Molecular Breeding, Genetic Regulation and Translational Improvement in Cucumber and Related Vegetables

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the most economically important vegetable crops worldwide and serves as a model system for studying fruit development, sex determination, and stress adaptation in cucurbits. With the rapid advancement of genome sequencing, high-density genetic mapping, multi-omics integration, and gene editing technologies, cucumber research has entered a new era of precision breeding. Significant progress has been made in understanding the genetic basis of fruit size, quality traits, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. However, translating molecular discoveries into elite cultivars remains a major challenge. Strengthening the integration of molecular genetics with applied breeding strategies is critical for accelerating the development of high-yielding, high-quality, and climate-resilient cucumber varieties.This Research Topic aims to provide a focused platform for showcasing cutting-edge research on cucumber molecular breeding and its translational applications, while also welcoming studies on related vegetable crops. We seek to address key questions concerning gene discovery, regulatory mechanisms, trait improvement, and breeding innovation in cucumber.Recent advances in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), QTL mapping, pan-genome analysis, CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, and genomic selection have significantly enhanced our ability to dissect complex traits such as fruit elongation, sex expression, stress tolerance, and nutrient quality. At the same time, emerging tools in phenomics and computational biology are reshaping breeding pipelines.By gathering high-quality contributions from geneticists, molecular biologists, breeders, and industry researchers, this Research Topic aims to bridge fundamental research and cultivar development, fostering innovation in cucumber breeding and supporting sustainable growth of the vegetable seed industry.In this Research Topic, we welcome studies on the following subtopics, but not limited to:• Genetic regulation of fruit development, sex determination, and plant architecture in cucumber• Molecular mechanisms underlying quality traits and stress resistance• GWAS, QTL mapping, pan-genome analysis, and multi-omics integration• Gene editing and precision breeding in cucumber• Germplasm resources, genetic diversity, and core collection development• Translational breeding strategies and cultivar innovation in cucumber and cucurbitsWe encourage submission of Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Methods, and Perspective papers. While cucumber is the central focus, comparative and translational studies in related vegetable crops are also welcome. Topic editors: Hanqiang Liu, Shu Xia, Xuewen Xu, Yupeng Pan, Feifan Chen Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79048/molecular-breeding-genetic-regulation-and-translational-improvement-in-cucumber-and-related-vegetables