Integrative Insights into the Systematic Classification and Phylogenesis of Cucurbitaceae: A Comprehensive Review of Genetic and Genomic Advances

The Cucurbitaceae family, with approximately 800 species across 130 genera, is of significant economic and botanical interest. Recent systematic reviews and phylogenetic analyses have provided new insights into the classification and evolutionary relationships within this diverse group. This systematic review synthesizes findings from multiple molecular studies, including chloroplast DNA sequences, nuclear ribosomal RNA genes, and various DNA regions from three plant genomes, to present an integrative perspective on the phylogeny of Cucurbitaceae. The traditional subfamilies and tribes have been re-evaluated, revealing weak support for the traditional subfamilies Cucurbitoideae and Nhandiroboideae, and the need for a reclassification of several genera due to polyphyly or paraphyly. Morphological characters such as flower and seed traits have been correlated with molecular data, providing a more comprehensive understanding of character evolution. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of molecular tools for species identification, particularly in genera with complex morphological variation. The proposed new classification system includes significant changes, with the establishment of new tribes and the re-circumscription of genera, reflecting a more natural phylogenetic order. This review underscores the dynamic nature of Cucurbitaceae systematics and the ongoing need for integrative approaches to understand the evolutionary history of this family.