Breeding, Genetics, and Genomic of the Genus Cucumis

Dear Colleagues,

The genus Cucumis belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and is considered the most important genus worldwide. The taxonomy of Cucumis, as well as the Cucurbitaceae family, is complex due to the high number of species involved. Being an economically important horticultural species (C. sativus and C. melo), it includes ornamental (C. dipsaceus, C. myriocarpus) and innovative plants (C. anguria and C. metuliferus) that could be commercially explored. Cucumber and melon are considered model species and are largely used to study important biological processes (sex determination, plant vascular biology, fruit quality, pest, and disease resistance) due to their highly polymorphism and the availability of the complete genome sequence. The wide Cucumis germplasm, mostly represented by wild or less known species, is a powerful starting point to shed light on important processes, such as domestication, of which the genetic basis is still poorly understood and could allow a correct taxonomical ranging. Deep investigation of the genetic diversity within the genus will help us to discover morphological and biological features that are useful for genetic resources conservation, valorization, and utilization. Cucumis represent an important genes reservoir for applying new breeding techniques, such as gene editing and cisgenesis, to study gene functions and improve important agronomic and quality traits.

This Special Issue on the “Breeding, Genetics, and Genomic of the Genus Cucumis” invites research and review articles on the advanced genetic and genomics tools to be applied in Cucumis breeding.

Dr. Sara Sestili
Dr. Nadia Ficcadenti
Dr. Mehtap Yıldız
Guest Editors

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