DISTRIBUTION, DOMESTICATION AND DIVERSITY OF CUCUMIS SPECIES COMPLEX IN INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT

Abstract

The sub-continent of India is considered to be the place of
origin for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) and a centre of
diversity for melon (c. melo L). Centres of origin and diversity
have long been regarded as valuable sources of both biotic and
abiotic plant stresses. A large number of variants are cultivated
traditionally in different parts of India, which may have evolved
through natural and human selection aided by repeated
introgression from wild forms. An account of distribution, of
Cucumis species complex including wild relatives and their
domestication and diversity mainly hI Indian sub-continent has
been reviewed. Crop variability, gClletic erosion status and
priorities for Cucumis species collection in India and elsewhere
are also discussed.