and UPGMA cluster analysis placed the M. tomentosa and M. citrifolia genotypes into well-defined separate clusters. Further, distinct ecotypes within a particular species could also be inferred. Priority regions identified can be earmarked for exploration and collecting substantial number of genotypes for ex-situ conservation. In-situ conservation of Morinda genotypes in hotspots to preserve the diversity in their natural habitats vis-à-vis evolution and increased adaptation of newer diversity with respect to changing environment was also emphasized.

Luffa hermaphrodita Singh & Bhandari, known as Satputia, a semi-wild taxon originating from L. graveolens is an underutilized vegetable. It has a unique clustered fruiting habit, smooth fruits and bisexual flowers. Desirable traits such as plant architecture, earliness, crossability with ridge gourd and fertile hybrids has prospects for utilization in ridge-gourd improvement. Despite these advantages, no systematic study has been done for genetic characterization of Luffa hermaphrodita. Therefore, morphological and molecular characterization of a set of 36 genotypes of Satputia collected from three phytogeographical regions of India was performed. Morphological characterization revealed a high genotypic variation indicating wide diversity within the genotypes. Five clusters were observed through D2 analysis, with cluster I and II showing maximum inter-cluster distance. First six principal components explained 80.3% of total variation. Economically important traits, viz, node number of first hermaphrodite flower, fruits per cluster, clusters per plant and vine length contributed maximum towards divergence in Satputia genotypes. Based on yield and its attributing traits, Satputia genotypes DSat-8, DSat-63, DSat-112–1, DSat-116 and DSat-125 were identified as promising and will be utilized for ridge gourd improvement. Molecular characterization with EST-SSR primers and ISSR markers could delineate the genotypes into two distinct clusters belonging to L. acutangula and L. hermaphrodita with moderate diversity. Five ISSR primers with high resolving power and one EST-SSR primer pair are valuable for diversity analysis and DNA fingerprinting in Luffa spp. This investigation has revealed untapped variability in Satputia and identified promising genotypes that would play a significant role in ridge gourd improvement.

Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley is an important cultivated crop with its immense importance in pharmaceutical industry and as vegetable. Its seed, root, stem, leaves, flower, and fruit are used as an ointment for ailment of various diseases throughout Asia. Despite its worldwide importance, informative co-dominant microsatellite markers in the bottle gourd crop are very restricted, impeding genetic improvement, cultivar identification, and phylogenetic studies. Next-generation sequencing has revolutionized the approaches for discovery, assessment, and validation of molecular markers. We conducted a genome-wide analysis, for developing SSR markers by utilizing restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) data obtained from NCBI. By performing in silico mining of microsatellite repeat motifs, we developed 45,066 perfect SSR markers. Of which 207 markers were successfully validated and 120 (57.97%) polymorphic primer pairs were utilized for an in-depth genetic diversity and population structure analysis of 96 accessions from the National Genebank of India. Tetranucleotide repeats (∼34.3%) were the most prevalent followed by trinucleotide repeats (∼30.73%), further 21.03%, 9.6%, and 4.3% of di-, penta-, and hexa-nucleotide repeats in the bottle gourd genome, respectively. Synteny of SSR markers on 11 bottle gourd linkage groups was correlated with the 7 chromosomes of cucumber (93.2%), 12 chromosomes of melon (87.4%), and 11 of watermelon (90.8%). The generated SSR markers provide a valuable tool for germplasm characterization, genetic linkage map construction, studying synteny, gene discovery, and for breeding in bottle gourd and other cucurbits species. Key Message Development of 45,066 perfect microsatellite markers as a valuable tool for marker assisted selection (MAS) in plant breeding.

Millets and pseudocereals are climate resilient (in terms of less water requirement, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, adaptability to low input conditions) and also known as nutri-cereals crops because of nutritional superiority (rich in essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, bioactive compounds, dietary fibre, resistant starch, etc.) over other major cereals. Among millets and pseudocereals sorghum, pearl millet, foxtail millet, finger millet, proso millet, amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa are extensively studied in terms of molecular characterization and generation of genomic resources. But in other millets like kodo millet, little millet, barnyard millet, browntop millet, fonio [ Digitaria exilis (Kipp.) Stapf; ( D. iburua Stapf)], etc., molecular studies are meagre and needs to be expedited at a large scale using next-generation sequencing approaches to generate genomic resources in terms of whole genome sequence, makers, genes/QTLs, alleles, etc. The present chapter is a comprehensive view of the molecular studies carried out till date in millets and pseudocereals. It also delivers information to the research community regarding progress made and future studies to be undertaken for enhanced utilization of existing genetic and genomic resources in these crops for future food and nutritional security.

Background: Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L) is an annual hardy crop grown in India from Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the south, to Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal in the north. It is known to have high drought tolerance and, for its potential to sustain in marginally less fertile soil. The grain has high nutritional properties thus possess medicinal values. Owing to multiple utility factors and sustainable growth rate amidst climate change, makes it an ideal crop for cultivation. In the present study accessions of Kodo millet ((Paspalum scrobiculatum L) from twelve different geographical regions of India were evaluated for quantitative and qualitative traits to determine its growth conditions under varied climatic conditions. Methods: Total of 96 indigenous germplasm were collected across the country and were sown in a breeding farm to grow selectively healthy crops in a randomized block design manner during kharif 2012 and 2013. Observations of quantitative traits were recorded on five arbitrarily selected plants in each replication for different physiological traits. Results: The statistical data revealed significant differences among all the studied accessions. Mainly IC482729 and IC404789 from Tamil Nadu had high biomass, straw yield, and yield per plant. IC396004 from Chhattisgarh showed advantageous performance in earliness with medium plant height. Therefore, the present findings helped in identifying elite germplasm accessions and could be effectively used in the Kodo millet enhancement program.