Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Utilization and breeding perspective in the egusi gourd Melothria sphaerocarpa (Cogn.) H. Schaef. et S.S. Renner (syn: Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin)

  • Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops
  • Published:
Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Melothria sphaerocarpa (egusi gourd) is an economically important cucurbit species cultivated only for its seeds in West and Central Africa but also found in South and Central America. The species is thought to originate from America and sister of wild relatives such as Melothria candolleana and Melothria campestris, which thrive in America only. The species is rich in nutrients and is a useful crop to ensure food and nutritional security. It also has several applications in industries for cooking oil, soap, paint and biodiesel production. However, the production of egusi gourd is declining because of its low yield, the requirement of stakes and the long production cycle. These bottlenecks lead to the substitution of egusi gourd by other sister egusi crops and increase the threat on the species. This review documents current knowledge for improving existing cultivars of egusi gourd to promote sustainable utilization. Breeding objectives may include developing early maturing, high yielding, as well as pests and diseases resistant varieties. Current in situ and ex situ conservation strategies need to be strengthened. Further investigations need to be carried out on the phylogeny and phylogeography of the genus Melothria, the genetic diversity among American and African populations, the reproductive biology and nutritional value.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abiodun OA, Adeleke RO (2010) Comparative studies on nutritional composition of four melon seeds varieties. Pak J Nutr 9(9):905–908

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Achigan-Dako EG (2008) Phylogenetic and genetic variation analyses in cucurbit species (Cucurbitaceae) from West Africa: definition of conservation strategies. Cuvillier Verlag, Germany

    Google Scholar 

  • Achigan-Dako GE, Fanou N, Kouke A, Avohou HT, Vodouhe RS, Ahanchede A (2006) Évaluation agronomique de trois espèces de Egusi (Cucurbitaceae) utilisées dans l’alimentation au Bénin et élaboration d’un modèle de prédiction du rendement. Biotechnol Agron Soc Environ 10(2):121–129

    Google Scholar 

  • Achigan-Dako EG, Fagbemissi R, Avohou HT, Vodouhe RS, Coulibaly O, Ahanchede A (2008) Importance and practices of Egusi crops (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai, Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin and Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. cv.’Aklamkpa’) in sociolinguistic areas in Benin. Biotechnol Agron Soc Environ 12(4):393–403

    Google Scholar 

  • Achigan-Dako EG, Avohou HT, Ahouanmagnagahou RA, Vodouhè RS, Ahanchede A (2009) Viability response of cucurbit seeds (Citrullus lanatus subsp. mucosospermus, Cucumeropsis mannii and Lagenaria siceraria) stored under various moisture content and temperature conditions. Seed Sci Technol 37:520–526

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Achu MB, Fokou E, Tchiégang C, Fotso M, Tchouanguep FM (2005) Nutritive value of some Cucurbitaceae oilseeds from different regions in Cameroon. Afr J Biotechnol 4(11):1329–1334

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Achu MB, Fokou E, Tchiégang C, Fotso M, Tchouanguep FM (2008) Atherogenicity of Cucumeropsis mannii and Cucumis sativus oils from Cameroon. Afr J Food Sci 2:021–025

    Google Scholar 

  • Adekunle AA, Uma NU (2004) Management of insects pests in storage for preservation of Cucumeropsis mannii seeds. Indian Phytopath 57(3):280–286

    Google Scholar 

  • Adjakidje V (2006) Cucurbitaceae. In: Akoegninou A, van der Burg WJ, van der Maesen LJG, Adjakidjé V, Essou JP, Sinsin B, Yédomonhan H (eds) Flore Analytique du Bénin. Backhuys Publishers, Cotonou & Wageningen, pp 520–534

    Google Scholar 

  • Ajayi I, Salami A (2013) Evaluation of Cucumeropsis mannii Seed Cake. Nat Sci 11(7):86–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Akinyele BJ, Oloruntoba OS (2013) Comparative studies on Citrullus vulgaris, Citrullus colocynthis and Cucumeropsis mannii for Ogiri production. Br Microbiol Res J 3(1):1–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anhwange BA, Asen B, Ikyenge BA, Nyiatagher DT, Ageh JT (2010) Chemical Analysis of Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.), Cucumeropsis mannii (Naud.) and Telfairia occidentalis (Hook f.) Seeds Oils. J Appl Sci Res 6(3):265–268

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Azo’o EM, Messi J (2012) Yield responses of Cucumeropsis mannii (Cucurbitaceae) to the presence or the absence of the insect foraging activity at Nkolbisson in Cameroon. J Anim Plant Sci 13(3):1791–1799

    Google Scholar 

  • Badifu GIO (1993) Food potentials of some unconventional oilseeds grown in Nigeria—a brief review. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 43:211–224

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Badifu GIO, Ogunsua AO (1991) Chemical composition of kernels from some species of Cucurbitaceae grown in Nigeria. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 41:35–44

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Besong SA, Ezekwe MO, Fosung CN, Senwo ZN (2011) Evaluation of nutrient composition of African melon oilseed (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin) for human nutrition. Int J Nutr Metab 3(8):103–108

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brotman Y et al (2002) Resistance gene homologues in melon are linked to genetic loci conferring disease and pest resistance. Theor Appl Genet 104(6–7):1055–1063

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Burkill HM (1985) The useful plants of west tropical Africa, vol 1, 2nd edn. Families A-D, Royal Botanic Gardens

    Google Scholar 

  • Dansi A et al (2012) Diversity of the neglected and underutilized crop species of importance in Benin. Sci World J 2012:19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delascio-Chitty F, Lopez R (2007) Las cucurbitáceas delestado Cojedes, Venezuela. Acta Bot Venez 30(1):19–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Duguma B, Gockowski J, Bakala J (2001) Smallholder cacao (Theobroma cacao Linn.) cultivation in agroforestry systems of West and Central Africa: challenges and opportunities. Agrofor Syst 51(3):177–188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dyer GA, López-Feldman A, Yúnez-Naude A, Taylor JE (2014) Genetic erosion in maize’s center of origin. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 111(39):14094–14099

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Edelstein M, Nerson H (2002) Genotype and plant denity affect watermelon grown for seed consumption. Hort Sci 37(6):981–983

    Google Scholar 

  • Egunjobi JK, Adebisi AA (2004) Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin. In: Grubben GJH, Denton OA (eds) Plant resources of tropical Africa 2: Vegetables. Backhuys Publishers, Wageningen, pp 235–237

    Google Scholar 

  • Enzonga-Yoca JA, Nitou JG, Allou Kippré V, Niamayoua RK, Mvoula-Tsieri M, Silou T (2011) Caractérisation chimique et évaluation de la température de conservation du lait des graines de cucurbitacées: Cucumeropsis mannii et Citrullus lanatus. J Anim Plant Sci 10(1):1232–1238

    Google Scholar 

  • Essien EA, Umoren SA, Essien EE, Udoh AP (2012) Preparation and evaluation of Cucumeropsis mannii Naud. seed oil metallic soaps as driers in gloss paint. J Mater Environ Sci 3(3):477–484

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fomekong A, Messi J, Kekeunou S, Tchuenguem-Fohouo F-N, Tamesse JL (2008) Entomofauna of Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin, its impact on plant yield and some aspects of the biology of Dacus bivitattus (Diptera: Tephritidae). Afr J Agric Res 3(5):363–370

    Google Scholar 

  • Gbolade AA (2009) Inventory of antidiabetic plants in selected districts of Lagos State, Nigeria. J Ethnopharmacol 121:135–139

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gepts P (2006) Plant genetic resources conservation and utilization. Crop Sci 46(5):2278–2292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gnamien GY, Zoro Bi AI, Djè Y, Toussaint A, Baudoin J-P (2010) Determination of a suitable protocol for indigenous oilseed cucurbits plant regeneration. Tropicultura 28(4):217–225

    Google Scholar 

  • Grenand F (2001/2002) Stratégies de nomination des plantes cultivées dans une société tupi-guarani, les Wayãpi. Amerindia 26/27:209–247

  • Grenand P, Prévost M-F (1994) Les plantes colorantes utilisées en Guyane française. J Agric Tradit Bot Appl 36(1):139–172

    Google Scholar 

  • Hajjar R, Hodgkin T (2007) The use of wild relatives in crop improvement: a survey of developments over the last 20 years. Euphytica 156(1–2):1–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hammer K, Teklu Y (2008) Plant genetic resources: selected issues from genetic erosion to genetic engineering. J Agri Rural Dev Trop 109(1):15–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Haussmann BIG, Parzies HK, Presterl T, Susic Z, Miedaner T (2004) Plant genetic resources in crop improvement. Plant Genet Resour 2(1):3–21

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haussmann BIG, Fred Rattunde H, Weltzien-Rattunde E, Traoré PSC, vom Brocke K, Parzies HK (2012) Breeding strategies for adaptation of pearl millet and sorghum to climate variability and change in West Africa. J Agron Crop Sci 198(5):327–339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heywood VH (2008) Challenges of in situ conservation of crop wild relatives. Turk J Bot 32(6):421–432

    Google Scholar 

  • Igbum OG, Leke L, Ubwa ST (2013) Blend characteristics of biodiesel obtained from four virgin tropical seed sils. Int J Chem 5(2):54–67

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Keller GB, Mndiga H, Maass BL (2005) Diversity and genetic erosion of traditional vegetables in Tanzania from the farmer’s point of view. Plant Genet Resour 3(3):400–413

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khunwasi C (1998) Palynology of the Cucurbitaceae. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Innsbruck

  • Koffi KK, Gbotto AA, Malice M, Djè Y, Bertin J, Baudoin J-P, Zoro Bi AI (2008) Morphological and allozyme variation in a collection of Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) from Côte d’Ivoire. Biochem Syst Ecol 36:777–789

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kortse AP, Oladiran AJ (2012a) Effects of fruit size on the quality of ‘Egusi-itoo’ melon (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin.) seed. Adv Appl Sci Res 3(4):2192–2495

    Google Scholar 

  • Kortse AP, Oladiran AJ (2012b) The quality of ‘Egusi-itoo’ melon (Cucumeropsis nannii Naudin.) seed harvested at different fruit ages. Int J Sci Res Publ 2(12):1–5

    Google Scholar 

  • Koumé NMT, Gnahoua GM, Kouassi KE, Traoré D (2008) Plantes alimentaires spontanées de la région du Fromager (Centre-Ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire): flore, habitats et organes consommés. Sci Nat 5(1):61–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Levi A, Thomas CE, Keinath AP, Wehner TC (2001) Genetic diversity among watermelon (Citrullus lanatus and Citrullus colocynthis) accessions. Genet Resour Crop Evol 48(6):559–566

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Linares CEL (1994) Inventario preliminar de las plantas utilizadas para elaborar artesaniascen Colombia. Universitas Scientiarium 2(1):7–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Loukou AL, Gnakri D, Djè Y, Kippré AV, Malice M, Baudoin J-P, Zoro Bi IA (2007) Macronutrient composition of three cucurbit species cultivated for seed consumption in Côte d’Ivoire. Afr J Biotechnol 6(5):529–533

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maundu P, Achigan-Dako E, Morimoto Y (2009) Biodiversity of African Vegetables. In: Shackleton CM, Pasquini MW, Drescher AW (eds) African indigenous vegetables in urban agriculture. Earthscan, UK and USA, pp 65–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Mbuli-Lingundi Y et al (1983) Chemical composition of seeds from Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin and their suitability as food. Zeitschrift für Lebensmittel-Untersuchung und -Forschung 177(1):37

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mekbib F (2008) Genetic erosion of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) in the centre of diversity, Ethiopia. Genet Resour Crop Evol 55(3):351–364

  • N’Danikou S, Assogba TM, Avohou ES, Achigan-Dako EG (2010) Selected species of traditional vegetable of Benin by family. In: Achigan-Dako EG, Pasquini MW, Assogba-Komlan F, N’danikou S, Yédomonhan H, Dansi A, Ambrose-Oji B (eds) Traditional vegetables in Benin. Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Bénin. Imprimeries du CENAP, Cotonou, pp 88–189

    Google Scholar 

  • National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network—(GRIN) (2015) National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?463029. Accessed 02 Jan 2015

  • Nerson H (2005) Effects of fruit shape and plant density on seed yield and quality of squash. Sci Hortic 105(3):293–304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noss RF (2001) Beyond Kyoto: forest management in a time of rapid climate change. Conserv Biol 15(3):578–590

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Obute GC, Ndukwu BC, Chukwu OF (2007) Targeted mutagenesis in Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. and Cucumeropsis mannii (NAUD.) in Nigeria. Afr J Biotechnol 6(21):2467–2472

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ogunbusola EM, Fagbemi TN, Osundahunsi OF (2012) Chemical and functional properties of full fat and defatted white melon (Cucumeropsis mannii) seed flours. J Food Sci Eng 2:691–696

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ojieh GC, Oluba OM, Ogunlowo YR, Adebisi KE, Eidangbe GO, Orole RT (2008) Compositional studies of Citrullus lanatus (Egusi melon) seed. Internet J Nutr Wellness 6(1):1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Okoli BE (1984) Wild and cultivated cucurbits in Nigeria. Econ Bot 38(3):350–357

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Opoku-Boahen Y, Novick BD, Wubah D (2013) Physicochemical characterization of traditional Ghanaian cooking oils, derived from seeds of Egusi (Citrullus colocynthis) and Werewere (Cucumeropsis mannii). Int J Biol Chem Sci 7(1):387–395

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Osuji JO, Okoli BE, Pat Heslop-Harrison JS (2006) Cytology and molecular cytogenetics of Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin: implications for breeding and germplasm characterization. Int J Bot 2(2):187–192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Padulosi S, Thompson J, Rudebjer P (2013) Fighting poverty, hunger and malnutrition with neglected and underutilized species (NUS): needs, challenges and the way forward. Bioversity International, Rome

    Google Scholar 

  • Rao VR, Hodgkin T (2002) Genetic diversity and conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. Plant Cell Tiss Org Cult 68(1):1–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson RW (2000) Rationale and methods for producing hybrid cucurbit seed. J New Seeds 1(3–4):1–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schaefer H, Nee MH (2012) Melothria domingensis (Cucurbitaceae), an endangered Caribbean endemic, is a Cayaponia. Phyto Keys 18:45–60. doi:10.3897/phytokeys.18.3914

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schaefer H, Renner SS (2010) A gift from the New World? The West African crop Cucumeropsis mannii and the American Posadaea sphaerocarpa (Cucurbitaceae) are the same species. Syst Bot 35(3):534–540

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schaefer H, Renner SS (2011a) Cucurbitaceae. In: Kubitzki K (ed) Flowering plants: eudicots: the families and genera of vascular plants, vol 10. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg, pp 112–174

    Google Scholar 

  • Schaefer H, Renner SS (2011b) Phylogenetic relationships in the order Cucurbitales and a new classification of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). Taxon 60(1):122–138

    Google Scholar 

  • Schaefer H, Heibl C, Renner SS (2009) Gourds afloat: a dated phylogeny reveals an Asian origin of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) and numerous oversea dispersal events. Proc R Soc B 276:843–851. doi:10.1098/rspb.2008.1447

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Skálová D, Navrátilová B, Ondřej V, Lebeda A (2010) Optimizing culture for in vitro pollination and fertilization in Cucumis sativus and C. melo. Acta Biol Crac Ser Bot 52(1):111–115

  • Steiner-Asiedu M, Nuro-Ameyaw P, Agbemafle I, Hammond SH, Tano-Debrah K (2014) Nutrient composition and protein quality of four species of the Curcubitaceae family. Adv J Food Sci Technol 6(7):843–851

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tannebaum SR, Archer MC, Young VR (1985) Vitamins and minerals. In: Fennema OR (ed) Food Chemistry. Marcel Dekker, New York, p 523

    Google Scholar 

  • van de Wouw M, Kik C, van Hintum T, van Treuren R, Visser B (2010) Genetic erosion in crops: concept, research results and challenges. Plant Genet Resour Charact Util 8(01):1–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Tuyl JM, De Jeu MJ (1997) Methods for overcoming interspecific crossing barriers. In: Sawhney VK, Shivanna KR (eds) Pollen biotechnology for crop production and improvement. Cambridge University Press, New York, pp 273–292

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Zoro Bi I, Koffi KK, Dje Y (2003) Caractérisation botanique et agronomique de trois espèces de cucurbites consommées en sauce en Afrique de l’Ouest: Citrullus sp., Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin et Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. Biotechnol Agron Soc Environ 7(3-4):187–199

  • Zoro Bi I, Koffi KK, Dje Y, Malice M, Baudoin J-P (2006) Indigenous cucurbits of Côte d’Ivoire: a review of their genetic resources. Sci Nat 3(1):1–9

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Horticulture and Genetics Unit, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, BP 2549, Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin

    Carlos A. Houdegbe, Olga E. D. Sogbohossou & Enoch G. Achigan-Dako

Authors
  1. Carlos A. Houdegbe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Olga E. D. Sogbohossou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Enoch G. Achigan-Dako
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carlos A. Houdegbe.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Houdegbe, C.A., Sogbohossou, O.E.D. & Achigan-Dako, E.G. Utilization and breeding perspective in the egusi gourd Melothria sphaerocarpa (Cogn.) H. Schaef. et S.S. Renner (syn: Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin). Genet Resour Crop Evol 63, 545–559 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-015-0361-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-015-0361-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation