Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb., commonly known as ridged gourd or angled luffa, is an economically and nutritionally significant cucurbitaceous vegetable cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions. It serves as an essential source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, while also possessing medicinal properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Besides its role in human consumption, mature fibrous fruits of L. acutangula are used in natural sponge production, making it a multipurpose crop with both agricultural and industrial relevance.

Despite its importance, genomic resources for L. acutangula remain relatively limited compared to other cucurbits like cucumber (Cucumis sativus) or watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). However, recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) have led to the development of a draft genome assembly and molecular markers such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These resources facilitate genetic studies on key agronomic traits, including disease resistance, fruit quality and stress tolerance, thereby accelerating breeding efforts. Additionally, comparative genomics with related species aids in understanding evolutionary relationships and genetic diversification.

Given the increasing availability of genomic data, establishing a centralized genomic database for L. acutangula is imperative. Such a database (LaGDb) would serve as a repository for genomic sequences, gene annotations, expression profiles and marker datasets, streamlining access for researchers and breeders. It would enable efficient data mining, functional gene discovery, and marker-assisted selection (MAS), ultimately enhancing crop improvement strategies. Moreover, integrating these genomic resources into a publicly accessible platform would promote collaborative research, ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity. A dedicated L. acutangula genomic database (LaGDb) is a critical step toward harnessing the full potential of this underutilized yet valuable crop.