International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 250-262 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 250 Systematic Review Open Access The Domestication of Pumpkins: Historical Perspectives and Modern Genetic Evidence AnnieNyu The HITAR Institute Canada, British Columbia, Canada Corresponding email: annienyu@hitar.org International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0027 Received: 25 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 29 Jul., 2024 Published: 21 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Nyu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Nyu A., 2024, The domestication of pumpkins: historical perspectives and modern genetic evidence, International Journal of Horticulture, 14(4): 250-262 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0027) Abstract The domestication of pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.) has a rich history that spans thousands of years, originating in the Americas and spreading globally. Understanding the genetic and evolutionary pathways of these crops provides insights into their domestication processes and the genetic diversity that has been shaped over millennia. This study synthesizes historical perspectives and modern genetic evidence to elucidate the domestication history of pumpkins, focusing on the genetic relationships between wild and domesticated species, and the impact of domestication on genetic diversity. Phylogenetic studies have revealed complex relationships among Cucurbita species, identifying novel connections and clarifying the genetic origins of domesticated taxa. Genomic analyses have uncovered structural variants and candidate domestication genes involved in growth regulation, plant defense, and seed development. Evidence suggests that domestication bottlenecks and gene flow between wild and domesticated subspecies have played significant roles in shaping genetic diversity. Additionally, the integration of archaeological and genomic data has provided a comprehensive understanding of the domestication timeline and the traits selected during early cultivation. The findings highlight the intricate genetic and evolutionary processes underlying pumpkin domestication. The identification of key genetic variants and the role of gene flow offer valuable insights for future breeding programs aimed at enhancing crop resilience and quality. Continued research integrating genomic and archaeological data is essential for a deeper understanding of the domestication and evolution of Cucurbita species. Keywords Pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.); Pumpkin domestication; Phylogenetics; Genetic diversity; Ggene flow;, Structural variants; Archaeological genomics 1 Introduction Pumpkin, a herbaceous plant of the genus Cucurbita in the Cucurbitaceae family, are significant both agriculturally and culturally across the globe. They are cultivated for their edible fruits and seeds, which are integral to various culinary traditions and agricultural practices (Devi et al., 2018). The economic importance of pumpkins is underscored by their diverse uses, ranging from food products to ornamental purposes (Kates, 2019). Additionally, pumpkins have been a staple in many cultures, particularly in the Americas, where they were first domesticated approximately 10,000 years ago (Paris, 2016). The seeds of pumpkins, especially those of Cucurbita argyrosperma, have been a crucial component of early Mesoamerican diets, highlighting their cultural and nutritional significance (Barrera-Redondo et al., 2020; Barrera-Redondo et al., 2021). The domestication of pumpkins is a fascinating aspect of agricultural history, involving complex processes of human selection and genetic adaptation. The domestication of Cucurbita species began around 11,000 years ago in the New World, with early humans selecting for traits such as non-bitterness and increased fruit size (Chomicki et al., 2019). This process has led to significant genetic and morphological diversity among domesticated pumpkins and their wild relatives (Kates, 2021). The domestication of pumpkins has also been influenced by gene flow between wild and cultivated populations, which has helped maintain genetic diversity and adaptability (Barrera-Redondo et al., 2020; Barrera-Redondo et al., 2021). Phylogenetic studies have revealed intricate relationships between domesticated pumpkins and their wild ancestors, providing insights into the evolutionary history and domestication pathways of these crops (Kates et al., 2017).
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