ISHS Acta Horticulturae 413: II International Symposium on Taxonomy of Cultivated Plants
COMPLEXITIES IN THE INFRASPECIFIC NOMENCLATURE OF THE CUCURBITA PEPO COMPLEX |
| Author: | Thomas C. Andres |
| Abstract:
A survey was conducted to compile the Linnaean and cultivar names for Cucurbita pepo. There are a total of over 250 validly published Linnaean names for C. pepo and its infraspecific taxa, including both wild and cultivated squash, pumpkin, and gourd. In Europe and North America there are approximately 400 named cultivars in commerce today. The relatively homogeneous zucchini group alone consists of over 100 named cultivars, demonstrating that the number of cultivars may be more dependent on economic standing than on genetic diversity. An international registrar or authoritative organization is needed to help standardize the cultivar names, while taxonomist need to better define the wild taxa. There is a need for a stable, widely usable infraspecific classification of the species. The ever-changing cultivars of C. pepo and their groups should not be placed hierarchically in a botanical infraspecific classification if stability is to be achieved. | |
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