Taxonomic Studies of the Cucurbits Grown in the Northern Parts of Bangladesh

Abstract

Taxonomic investigation of the Cucurbits (farnily-Cucurbitaceae) growing throughout the Northern parts of Bangladesh was carried out. Documentation of species distribution, ecology and indigenous uses by local people have been made. A total of 24 species under 13 genera of the family Cucurbitaceae were collected. A list of the taxa examined with all synonyms are provided. Taxonomic position and classification are presented and discussed. A complete taxonomic account of each species is given with current nomenclature, chromosome number, local name, occurrence, cultivation method, geographical distribution, food value (mainly cultivated) and uses. Eight genera of the family Cucurbitaceae are cultivated in the study area which included 14 species and 42 types. Two types of Benincasa hispida differed in length and breadth of lamina, petiole length, internode length and in the length, breadth, colour and shape of fruit. Differences were noted among the types of Citrullus lanatus in lamina length and breadth, petiole length, internode length and shape, colour, length and breadth of fruit, seed shape and venation. Types of Cucumis sativus differed in lamina length and breadth, petiole length, internode length, length, breadth and shape of fruit, and seed shape. In Cucumis melo difference was observed in lamina length and breadth, petiole length, intemode length, tendril, fruit shape and colour and its length and breadth. Two types of fruits were seen in Cucurbita maxima. There were differences in lamina length, breadth, internode length and petiole length. Only one type Cucurbita pepo was seen in the study area. Cucurbita moschata included two types between which differences in petiole and fruit shape were observed. Eleven types of Lagenaria siceraria were recorded. They differed in lamina length and breadth, petiole length, intemode length, fruit length, breadth, colour and shape. In the two types of Luffa acutangula, differences were marked in respect of lamina length and breadth, petiole length, intemode length, fruit shape, length and breadth, and leaf margin. The two types of Luffa cylindrica clearly varied with regard to lamina length and breadth, petiole length, intemode length, fruit colour, shape, length and breadth. Only one type of Momordica cochinchinensis is cultivated in the study area. Among the three types of Momordicaeharantia, some differences were seen in lamina length and breadth, petiole length, intemode length, fruit shape, length and breadth.The two types of Trichosanthes dioica differed in lamina length and breadth, petiole length, internode length, fruit shape and colour. Two types of Trichosanthes anguina were recorded. They differed in respect of tendril, lamina length and breadth, petiole length, internode length, fruit shape, length and breadth.