Abstract
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.
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Plant Introduction Investigation Paper No. 7.
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Leppik, E.E. Searching gene centers of the genus Cucumis through host-parasite relationship. Euphytica 15, 323–328 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00022176
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00022176