Genetic Analysis of Fruit Quality Traits in Sweet Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus): A Review

Abstract

Graphical AbstractAn overview of phytochemical compounds, phytohormones and flesh textural properties influencing fruit quality of watermelon fruit, and developed genomic and genetic resources for fruit quality breeding.

Retrospective Genetic Analysis of Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in Sweet Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus): A Review

“…The CRISPR/Cas9 is a widely used gene-editing platform for efficient breeding in crop-improvement programs. The potential application of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing for breeding watermelon varieties has been proposed for fruit-quality traits [74]. In the present study, we propose CRISPR/Cas9-mediated breeding targeting other important economic traits.…”

“…Furthermore, red-flesh fruits are classified into coral and scarlet red [19], whereas orange-fleshed watermelon types are classified as canary yellow and salmon-yellow [18]. Genes conferring the flesh colour of watermelon were recently reviewed by Mashilo et al [74]; readers are referred to this publication for further reading. In summary, the coordination of physiological and molecular processes during the watermelon fruit-ripening stage is subject to multiple genes affecting fruit flesh colour development.…”

Physicochemical characterization of watermelon accessions from traditional agriculture with resistance to Fusarium wilt

“…Characteristics of commercial interest for watermelon, such as fruit shape, weight, external and internal color, and stripe pattern, are important aspects for the commercial success of the crop due to strong market demand (Mashilo et al, 2022). Fruit longitudinal cut shape varied little among accessions, and it was classified as broadly elliptical for groups I and II and as mid-elliptical for most accessions in groups III and IV.…”

Characterization of HSP70 family in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus): identification, structure, evolution, and potential function in response to ABA, cold and drought stress

“…Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus ) as an important horticultural crop with high economic and nutritional value, is widely cultivated in the world. It not only provides rich carbohydrates and dietary fiber, but also provides a variety of vitamins and compounds that are beneficial to human health ( Makaepea et al, 2019 ; Mashilo et al, 2022 ). However, watermelon is sensitive to adverse conditions, and HSP70 proteins may play an important role in this response process.…”