Cucurbitacin biosynthesis in cucurbit crops, their pharmaceutical value and agricultural application for management of biotic and abiotic stress: A review

The cucurbitaceae family comprises of economically important vegetable crops grown for food and medicine. Most cucurbit crops produce cucurbitacins in leaves, flowers, fruit, seed and roots which possess various pharmacological and pharmaceutical values. Cucurbitacins are toxic to pests and diseases, and allelopathic to noxious weeds thus providing opportunities for improving tolerance to biotic stresses. Further, cucurbitacins are responsive to environmental stimuli and can therefore enhance tolerance to abiotic stress. The objective of this review was to highlight the breeding value of cucurbitacins to develop cucurbitacins-enriched genotypes for food and medicine, and for management of biotic and abiotic stresses. The following themes were discussed: a comparative analysis of cucurbitacin concentrations in edible and non-edible plant parts; genetic control and associated quantitative trait loci and molecular markers associated with cucurbitacins; pharmacological and pharmaceutical values of cucurbitacins, and potential applications for management of biotic and abiotic stresses. Results of the present study will guide genetic improvement of cucurbitacins for use as food and medicine, and in the development of genotypes tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses. (C) 2021 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study highlights the breeding value of cucurbitacins in developing genotypes enriched with cucurbitacins for food and medicine, as well as for managing biotic and abiotic stresses.