Waste Utilization in Cucurbits: A Review

Shetty, Anoop A.; Rana, Ritu; Buckseth, Tanuja; Preetham, S.P.

doi:10.1007/s12649-012-9114-x

Cited by 12 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…The Cucurbitaceae is one of the most economically important families of crops, used as food and for industrial and medical purposes [ 21 , 45 ]. Up to 50 % of the weight of cucurbit seeds consists of oil, and another 35 % of protein, making them a richer source of nutrients than most cereals and legumes [ 46 , 47 ] which has contributed to them being staple food sources in traditional societies [ 48 – 50 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Taxonomic and functional diversity of cultured seed associated microbes of the cucurbit family

2016

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BackgroundEndophytes are microbes that colonize plant internal tissues without causing disease. In particular, seed-associated endophytes may be vectors for founder microbes that establish the plant microbiome, which may subsequently contribute beneficial functions to their host plants including nutrient acquisition and promotion of plant growth. The Cucurbitaceae family of gourds (e.g., cucumbers, melons, pumpkin, squash), including its fruits and seeds, is widely consumed by humans. However, there is limited data concerning the taxonomy and functions of seed-associated endophytes across the Cucurbitaceae family. Here, bacteria from surface-sterilized seeds of 21 curcurbit varieties belonging to seven economically important species were cultured, classified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and subjected to eight in vitro functional tests.ResultsIn total, 169 unique seed-associated bacterial strains were cultured from selected cucurbit seeds. Interestingly, nearly all strains belonged to only two phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria) and only one class within each phyla (Bacilli, γ-proteobacteria, respectively). Bacillus constituted 50 % of all strains and spanned all tested cucurbit species. Paenibacillus was the next most common genus, while strains of Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria were also cultured. Phylogenetic trees showed limited taxonomic clustering of strains by host species. Surprisingly, 33 % of strains produced the plant hormone, indole-3-acetic acid (auxin), known to stimulate the growth of fruits/gourds and nutrient-acquiring roots. The next most common nutrient acquisition traits in vitro were (in rank order): nitrogen fixation/N-scavenging, phosphate solubilisation, siderophore secretion, and production of ACC deaminase. Secretion of extracellular enzymes required for nutrient acquisition, endophyte colonization and/or community establishment were observed. Bacillus strains had the potential to contribute all tested functional traits to their hosts.ConclusionThe seeds of economically important cucurbits tested in this study have a culturable core microbiota consisting of Bacillus species with potential to contribute diverse nutrient acquisition and growth promotion activities to their hosts. These microbes may lead to novel seed inoculants to assist sustainable food production. Given that cucurbit seeds are consumed by traditional societies as a source of tryptophan, the precursor for auxin, we discuss the possibility that human selection inadvertently facilitated auxin-mediated increases in gourd size.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-016-0743-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Taxonomic and functional diversity of cultured seed associated microbes of the cucurbit family

2016

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“…Wild watermelon has a long history of cultivation and is grown throughout the world as a staple food (edible seeds and flesh), and for animal feed [ 109 , 110 ]. The rind is utilised for products such as pickles and preserves as well as for extraction of pectin [ 111 , 112 ], whereas seeds are a potential source of protein [ 110 , 113 ] and lipids [ 114 ]. The fruits are a popular and important source of water in the diet of the indigenous people in the Kalahari Desert during dry months of the year when no surface water is available.…”

Section: Drought Tolerance In Selected Nucsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Potential Role of Neglected and Underutilised Crop Species as Future Crops under Water Scarce Conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Chivenge

Mabhaudhi

Modi

et al. 2015

IJERPH

385

298

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Modern agricultural systems that promote cultivation of a very limited number of crop species have relegated indigenous crops to the status of neglected and underutilised crop species (NUCS). The complex interactions of water scarcity associated with climate change and variability in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and population pressure require innovative strategies to address food insecurity and undernourishment. Current research efforts have identified NUCS as having potential to reduce food and nutrition insecurity, particularly for resource poor households in SSA. This is because of their adaptability to low input agricultural systems and nutritional composition. However, what is required to promote NUCS is scientific research including agronomy, breeding, post-harvest handling and value addition, and linking farmers to markets. Among the essential knowledge base is reliable information about water utilisation by NUCS with potential for commercialisation. This commentary identifies and characterises NUCS with agronomic potential in SSA, especially in the semi-arid areas taking into consideration inter alia: (i) what can grow under water-scarce conditions, (ii) water requirements, and (iii) water productivity. Several representative leafy vegetables, tuber crops, cereal crops and grain legumes were identified as fitting the NUCS category. Agro-biodiversity remains essential for sustainable agriculture.

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“…[ 8 ] The processing of these cucurbit‐based food products resulted in the production of substantial amounts of seeds and peels that are generally not used for culinary purposes in developed countries that's why they are considered wastes. [ 2,9,11 ] Comprehensive studies have been carried out on cucurbit seeds mainly due to their relevant content of oil suitable for medicinal, food, and cosmetic applications. [ 2,3,5,11–16 ] In some geographical areas, watermelon, pumpkin, and melon seeds are sold as snacks and used in conventional medicine.…”

Section: Cucurbitaceae Familymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[ 2,9,11 ] Comprehensive studies have been carried out on cucurbit seeds mainly due to their relevant content of oil suitable for medicinal, food, and cosmetic applications. [ 2,3,5,11–16 ] In some geographical areas, watermelon, pumpkin, and melon seeds are sold as snacks and used in conventional medicine. [ 5,8,10 ] However, in most countries, these seeds are generally considered as wastes or underutilized products.…”

Section: Cucurbitaceae Familymentioning

confidence: 99%

Gurum Seeds: A Potential Source of Edible Oil

Karrar

Ahmed

Manzoor

et al. 2021

Euro J Lipid Sci & Tech

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Cucurbitaceae family seeds are mostly discarded as agro‐industrial wastes. Gurum (Citrullus lanatus var. colocynthoide) is an underutilized wild cucurbit plant, closely related to desert watermelon, which is grown abundantly in some African countries. Gurum seeds can play a significant role in health and nutrition due to their high oil content. This review describes the nutritional composition of gurum seeds and their oil profile. Gurum seeds are a good source of oil (27–35.5%), fiber (26–31%), crude protein (15–18%), and carbohydrates (14–17%). Gurum seeds oil is extracted by supercritical CO2 (SFE), screw press, and solvent extraction techniques. The gurum seeds oil is composed of unsaturated fatty acids with a high proportion of linoleic acid (C18:2) and oleic acid (C18:1). Gurum seeds oil contains various bioactive compounds, such as tocopherols, phytosterols, and polyphenols. It is reported that solvent extraction gives a higher yield than the screw press and SFE, but the SFE is preferred due to safety issues. More studies are required for producing better quality gurum seeds oil by using novel extraction techniques that can increase oil yield.

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Waste Utilization in Cucurbits: A Review

Cited by 12 publications

References 51 publications

Taxonomic and functional diversity of cultured seed associated microbes of the cucurbit family

Taxonomic and functional diversity of cultured seed associated microbes of the cucurbit family

The Potential Role of Neglected and Underutilised Crop Species as Future Crops under Water Scarce Conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Gurum Seeds: A Potential Source of Edible Oil

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