Abiotic stresses.

Abstract

Abstract Numerous abiotic stresses impact yield, quality and adaptation of cucurbit crops under the diverse cultivation systems across the globe. Irrigation systems, elevation, soil type, solar radiation, wind, pathogens, fertility and genotype all interact to determine the degree to which abiotic stress may impact the crop. This chapters describes some abiotic stresses affecting cucurbit cultivation, such as cold, heat, drought, flooding, nutrient deficiencies and excesses, and salinity. Tolerance or resistance to abiotic stress factors has been documented in the germplasm of multiple cucurbit crops. Utilizing wild accessions, landraces and known resistance sources, genes for abiotic stress resistance are being identified and introgressed into cultivars with desirable fruit quality. With the new gene editing technology, it may be possible to modify these endogenous stress resistance genes to enhance their effects in the near future.