International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 250-262 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 254 Figure 1 Genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships between the wild and domesticated populations of Cucurbita argyrosperma based on 2861 SNPs (Adopted from Barrera-Redondo et al., 2021) Image caption: (a) shows the Maximum-Likelihood tree, indicating a monophyletic clade for all domesticated populations, suggesting a common domestication origin. (b) depicts the ADMIXTURE analysis, revealing genetic admixture between different populations, especially gene flow between wild and domesticated populations in the Jalisco region. (c) illustrates the geographic distribution of the genetic groups across Mexico. These results support the hypothesis that domesticated populations likely originated in the Jalisco region and have maintained connections with wild populations through gene flow (Adapted from Barrera-Redondo et al., 2021) 5 Morphological Changes During Domestication 5.1 Size and shape variations The domestication of pumpkins has led to significant changes in the size and shape of the fruits. Wild Cucurbita species typically have smaller and more variable fruit sizes compared to their domesticated counterparts. Domesticated pumpkins, such as Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita pepo, have been selectively bred for larger fruit sizes, which is a common trait favored by human cultivators (Paris, 2017; Kates et al., 2017). The genetic basis for these changes has been linked to specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that control fruit size, which were predominantly selected during the domestication process (Li et al., 2019). Additionally, the shape of the fruits has also been modified, with domesticated varieties exhibiting a wider range of shapes, from elongated to round, compared to the more uniform shapes of wild species (Paris, 2017). 5.2 Color and texture changes Color and texture are other important morphological traits that have undergone significant changes during the domestication of pumpkins. Wild Cucurbita species often have fruits with green or mottled exteriors, while domesticated varieties display a wide array of colors, including orange, yellow, and white (Paris, 2017; Chomicki et al., 2019). These changes in color are associated with the accumulation of pigments such as lycopene and beta-carotene, which have been targeted during the domestication process to enhance the visual appeal and nutritional value of the fruits (Chomicki et al., 2019). The texture of the fruit flesh has also been improved, with domesticated pumpkins having a firmer and less fibrous texture compared to their wild relatives, making them more suitable for culinary uses (Paris, 2017).
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