Research advances in the genetic basis underlying key traits of three major Cucurbita cultivars(南瓜属三大主栽种重要性状遗传研究进展)

The Cucurbita genus is globally recognized as an important source of vegetables and food crops, characterized by significant economic value and nutritional benefits. Recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing and molecular marker technologies have driven substantial progress in Cucurbita genetic research. This review systematically consolidated current knowledge on the genetic foundations of three major Cucurbita cultivars (C. pepo, C. maxima, and C. moschata), focusing on agronomic traits, quality, and stress resistance. Key developments in quantitative trait locus (QTL)/gene mapping and candidate gene identification for critical agronomic traits, including plant architecture, sex differentiation, fruit morphology and color were comprehensively summarized. Furthermore, the genetic regulation of flesh quality related components (e.g., sugars, starch, and carotenoids) was critically examined. The molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to biotic stresses (against fungal and viral pathogens) and abiotic stresses (e.g., to drought, low temperature, and salinity) were also summarized. This paper provides a theoretical basis for elucidating molecular genetic mechanisms of trait formation in Cucurbita species and supports the development of novel cultivars with enhanced yield, improved quality, and multi-stress resilience.(作为全球重要的蔬菜和粮食资源，南瓜属（Cucurbita）作物不仅具有较高的经济价值，还富含多种营养物质。近年来，随着高通量测序和分子标记技术的快速发展，南瓜重要性状遗传研究取得了显著进展。本文系统综述了南瓜属三大栽培种（美洲南瓜、印度南瓜和中国南瓜）在农艺性状、品质和抗逆性方面的遗传研究进展，重点总结了株型、性别分化、果实形态与颜色等关键农艺性状的数量性状基因座（quantitative trait locus, QTL）/基因定位和候选基因鉴定方面的研究现状，探讨了果肉品质相关成分（如糖类、淀粉、类胡萝卜素）的遗传调控途径，分析了抗病性（抗真菌病和病毒病）和耐逆性（耐干旱、低温和盐胁迫等）相关的分子机制。本文为解析南瓜重要性状形成的分子遗传机制及培育高产、优质和抗逆南瓜新品种提供了理论依据。)