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Citron Watermelon Potential to Improve Crop Diversification and Reduce Negative Impacts of Climate Change

Author

Listed:
  • Takudzwa Mandizvo

    (Crop Science, School of Agricultural Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

  • Alfred Oduor Odindo

    (Crop Science, School of Agricultural Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa)

  • Jacob Mashilo

    (Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Towoomba Research Station, Private Bag X1615, Bela-Bela 0480, South Africa)

Abstract

Citron watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (L.H. Bailey) Mansf. ex Greb.) is an underexploited and under-researched crop species with the potential to contribute to crop diversification in Sub-Saharan Africa. The species is cultivated in the drier parts of Southern Africa, mainly by smallholder farmers who maintain a wide range of landrace varieties. Understanding the molecular and morpho-physiological basis for drought adaptation in citron watermelon under these dry environments can aid in the identification of suitable traits for drought-tolerance breeding and improve food system resilience among smallholder farmers, thus adding to crop diversification. This paper reviews the literature on drought adaptation of Citrullus lanatus spp. (C3 xerophytes), using the systematic review approach. The review discusses the potential role of citron watermelon in adding to crop diversification, alternative food uses, and potential by-products that can be processed from the crop, and it analyzes the role of Sub-Saharan African farmers play as key actors in conserving citron watermelon germplasm and biodiversity. Finally, the review provides a summary of significant findings and identifies critical knowledge gaps for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Takudzwa Mandizvo & Alfred Oduor Odindo & Jacob Mashilo, 2021. "Citron Watermelon Potential to Improve Crop Diversification and Reduce Negative Impacts of Climate Change," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:2269-:d:502255
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mabhaudhi, T. & Chimonyo, V. G. P. & Hlahla, S. & Massawe, F. & Mayes, S. & Nhamo, Luxon & Modi, A. T., 2019. "Prospects of orphan crops in climate change," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 250(3):695-.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anshuman Singh & Ranjay K. Singh & Neeraj Kumar & Suresh Kumar & Parvender Sheoran & Dheeraj Singh & Satyendra Kumar & P. C. Sharma, 2022. "Adapting to Social–Ecological Risks to the Conservation of a Muskmelon Landrace in India," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-20, August.

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