A 1-bp deletion in the MC04g1399 is highly associated with failure to produce fruit wart in bitter gourd

Fruit wart is an important appearance trait influencing consumer preferences of bitter gourd(Momordica charantia L.).The molecular genetic mechanisms underlying fruit wart formation in bitter gourd are largely unknown.In this study,genetic analysis based on four generations showed that fruit wart formation in bitter gourd was controlled by a single dominant locus named as Fwa.The Fwa locus was initially mapped into a 4.82 Mb region on pseudochromosome 4 by BSA-seq analysis and subsequently narrowed down to a 286.30 kb region by linkage analysis.A large F2population consisting of 2360 individuals was used to screen recombinants,and the Fwa locus was finally fine mapped into a 22.70 kb region harboring four protein-coding genes through recombination analysis.MC04g1399,encoding an epidermal patterning factor 2-like protein,was proposed as the best candidate gene for Fwa via sequence variation and expression analysis.In addition,a 1-bp insertion and deletion(InDel)variation within MC04g1399 was converted to a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence(CAPS)marker that could precisely distinguish between the warty and non-warty types with an accuracy rate of 100%among a wide panel of 126 bitter gourd germplasm resources.Our results not only provide a scientific basis for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit wart formation but also provide a powerful tool for efficient genetic improvement of fruit wart via marker-assisted selection.

Genetic Analysis of the First Female Flower Node and the First Male Flower Node in Bitter Gourd

Exploring genetic mechanism of the first female flower node and the first male flower node in bitter gourd has practical significance for formulating breeding strategy. In this article, a cross was made between CN19-1 and Thai4-6, and the F2segregation population was also constructed through F1selfing. The genetic characteristics of the first female flower node and the first male flower node were analyzed by adopting the major gene plus polygene mixed genetic model. The data analysis results showed that the first female flower node and the first male flower node were continuous distribution in the F2segregation population. E-2 model was the most suitable model for the genetic analysis of the first female flower node and the first male flower node. The additive effect values of the 2 pairs of major genes controlling the first female flower node were 2.722 and 1.862 8 respectively, the dominant effect values were-2.721 6 and-0.171 8, respectively. The additive effect value of polygene was-0.839 2, and the dominant effect value of polygene was 2.225 4. The heritability of major genes and polygene were 83.73% and 1.54%, respectively. The additive effect values of the 2 pairs of major genes controlling the first male flower node were 17.746 9 and 3.972, respectively, the dominant effect values were 5.191 6 and-3.972, respectively. The additive effect value of polygene was-20.530 5, and the dominant effect value was-4.141 4. The heritability of major genes and polygene was 92.34% and 4.7%, respectively. This study could provide a theoretical basis for bitter gourd breeding.

Bitter Bottle Gourd Toxicity

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), colloquially known as “lauki” or “doodhi” in India, is an edible plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. Consumption of raw bottle gourd juice is common practice in India. However, little known is the fact that ingestion of raw bottle gourd juice that is extremely bitter tasting is associated with cucurbitacin toxicity. Cucurbitacin is a pheromone produced by the plant as a defense mechanism against insects and herbivores. It is responsible for imparting the bitter taste, and the associated toxicity. The exact mechanism of cucurbitacin toxicity is not well understood, however it is suspected to result in gastric erosions and increased capillary permeability, resulting in rapid onset of vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, hypotension and shock. As serum and urine concentration measurements of cucurbitacin are not readily available, bottle gourd toxicity remains a clinical diagnosis based largely on the temporal association of ingestion of unusually bitter tasting vegetable or its juice with rapid onset of symptoms. Physician awareness is therefore of paramount importance in the diagnosis of this unusual entity. We present the case of a 78-year-old woman, with no comorbid conditions, who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with three episodes of vomiting and multiple episodes of watery loose stools soon after ingestion of extremely bitter tasting, fresh bottle gourd juice. A prompt diagnosis of cucurbitacin toxicity was made in the ED and fluid resuscitation was commenced expeditiously. However, it was noted that most physicians were unfamiliar with this entity, and therefore skeptical of the diagnosis. Our rationale in presenting this clinical case report is three-fold: 1) To create physician awareness regarding this unique clinical entity, especially among emergency physicians, as they are the first point of contact for a critically ill patient. 2) To highlight the rapid onset and progression of symptoms in cucurbitacin toxicity. 3) To emphasize aggressive fluid resuscitation and symptomatic management as the mainstay of clinical treatment.

Study on Genetic Diversity of Agronomic Traits and Genetic Relationships among Core Collections of Bitter Gourd

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of agronomic traits and genetic relationships among core collections of bitter gourd.[Method] Total 141 germplasms of bitter gourd were selected,and the genetic diversity of 13 agronomic traits was analyzed.In addition,total 46 core collections of bitter gourd were employed,and their genetic relationships were analyzed based on the phenotypic values and genotypic values of 5 agronomic traits,respectively.[Result] The genetic diversity analysis of agronomic traits showed that the genetic diversity indexes of the 4 qualitative traits of bitter gourd germplasms ranged from 0.46 to 1.34;the distribution of the 9 quantitative traits data was more dispersed with average coefficient of variation of 20.02%.The genetic relationship analysis showed that based on the phenotypic values and genotypic values of the 5 quantitative traits,the genetic distances among the 46 core collections of bitter gourd were different.Based on the genotypic values,the genetic distances among the 46 bitter gourd core collections ranged from 0.84 to 10.71.The 46 germplasms were divided into 17 groups with the rescaled distance of 8.5,which further classified the relationships among different germplasms.[Conclusion] This study will lay a solid foundation for the effective utilization of core collections and new variety breeding in bitter gourd.

Effects of Controlled Release Nitrogen Fertilizer on Seedling Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Bitter Gourd

Different application rates of controlled release nitrogen fertilizer （CRFN） were designed to evaluate their effects on the growth and root morphology of bitter gourd （Momordica charantia L.） seedlings, and thus determine the optimal nitrogen amount and suitable nitrogen content in substrate at seedling transplanting,, in com- parison with conventional fertilizer application. CRFN was applied at five levels, 0, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4 and 4.8 kg N/m3, and conventional fertilizer was applied at 0.6 kg N/m3 as control. Four replicates were included in each treatment. The results showed that 0.6-2.4 kg N/m3 CRFN provided sufficient N nutrient for bitter gourd, with higher shoot and root dry weights, root length and root surface area than control treat- ments. Correspondingly, the total inorganic nitrogen in substrate ranged from 99.3 to 162.5 mg/pot at seedling transplanting in these treatments. 1.2 kg N/m3 was proven to be the optimal CRFN rate. Compared with conventional nitrogen fertilizer applica- tion, 1.2 kg N/m3 CRFN in substrate increased the dry weight, nitrogen uptake and improved root morphology indices of seedlings, and more than 83.3 mg/pot inorgan- ic nitrogen could be carried with substrate at transplanting, revealing a potential to reduce N-deficient risk after rain and basal N input by continuous release of CRFN.

Identification of Genetic Purity of Bitter Gourd Hybrid by ISSR Markers

Objective] This study was conducted to verify the feasibiIity of ISSR marker for identifying genetic purity of bitter gourd hybrid, and thus to provide an effective method for seed purity test in production practices. [Method] The DNA fin-gerprints of a bitter gourd cuItivar Xiuyu 1 and its parents were analyzed using IS-SR marker with 91 primers. [Result] Two primers ISSR-845 and ISSR-891 which ampIified two DNA bands of 510 and 300 bp respectiveIy from F1 generation and its parents were screened out from 91 primers. ISSR-845 couId distinguish the male parent from F1 hybrid and the female parent, whiIe ISSR-891 couId distinguish the female parent inbred Iine from Xiuyu 1. Seed purity test with the specific markers gave the same resuIt with fiIed trials based on morphoIogical identification. [Conclu-sion] ISSR marker is an accurate, simpIe and effective method for seed purity test bitter gourd hybrid, and thus can be used in production practices.

Selection and Cultivation of a New Towel Gourd——‘Taisi No.2'

Selection and cultivation process of Taisi No.2 was introduced and a comparative test was conducted in 2008-2009.During 2010-2011,multiple-site tests were made,with production test and demonstration.The results indicated that yield of Taisi No.2 was higher compared with Wenling Baisigua.Furthermore,Taisi No.2 performed better in quality,commercial value,disease-tolerance and resistance.It is important to prepare work on cultivating strong seedlings,transplanting,strengthening fertilizer and water management,leading vine growth,timely harvest and disease prevention.

A New Towel Gourd F_1 hybrid——‘Taisi NO.3'

＇Taisi N0.3＇ is an early mid-maturing towel gourd F1 hybrid developed by crossing Ps17-6-5-2-10-8 as female parent and Ps39-3-8-4-6-5 as male parent. The period from sowing to first harvest is about 75 days in spring cropping. It grows exuberantly in early stage and better in middle and later stages; leaves are green and palmately divided; the maximum leaf＇s length and width are about 25.5 and 33.7 cm. It bears fruit at the main and lateral branch. The first female flower sets on the 7^th-8^th node, and the fruit-setting rate is 72.8%. The fruit-setting rate is high. Its fruit is long round stick shape, 47.4 cm in length, and 3.75 cm in width, with smooth and green skin covered by dark green stripes, dense flesh. The fruit tastes good, with high Vc content. It is resistant to downy mildew, moderately resistant to CMV, and highly resistant to blight. The average fruit weight is about 282.3 g with the general yield of 82 500 kg/hm2.

Salicylic acid alleviates postharvest chilling injury of sponge gourd(Luffa cylindrica)

Effect of salicylic acid（SA）on chilling injury（CI）of sponge gourd during storage（9 days,9°C）plus shelf life（2 days,20°C）was evaluated in this study.SA treatment at the concentration of 1.5 mmol L^-1 significantly reduced postharvest CI of sponge gourds.Besides,the application of SA could effectively decrease the electrolyte leakage,reduce the accumulation of malondialdehyde（MDA）and total phenolics,enhance the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase（SOD）,catalase（CAT）and ascorbate peroxidase（APX）,and inhibit the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase（PAL）and polyphenol oxidase（PPO）.The beneficial effects of SA could be attributed to preserved membrane integrity,inhibited membrane peroxidation,enhanced antioxidant system and suppressed activities of browning related enzymes.In a sense,SA as a postharvest tool may be commercially used in alleviating CI of sponge gourd.

Isolation and Identification of Fusarium Wilt Pathogens from Bitter Gourd in Hainan Province

In order to isolate and identify the pathogens causing Fusarium wilt in bitter gourd in Hainan Province, China, four bitter gourd plants exhibiting symptoms of Fusarium wilt were collected from Tunchang County, Hainan Province. Four pathogen strains （HNTC-01, HNTC-02, HNTC-03 and HNTC-04） were isolated from the four plants, and identified via morphological observation and molecular techniques. The results showed that HNTC--01, HNTC-03 and HNTC-04 were F. oxysporum, while HNTC-02 was F. graminearum. The tests on pathogenicity and host specificity showed that HNTC-01, HNTC-03 and HNTC-04 were F. oxysporum Schl. f. sp. momordicae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HNTC-01, HNTC-03, HNTC-04 were clustered together with 14 strains of F. oxysporum, and HNTC-02 was clustered together with six strains of F. graminearum. In addition, rDNA-ITS region can be used to distinguish different Fusarium species, but can not be used to distinguish different biotypes within a Fusarium species. This study could provide a scientific basis for the diagnosis and prevention of wilt in bitter gourd.

Numerical optimization of gourd-shaped surface texture and experiment of tribological performance

A numerical optimization approach based on the finite element(FE) simulation was used to design the optimum irregular gourd-shaped pattern parameters for generating the highest hydrodynamic pressure. Then the optimum parameters of the gourd-shaped surface texture were determined and the textures were processed on the stainless steel surface by the laser technology. The tribological performance of gourd-shaped surface texture was analyzed using the type of UMT2 tester, and compared with that of the regular circle surface texture and none-texture surface by considering the effect of sliding speeds and applied loads on the tribological performance. The results show that the compound factor n, the diameter ratio Dr and the texture depth Hd are more significant parameters and the optimum values are 0.618, 2.0 and 4 μm, respectively. In addition, irregular gourd-shaped surface texture with optimum parameters is the most effective in the friction reduction among the patterns investigated under different speeds and applied loads in this work. Moreover, better coordination and combination effect can be obtained by gourd-shaped surface texture. The main reason responsible for the results is the irregular symmetric nature of the gourd-shaped texture along the direction of lubricants flowing which can generate the higher fluid dynamic pressure.

Occurrence and Control Technology of Bitter Gourd Fusarium Wilt

With the increase of growing area of bitter gourd, Fusarium wilt has become one of the most important diseases in bitter gourd production, seriously affecting the yield and quality of bitter gourd. The occurrence regularity of bitter gourd Fusarium wilt was expounded, and the research status of agricultural control, chemical control and biological control were summarized, so as to provide the reference for safe and efficient production of bitter gourd.

Heterosis, Combining Ability and Gene Action for Yield in Bottle Gourd

The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Olericulture Division, Horticulture Research Centre (HRC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur, Bangladesh during the winter season of 2018-2019 to study the genetic architecture of yield in a seven parent half diallel cross of bottle gourd. The values of mean square for GCA (general combining ability) and SCA (specific combining ability) were highly significant which suggested the presence of both additive and non-additive genetic variance in the population. But the higher magnitude of GCA compared to SCA indicated predominance of additive genetic variance. In most of the cases, the cross between poor and poor parents showed positive SCA effect for fruit yield, which indicated the higher yield. The estimates of significant positive better parent heterosis ranged from 6.27 to 49.72 percent. Analysis of genetic components of variation suggested that additive components were more important in the inheritance of fruit yield. This character was observed being controlled by two to three pairs of genes or groups of genes. Narrow sense heritability was 23 percent indicating probability of selection in generations. The graphical analysis also indicated wide genetic diversity among the parents.

Effects of Cultivation Method on Seed Yield and Quality of Bitter Gourd

This experiment was carried out to study the possibility of producing germinating seeds of bitter gourd(Momordica charamtia L.)in the climatic conditions of Europe.Seeds of Indian cultivar‘Nana’were sown in the greenhouse and produced transplants were planted on the field.The plants were cultivated in the field in 2 ways:tied to the sticks or creeping on the ground.During the vegetation,the ripen fruits with seeds were collected 6 times,and after extracting,they were germinated in the laboratory following the routine ISTA rules.The best transplants of bitter gourd were received within one month from the seeds emerging 51.8%.The transplant of bitter gourd had average height of7 cm,3-4 leaves,out of which the biggest had the width of 5 cm.Such transplants would grow into fruiting plants.When growing bitter gourd for seeds,the earliest fruits were harvested from the plants tied to the sticks.Moreover,the best seeds were harvested from 2/3 of early fruits.For the purpose of seed production,it is recommended to keep only 3-4 fruits per plant and remove other fruits.The produced seeds germinated from 8%to 24%.If the plants were tied to the sticks,their fruits ripened earlier.The used production way and time of harvest of fruits had no effect on the seed germination.The cultivation methods of bitter gourd plants had no effect on the chemical components of fruits.

Adsorption Performance of Modified Sponge Gourd for Crude Oil Removal

This study determined the adsorption ability of modified sponge gourd fibre in adsorbing crude oil from simulated oil-water mixture. Modification was done on the adsorbent by treating with hot water and sodium hydroxide. The dependence of the adsorption process on particle size of the fibre was determined using mesh sizes of 4.75, 2.36, 1.18 and 0.85 mm. The hot water treatment significantly increased the adsorbing ability of the sponge gourd, removing 83.3% of the crude oil from the mixture, alkaline treated sample removed 45.1% and the raw sample removed 22.9%. The result of the SEM images shows that hot water treated sample has more pores on the surface which influenced the better performance. The FTIR results obtained after the adsorption show the successful adsorption of crude oil on to the surface of the sponge gourd due to the presence of functional groups characteristics of groups found in crude oil. An optimum particle size for the sponge gourd was found to exist at the value of 1.18 mm, above and below which the crude oil removed was reduced. The modification of sponge gourd promoted the adsorption capacity for crude oil.

Bottle gourd(Lagenaria siceraria) juice poisoning

BACKGROUND: Bottle gourd(Lagenaria siceraria) is popularly known as lauki, ghia or dudhi in India. Its consumption is advocated by traditional medicine healers for controlling diabetes mellitus, hypertension, liver diseases, weight loss and other diseases. However, in last few years there have been reports of suspected toxicity due to consumption of its juice leading to severe vomiting and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. As emergency physicians we need to be aware of this very rare poisoning specially in India.METHODS: We present a case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with multiple episodes of hematemesis and shock to the emergency department(ED) after consuming bottle gourd juice. The patient was resuscitated and stabilized with fl uids, proton pump inhibitors and antiemetics and shifted to the intensive care unit(ICU) under the care of a gastroenterology team for urgent endoscopy and further management.RESULTS: The patient received intravenous fluids, antibiotics, antiemetics, and antacids and underwent upper gastroenterologic endoscopy during the hospitalization. She was discharged in a stable condition 4 days later.CONCLUSIONS: As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, bottle gourd contains toxic tetracyclic triterpenoid compounds called cucurbitacins which are responsible for the bitter taste and toxicity. There is no known antidote for this toxicity, and clinicians treat such patients symptomatically only. It is important to educate the public about the harmful effects of this potentially life-threatening toxicity.

GC-MS Analysis of Liposoluble Components in Seeds of Bitter Gourd from Different Sources

[Objectives]This paper aimed to analyze the liposoluble components in seeds of different bitter gourd germplasms.[Methods]Taking 3 bitter gourd germplasms from different sources as materials,the composition and relative contents of liposoluble components in the seeds were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS).[Results]A total of 22,18 and 18 compounds were detected from Papua,Y7 and Y108,respectively,accounting for 38.63%,90.20%and 92.53%of the total liposoluble components.Among them,eight liposoluble components were unique to Papua,and two liposoluble components were unique to Y108.The composition and relative contents of liposoluble components differ among different bitter gourd germplasms.The main chemical components wereγ-tocopherol,vitamin E,andβ-tocopherol.The content ofγ-tocopherol was high in the three germplasms,accounting for 8.885%,20.090%and 20.314%,respectively.[Conclusions]This study can lay the foundation for breeding functional bitter gourd varieties.

Preliminary Study on the Quality Difference of Local Broad-shoulder Bitter Gourd Landraces in Foshan

[Objectives]The study aims to provide important reference for the breeding and research of new varieties of functional broad-shoulder bitter gourd.[Methods]8 pure varieties of local broad-shoulder bitter gourd landraces in Foshan were used as experimental materials,in which polysaccharide,cellulose and vitamin C content were measured.[Results]Among the 8 varieties of local self-selected broad-shoulder bitter gourd in Foshan,the polysaccharide content of Foxuan 6 was the highest,up to 113.78 mg/100 (g·FW),which was significantly higher than that of the other 7 varieties.The polysaccharide content of Foxuan 2 was the lowest.The cellulose content of Foxuan 8 was the highest,reaching 24.50 mg/100 (g·FW),which was significantly higher than that of the other 7 varieties.The cellulose content of Foxuan 4 was the lowest.The vitamin C content of Foxuan 5 was the highest,reaching 74.24 mg/100 (g·FW),which was significantly higher than that of the other 7 varieties.The vitamin C content of Foxuan 4 was the lowest,only 7.05 mg/100 (g·FW).In a word,there were big differences between the 8 varieties of broad-shoulder bitter gourd in terms of polysaccharide,cellulose and vitamin C content.[Conclusions]It is possible to make full use of their own quality differences and develop new varieties of functional broad-shoulder bitter gourd by means of cross combination.

<i>In Vitr</i>Antioxygenic Activity of Ridge Gourd (<i>Luffa acutangula</i>) Pulp, Peel and Their Extracts on Peroxidation Models

Ridge gourd pulp and peel powders as well as their various solvent fractions were evaluated for antioxygenic activity using different methods. Ridge gourd pulp and peel powders at 2% level and their ethanol/water soluble extracts exhibited strong antioxygenic activity in sunflower oil stored at 37?C. The water soluble extract devoid of any antioxygenic activity in sunflower oil. Ridge gourd pulp and peel powders as well as their extracts were evaluated for their antioxygenic activity using linoleic acid peroxidation, β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) methods. Ethanol/water extracts from ridge gourd pulp and peel showed highest antioxygenic activity followed by water extracts, while the petroleum ether extract showed moderate antioxygenic activity. Ridge gourd peel powder and its extracts showed slightly higher antioxygenic activity than ridge gourd pulp powder and its extracts. This may be attributed to the presence of higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids which have been reported as potential antioxidants.

Identification and Evaluation of Resistance to Meloidogyne incognita in Bitter Gourd Germplasms

[ Objective] This study aimed to identify and evaluate the resistance of bitter gourd germplasms to Meloidogyne incognita. [ Method] A total of 71 bit-ter gourd germplasms were artificially inoculated with M. incognita at seedling stage to investigate the effects of M. incognita on resistance indexes of bitter gourd seedlings. Cluster analysis and subordinate function analysis were performed to identify and evaluate the resistance of experimental materials. [ Result] The infec-tion of M. incognita increased the variation coefficients of resistance indexes. The resistance to M. incognita varied significantly among different bitter gourd germ- plasms. Based on gall index, 71 bitter gourd germplasms were divided into five types by cluster analysis, including resistant materials, moderately resistant materi-als ,moderately susceptible materials, susceptible materials and highly susceptible materials. The subordinate function analysis showed that total subordinate func-tion values of Y107, Y109, Y108, Y51, Y105, Y81, Y89, Y140 and Y94 exceeded 1.95 , indicating high resistance to M. incognita. [ Conclusion] This study could provide resistant materials for breeding root-knot nematode resistant varieties of bitter gourd.