International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 117-126 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 121 enhancement (Figure 2) (Feng et al., 2023). The integration of genomic and variomic information has the potential to rapidly increase breeding efficiency in cucurbit crops (Hao et al., 2019). Figure 2 Illustration of editing genes in cucurbit crops (Adopted from Feng et al., 2023) Image caption: This diagram illustrates the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing process adopted for cucurbit crops. The system introduces engineered endonucleases into the plant via genetic transformation, enabling precise and efficient modification of specific nucleotide sequences within the genome. Key steps include the design of the CRISPR system, introduction into the target plant, and the eventual elimination of carrier fragments through hybridization. Successful applications in various cucurbit species demonstrate the technology's adaptability and effectiveness in enhancing desirable crop traits (Adapted from Feng et al., 2023) The implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in cucurbit crops marks a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology, offering a powerful tool for precise genomic manipulation. This approach not only accelerates the process of crop improvement but also allows for the targeted editing of genes with high specificity and minimal off-target effects. By enabling specific genetic modifications, CRISPR technology facilitates the study of gene functions and the development of cucurbit varieties with improved traits, such as increased resistance to pathogens or enhanced nutritional profiles. In conclusion, the application of genomic research in Cucurbitaceae breeding, through MAS, GS, and genetic engineering and editing, is revolutionizing the way breeders approach crop improvement. These genomic tools enable more precise and efficient selection, ultimately accelerating the development of improved crop varieties to meet the demands of a growing global population. 4 Case Studies 4.1 Successful implementation of genomic advances in Cucurbitaceae crop improvement The Cucurbitaceae family, encompassing crops such as cucumber, melon, watermelon, squash, and pumpkin, has seen significant advancements in genomic research that have facilitated crop improvement and breeding efforts. The development of high-density genetic linkage maps, as reported in the cucumber genome, has been instrumental in enhancing the resolution of recombination breakpoints and has enabled the integration of gene and trait knowledge across cucurbits (Ren et al., 2009). The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and omics technologies has further revolutionized Cucurbitaceae breeding by allowing the discovery of new genes and regulatory sequences, thereby aiding in the understanding of complex traits such as disease resistance, cold tolerance, and fruit quality (Pawełkowicz et al., 2016).
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