Genetic regulation and molecular mechanism of immature cucumber peel color: A review

Abstract

Peel color is an essential exterior fruit quality attribute determining the commodity sale of fresh market cucumber. The color phenotype of cucumber peel are traits which are not only controlled by genetics but also affected by the environment. However, understanding the molecular mechanism of skin color formation in immature cucumbers is still in its infancy. In addition, the latest systematic review on research are also lacking. In this review, we first analyzed the physiological factors that influence pericarp color change. The research progress of cucumber peel color was then reviewed at the genetic and molecular levels, and the existing problems in the research were also mentioned. Meanwhile, this paper presents new insights on fruit skin color in order to provide a reference for the fruit development of cucumber and other Cucurbitaceae crops.