CULTIVATED CUCURBITS AND THEmWILD RELATIVES IN INDIA

Abstract

Cucurbits are a highly evolved group of plants, widely cultivated as
vegetables and fruits. Eighteen out ofabout 100 species known to Occur in
India, are cultirJated. Many wild species and weedy relatives are important
and could be utilized lor improving the cultivated types through breeding
approaches. Tht! origin, distribution:.classification, morphology andclimatic
adaptation of cucurbits have been reviewed. A detailed account of the
available diversity, distribution pattern and economic uses in respect of
cultivated cucurbits has been enumerated. The role of wild relatives for
improving the potential ofcultivated types has been emphasized.