Download or read book Biology and Utilization of the Cucurbitaceae written by David M. Bates and published by Cornell University Press. This book was released on 2019-05-15 with total page 505 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae, or gourd family), which include squash, pumpkin, melon, cucumber, and watermelon, have long been of economic significance. As sources of vegetables, fruit, and seeds rich in oils and protein, they have the potential of making an even larger contribution toward meeting the needs of humankind. This book, consisting of 37 papers by 50 cucurbit specialists, emphasizes the practical importance of cucurbit investigation, and also provides a broad overview of the family.