Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 112-131 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 124 accuracy for genetic improvement of fruit quality traits in citrus, with the use of breeding population data enhancing the detection power of GWAS and the prediction accuracy of GS (Minamikawa et al., 2017). 4) Molecular markers linked to fruit quality traits have been identified in tropical fruits, aiding marker-assisted breeding (MAB), and genomic approaches like GWAS, GS, and genetic modifications are overcoming long breeding cycles to develop cultivars with desirable traits (Mathiazhagan et al., 2021). 5) In melon, SNP-based markers have been used to identify QTLs for fruit quality traits, with the potential for these insights to be applied in marker-assisted selection (MAS) after further investigation (Amanullah et al., 2020). 6) Molecular breeding strategies, including the use of molecular markers and genomics-assisted breeding, have been essential in improving traits such as yield, fruit quality, and disease resistance in Cucurbitaceae crops like watermelon and melon (Park et al., 2015). 7) Genome-wide SSR markers developed from the melon genome have facilitated genetic diversity studies and comparative mapping, providing a valuable resource for genetic linkage map construction and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in melon and related species (Zhu et al., 2016). In conclusion, genomic selection and marker-assisted breeding have significantly advanced the development of fruit varieties with superior qualities. The integration of high-density genotyping, molecular markers, and genomic tools has enabled breeders to select for complex traits more efficiently, leading to the creation of melon varieties with enhanced sweetness, shelf life, and overall fruit quality. The use of these genomic approaches is a testament to the power of modern breeding techniques in addressing the demands for high-quality fruit production. 6.2.3 Stress tolerance The genetic basis of abiotic stress responses in Cucurbitaceae species is a critical area of research for developing resilient cultivars. Abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, and salinity can significantly impact plant growth and yield. Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind these responses allows for the breeding of crops better suited to withstand these challenges. 1) The BES1 gene family, involved in brassinosteroid signaling, plays a crucial role in abiotic stress responses in Cucurbitaceae, with differential expression under various stress conditions suggesting their importance in stress adaptation (Xu et al., 2023). 2) Two-component system (TCS) genes in cucumber and watermelon are implicated in abiotic stress responses, with specific TCS genes showing differential expression under stress and hormone treatments, indicating their role in stress signaling pathways (He et al., 2016). 3) GASA gene family members in Cucurbitaceae species, particularly in cucumber, are differentially regulated under abiotic stresses and hormones, suggesting their involvement in growth and stress response mechanisms (Zhang et al., 2022). 4) Superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes in Cucurbitaceae species are responsive to multiple abiotic stresses, indicating their potential role in oxidative stress defense and their importance for genetic improvement of stress tolerance (Rehman et al., 2022). 5) Genetic diversity in Cucurbita moschata, as revealed by SNP analysis, is crucial for breeding programs aimed at developing stress-tolerant rootstock varieties (Lee et al., 2020). 6) MLO family genes in Cucumis melo show differential expression under various abiotic stresses, highlighting their potential role in developing stress-resistant cultivars (Howlader et al., 2017). 7) VQ genes in Cucurbita pepo are differentially expressed under abiotic and biotic stresses, suggesting their significance in plant stress responses (Xu et al., 2022).
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