Cucumis Anguria Research Articles

Cross-species transferability of 86 cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) microsatellite markers to gherkin (C. anguria L.)

Gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.), also known as West Indian gherkin, burr gherkin, and maxixe, is mainly cultivated and consumed in Brazil and the United States. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) would be a highly desirable tool for breeding of gherkin as gherkin cultivation generally requires considerable time, labor, and space. However, DNA markers available for gherkin have rarely been reported, although many microsatellite linkage maps have been constructed for cucumber and whole genomic sequences have been reported. In this study, we attempted to transfer 86 microsatellite markers derived from cucumber to gherkin and assess amplification and polymorphism between two gherkin accessions to enable the use of the microsatellite markers in gherkin. In PI 320052 and PI 364475, 58 (67.4%) and 55 (64.0%) microsatellite markers were successfully amplified, respectively. Of the amplified markers, the polymorphism number between the two accessions was 40. Thus, an adequate number of cucumber microsatellite markers can be transferred to gherkin. Current polymorphic microsatellite markers could then be made available for the study of landmarks in linkages, genomic structures, evolutionary ecology, and MAS in gherkin and Cucurbitaceae.

Maturação fisiológica de sementes de maxixe (Cucumis anguria L.)

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar as modificações físicas e fisiológicas das sementes de maxixe durante o processo de maturação, as quais são aspectos importantes no que diz respeito à obtenção de sementes de alta qualidade e minimização de sua deterioração no campo. As sementes foram colhidas de frutos da cultivar do Norte, em intervalos de cinco dias, do 15º ao 40º dia após a antese (DAA). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com seis tratamentos (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 e 40 DAA) e quatro repetições. Para cada época, os frutos foram avaliados visualmente e determinado o peso médio, e as sementes extraídas dos frutos foram avaliadas pelos seguintes testes e/ou determinações: teor de água, massa da matéria seca das sementes, germinação, primeira contagem, condutividade elétrica, envelhecimento acelerado e índice de velocidade de emergência. As sementes atingiram a maturidade fisiológica aos 32 dias após DAA, embora a melhor época para realizar a colheita de frutos seja no período de 35 a 40 DAA, quando as sementes se encontram com menor teor de água.

Association of a potyvirus with mosaic disease of gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.) in India.

A virus associated with severe mosaic disease of gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.) in south India was identified. The infected plants showed mosaic, vein banding, blistering on malformed leaves and fruits. Host range, transmission, serological and electron microscopic studies were carried out to identify the virus. The virus was readily transmitted by Sap inoculation and by aphids in a non-persistent manner. The host range of the virus was mainly limited to cucurbitaceous and chenopodium species. The virus showed positive serological relationships with members of potyvirus genus but not with cucumo, ilar and taspoviruses. Electron microscopy of leaf dip preparation of infected leaves revealed long flexuous filamentous virus particles measuring 750 × 12 nm. On the basis of symptomotology, host range, transmission, serology and particle morphology the virus associated with mosaic disease of gherkin might be the member of potyvirus genus.

Host Range and Complete Genome Sequence of Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus, a New Member of the Genus Crinivirus

Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) causes chlorotic yellows on cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and melon (Cucumis melo) and is transmitted by Bemisia tabaci biotype B and Q whiteflies. To characterize the host range of CCYV, 21 cucurbitaceous and 12 other plant species were inoculated using whitefly vectors. All tested Cucumis spp. except Cucumis anguria and Cucumis zeyheri were systemically infected with CCYV, although infection rates varied among species. Citrullus lanatus, Cucurbita pepo, and Luffa cylindrica were susceptible to CCYV; however, the infection rates were low and symptoms were unclear. In addition to the cucurbitaceous plants, Beta vulgaris, Chenopodium amaranticolor, Chenopodium quinoa, Spinacia oleracea, Lactuca sativa, Datura stramonium, and Nicotiana benthamiana were also systemically infected by CCYV. Complete RNA1 and RNA2 were reverse-transcribed, cloned, and sequenced. CCYV RNA1 was found to be 8,607 nucleotides (nt) long and contained four open reading frames (ORFs). The first ORF spanned methyltransferase and RNA helicase domains followed by an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain, presumably translated by a +1 ribosomal frameshift. CCYV RNA2 was found to be 8,041 nt long and contained eight ORFs, including the hallmark gene array of the family Closteroviridae. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that CCYV was genetically close to Lettuce chlorosis virus, Bean yellow disorder virus, and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus. Amino acid sequence similarities of representative proteins with these viruses indicated that CCYV should be classified as a distinct crinivirus species.

Production of paulista gherkin using trellis net support

Paulista gherkin is a new gherkin type obtained by crossing Cucumis anguria var. anguria x C. anguria var. longaculeatus. It differs from common gherkin in its fruits and leaves. Elite lines of Paulista gherkin present similar performance for total yield and fruit weight but some have distinctive characteristics, including fruit and leaf attributes. The combination of these characteristics through production of Paulista gherkin hybrids could be an alternative for fruit quality and/or yield improvement. The purpose of the present work was to compare the yield of Paulista gherkin lines and their hybrids grown on a trellis net under field conditions. Four lines and their six single-cross hybrids were evaluated for yield and fruit production using the trellised net production system. Seedlings were produced in polystyrene trays with 128 cells, and transplanted to the middle of 1.20 m wide beds. Plants were trained without pruning on netting having 0.1 x 0.1 m openings. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replicates and seven plants per plot. Yield was expressed as number of fruits and total weight of fruits per plot. Length, width and fruit flesh thickness were also evaluated, with five samples per plot in two harvesting times. Hybrids and their parental lines were similar in fruit yield and quality. The trellised net was suitable for Paulista gherkin production and provided adequate support to the plants. The trellis technique is suitable to make harvesting easier and to improve fruit quality.

Outbreak of Tobacco streak virus Causing Necrosis of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and Gherkin (Cucumis anguria) in India.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and Gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.) are important cucurbitaceous vegetables grown in India for slicing and pickling. During the 2000 to 2002 rainy season and summer, a new virus disease, causing yield losses of 31 to 75% in Bangalore, Bellary, Davanagiree, and Tumkur districts of Karnataka State, infected cucumber and gherkin. Symptoms were tip necrosis characterized by necrotic lesions on leaves, and a general leaf and stem necrosis extending to mid veins, petioles, flower buds and tip, eventually resulting in dieback of vines. Tissue extracts from symptomatic leaves of cucumber and gherkin were mechanically inoculated on several herbaceous indicator plants (cowpea, cucumber, pepper, Zinnia, watermelon, Chenopodium amaranticolor, sunflower, Nicotiana glutinosa, N. tabacum, and Gomphrena globosa). On most hosts, symptoms of chlorotic or necrotic lesions followed by mottle or systemic necrosis were observed. Back-inoculation from the symptomatic indicator plants onto cucumber and gherkin resulted in symptoms typical of those observed in the field. Electron microscopic examination of leaf-dip preparation and ultra thin sections of virus infected plant samples showed the presence of isometric particles 25 to 28 nm in diameter. Similar types of particles were observed when infected samples were trapped in immunosorbent electron microscopy with polyclonal antibodies specific to Tobacco Streak virus (TSV) but not to Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMV). Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay tests using leaf extracts of field-collected samples and sap-inoculated plants showed positive reaction to antibodies of TSV (1) but not to antibodies of Cucumber mosaic virus, WSMV, Watermelon bud necrosis virus, Papaya ring spot virus W strain, and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of RNA extracts of infected samples of field and inoculated symptomatic plants was done by using primers derived from TSV RNA3 specific for the coat protein (CP) region of TSV (2). A 800-bp specific DNA fragment was amplified from infected cucumber and gherkin but not from healthy control plants. Sequence analysis of cloned PCR fragments revealed nucleotide identities of 99% with TSV isolates from cotton, mungbean, sunnhemp, and sunflower (GenBank Accessions Nos. AF515824, AF515823, AF515825, and AY061929) and 88% with TSV-WC (GenBank Accession No. X00435). On the basis of host range, serological relationship, electron microscopy, and sequence analysis of the CP region, the virus was identified as a strain of TSV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural occurrence of TSV on cucumber and gherkin in India.

Desenvolvimento de Pasteuria penetrans em Meloidogyne spp. parasitando diferentes espécies vegetais

A bactéria Pasteuria penetrans é um parasita obrigatório do nematóide das galhas (Meloidogyne spp.) e produz esporos que persistem por anos no solo. A sua produção por cultivo in vitro ainda é inviável e a produção de inoculo requer o seu cultivo in vivo em nematóides parasitando plantas em vasos. Neste trabalho, buscou-se, por meio do estudo histológico de raízes, averiguar diferenças no desenvolvimento de P. penetrans em Meloidogyne spp. parasitando raízes de tomateiro (Lycopersicon esculentum), maxixe (Cucumis anguria) e camapu (Physalis angulata), e possíveis razões para estas diferenças, como forma e tamanho de células gigantes e das fêmeas do nematóide. O maxixe foi o pior dentre os hospedeiros em teste para a produção de inóculo e apresentou células gigantes anormais. A estrutura das células gigantes assim como o desenvolvimento da bactéria foram semelhantes no camapu e no tomateiro, entretanto o ciclo de vida de P. penetrans foi ligeiramente mais curto no tomateiro.

Patogenicidade de Corynespora cassiicola a diferentes espécies de plantas

Avaliou-se, em condições de casa de vegetação, a patogenicidade de dois isolados de Corynespora cassiicola, obtidos de tomateiro (Lycopersicon esculentum), a abóbora (Cucurbita pepo), aceroleira (Malpighia glabra), caupi (Vigna unguiculata), mamoeiro (Carica papaya), maxixe (Cucumis anguria), pimentão (Capsicum annum), quiabeiro (Abelmoschus esculentus), soja (Glycines max), tomateiro e vinagreira (Hibiscus sabdariffa) com o objetivo de selecionar plantas que possam ser utilizadas em sistemas de rotação de culturas, nas áreas produtoras de tomate. Duas plantas daninhas, trapoeraba (Commelina benghalensis) e assa peixe (Vernonia cinerea), comuns em tomatais, foram incluídas nos testes para se avaliar sua importância como fontes de inóculo. As plantas reagiram diferentemente ao patógeno, sendo a maioria suscetível aos dois isolados do fungo. Sugere-se que o tomateiro não deva ser cultivado consorciado ou muito próximo a plantios de abóbora, maxixe, pimentão, quiabeiro e vinagreira. O controle das invasoras como C.benghalensis e V. cinerea é de fundamental importância para a redução do inóculo no campo.

Screening for resistance to Didymella bryoniae in rootstocks of melon

Glasshouse evaluations of rootstocks of melon for resistance to Didymella bryoniae were conducted on different cucurbits previously selected as resistant or partially resistant to race 1,2 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis. Cucumis anguria, C. ficifolius, C. figarei, C. metuliferus, C. zeyheri and Benincasa hispida showed a very high degree of resistance to D. bryoniae both on leaves and stems. Among the commercial rootstocks, Cucurbita hybrids ELSI, ES 99-13, RS 841, displayed a similar level of resistance. Stem inoculation of three cucurbit species grafted with susceptible melon cv. Proteo determined the occurrence of limited symptoms, but the lesions remained confined in the rootstock not affecting the grafted plant. Cultivation of susceptible melon cultivars grafted on resistant rootstocks may represent an efficient method for controlling Didymella crown rot and Fusarium wilt.

Multi-residue matrix solid-phase dispersion method for the determination of six synthetic pyrethroids in vegetables followed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection

An effective multi-residue matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction and gas chromatographic-electron-capture detection method for the determination of six synthetic pyrethroids (fenpropathrin, cyhalothrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate and deltamethrin) in 5 g of vegetables (West Indian gherkin, eggplant, pak-choi, cabbage and garden peas) is described. The method uses a Florisil-based MPSD column for direct in-line clean-up with n-hexane-acetone (9:1). Recoveries calculated at 0.1 and 0.5 μg/g fortification levels were between 92 and 113%. The method detection limits were between 5.1 and 91.5 ng/g. The method compared favourably with the traditional method in terms of the sample size, analysis time and overall cost. The method may serve as a screening protocol for the determination of pyrethroids in vegetables.

Cross pathogenicity studies with isolates of Fusarium oxysporum from either cucumber or watermelon pathogenic to both crop species*

SUMMARYIsolates of Fusarium oxysporum from Abaco, the Bahamas, whether obtained from wilted plants of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) or watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), were pathogenic to cucumber, watermelon, and cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus). The West Indian gherkin (Cucumis anguria), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), and three cultivars of summer squash (C. pepo var. melopepo) were not susceptible. Strains of F. oxysporum from wilted cucumber or watermelon plants from Florida were highly pathogenic only to their original host species and are regarded as different formae speciales.

Control of Bur Gherkins (Cucumis anguria) in Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) with Herbicides1

Abstract Experiments were conducted from 1975 to 1977 to determine the efficacy of herbicides for control of bur gherkin (Cucumis anguria L.) in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). Most bur gherkins seed planted in the field germinated in the upper 2.5 cm of soil, although some seed germinated from 7 cm. In greenhouse and field experiments, preplant-incorporated applications of vernolate (S-propyl dipropylthiocarbamate) substantially reduced the green weight of bur gherkin plants and also improved the efficacy of several cracking and postemergence herbicidal treatments. Postemergence treatment sequences were much more effective when they were begun while bur gherkins were in the cotyledonary stage of development rather than the 3- to 5-leaf stage. Preplanting application and incorporation of vernolate + benefin (N-butyl-N-ethyl-α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-p-toluidine), followed by a cracking application of alachlor [2-chloro-2',6'-diethyl-N-(methoxymethyl)acetanilide] + naptalam (N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid) + dinoseb (2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol), followed by dinoseb controlled bur gherkins. Some of the most intensive herbicide programs reduced the yield of peanuts in some experiments. Bur gherkin plants that survived the herbicide treatments produced substantial quantities of fruit and seed.

Melon Aphid Resistance in Cucumis spp.

Cucumis seedlings were screened in the laboratory to discover plant introductions and U. S. cultivars for use in breeding crops resistant to the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover. Gerkin, Cucumis anguria L., (PI 147065), and cantaloupe, C. melo L., (PI 164320), were resistant in the laboratory and in subsequent field tests. C. metuliferus Naud. (PI 292190 and PI 202681) were highly resistant in the laboratory. Introductions in several other Cucumis species appeared resistant in screening. In laboratory tests, both alate and apterous melon aphids congregated on plants of susceptible C. melo varieties, but not on resistant PI 164320. Resistance was dominant in crosses of resistant PI 164320 with 2 other cantaloupe lines, PI 314654 and Honey Dew. Subsequent generations showed segregation resembling that observed in situations involving a small number of genes. However, attempts to fit the data to simple Mendelian models failed. Introductions of Cucumis anguria and its close relatives from Ethiopia and Arabia had a higher average resistance than introductions from southern Africa.

Influence of Cucurbitacins, Sugars, and Fatty Acids on Cucurbit Susceptibility to Spotted Cucumber Beetle1,2

Abstract Seedlings of 18 plant types from 5 genera of Cucurbitaceae were analyzed for cucurbitacins, total sugars, and fatty acids and these were correlated with spotted cucumber beetle feeding. The species were: Citrullus colocynthis L. (Schrad.), C. lanatus (Mansf.) Matsumara: Cucumis anguria L., C. dipsaceus Ehrenb., C ficifolius Bouche’C. longipes Hook f., C. melo L., C. myricarpus Naud., C. prophetarum L.: Cucurbita foetidissima H. B. K., C. pepo L.; Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Stamdl.; Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb., and L. cylindrica Roem. Seedling injury ranged from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). Regression analysis indicated that cucurbitacins, total sugars, and the fatty acids (palmitic and linolenic) except linoleic contributed to insect feeding; correlation between concn and feeding was positive. Cucurbitacins, which cucumber beetles were able to locate without feeding, played the major role in seedling susceptibility; next in importance were palmitic acid, linolenic acid, and total sugars. All apparently related to the preference of beetles for specific strains or cultivars. In non-preferred seedlings, preference was induced by topical application of cucurbitacins A, B, C, D, E, and 1 and by the glycosides from C. foetidissimma roots. A barrier seemed to obstruct feeding of the beetles on the upper surface of the cotyledons, even when the attractant cucurbitacins were applied.

Searching gene centers of the genus Cucumis through host-parasite relationship

In addition to phytogeographic evidence, there are numerous host-specific pathogens, insects, and nematodes which point to Northeast Africa, Arabia and the eastern Mediterranean area as the possible primary gene center for the genus Cucumis. From this area the genus has radiated southward, eastward, and westward, forming secondary gene centers as indicated in the enclosed map. Cultivated cucumbers (C. sativus) are from India, but the origin of muskmelons (C. melo) is still uncertain. The West Indian gherkin (C. anguria) is believed to have been introduced into America from Africa at some past time.

Yields of Four Cucumber Varieties After Treatment with a Nematocide

The behavior of the cucumber varieties P.R. 39, Wisconsin SMR 15, Ohio MR 17, and West Indian Gherkin, after treatment with two concentrations of D.D. (dichloropropene, dichloropropane) was studied in the Isabela area. The following major results were obtained: 1. The variety P.R. 39 produced much more fruit than any of the other varieties studied. 2. Many more fruits were produced in all plots treated with D.D. than in those not treated. 3. Visual observations in the field demonstrated that, as reported by Rico Ballester et al. (6), the P.R. 39 was more resistant to the downy mildew disease than any of the other varieties studied.

Artificial Dioecism in Relation to Physiological Ontogeny of the Gherkin, Cucumis anguria

1. The physiological responses and growth of the normally monoecious gherkin, Cucumis anguria, were studied under varying degrees of artificially imposed dioecism and compared with those of normal plants throughout ontogeny, grown under similar environmental conditions. 2. Minimal and maximal periods in the rate of vegetative growth were noted. Despite sexual modifications, all series followed closely the basic trends described, differing only in the quantitative aspect. The induced dioecious series (2 and 4), in which pistillate flowers were unpollinated or removed consistently, excelled in magnitude of vegetative stem and leaf, and flower, production. The postulated role of growth substances as a possible factor in accounting for the ontogenetic fluctuations is discussed. 3. Alterations in the rate of absorption of water and nutrients and changes in the reaction of the substrate seemed to be closely correlated with certain stages of the life cycle. A preflowering drop in the rate of water and mineral uptake and pH changes of the nutrient cultures are suggested as indexes to the presence of flower primordia in the gherkin, often before they are macroscopically visible. The consistency among series in displaying these substrate alterations suggests also the influence of preformed hormonic agents in the regulation of these processes. 4. At the final sampling the fruiting plants had the lowest total fresh, dry, and ash weights; and total carbohydrates; but the highest relative amounts of total nitrogen. 5. It is concluded that, if normal flowering and fruiting are interfered with, metabolic derangements and alterations result. A possible explanation for the superiority of nonfruiting plants in most growth increments might be due to utilization of accumulated organic reserves, under the stimulus, and perhaps impaired translocation, of growth substances produced outside the reproductive structures. These normally would lead to flowering and fruiting. It is also suggested, as has been done by others, that the apparent stimulation concurrent with the time of the reproductive processes may stem not directly as the result of these phenomena but indirectly in association with maximum production of growth substances at these periods affecting the entire plant.