CucCAP scientists genetically characterize the USDA germplasm collections for squashes and pumpkins

Squash illustrationThe Mazourek laboratory at Cornell University performed genotyping by sequencing (GBS) of the USDA germplasm collections of squashes and pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo, C. moschata, and C. maxima). Analysis of the collections which include wild, landrace and cultivated varieties, revealed genetic relationships resulting from geographical origin and market classes. These data represent a large, valuable collection that can be used to help maintain genetic diversity, developing breeding resources, and prioritize further in-depth sequencing efforts.


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