Pumpkin Species Research Articles

Genome-wide SNP discovery and core marker sets for assessment of genetic variations in cultivated pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.)

Three pumpkin species Cucurbita maxima, C. moschata, and C. pepo are commonly cultivated worldwide. To identify genome-wide SNPs in these cultivated pumpkin species, we collected 48 F1 cultivars consisting of 40 intraspecific hybrids (15 C. maxima, 18 C. moschata, and 7 C. pepo) and 8 interspecific hybrids (C. maxima x C. moschata). Genotyping by sequencing identified a total of 37,869 confident SNPs in this collection. These SNPs were filtered to generate a subset of 400 SNPs based on polymorphism and genome distribution. Of the 400 SNPs, 288 were used to genotype an additional 188 accessions (94 F1 cultivars, 50 breeding lines, and 44 landraces) with a SNP array-based platform. Reliable polymorphisms were observed in 224 SNPs (78.0%) and were used to assess genetic variations between and within the four predefined populations in 223 cultivated pumpkin accessions. Both principal component analysis and UPGMA clustering found four major clusters representing three pumpkin species and interspecific hybrids. This genetic differentiation was supported by pairwise Fst and Nei’s genetic distance. The interspecific hybrids showed a higher level of genetic diversity relative to the other three populations. Of the 224 SNPs, five subsets of 192, 96, 48, 24, and 12 markers were evaluated for variety identification. The 192, 96, and 48 marker sets identified 204 (91.5%), 190 (85.2%), and 141 (63.2%) of the 223 accessions, respectively, while other subsets showed <25% of variety identification rates. These SNP markers provide a molecular tool with many applications for genetics and breeding in cultivated pumpkin.

Evaluation of Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity in Pumpkin Species

Cucurbita species ( Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima) are rich sources of nutrients, especially carotenoids and carbohydrates. Metabolites in pulps of C. moschata and C. maxima lines were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Our results revealed that glucose and sucrose were the dominant sugars in C. maxima and C. moschata, respectively. A correlation was found between Brix percentage and sucrose levels as compared with glucose and fructose. A greater amount of myo-inositol had accumulated in C. moschata lines compared with C. maxima. Conversely, total carotenoids and antioxidant activity were found to be higher in C. maxima lines than in C. moschata. A strong correlation of glucose, fructose, and sucrose with β-carotene and violaxanthin revealed that it will be difficult to develop pumpkin cultivars with both high inositol and carotenoid levels. In conclusion, the composition of carbohydrates and carotenoids was more diverse in C. moschata lines than in C. maxima lines. Our results will contribute to a better understanding of metabolite changes in the fruits of these as well as other pumpkin species.

ETNOBOTÁNICA DE CALABAZAS EN NAYARIT, MÉXICO

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; From the early days, human beings have used plants to satisfy their biological or cultural needs; this man-plant relationship is studied by ethnobotany. Pumpkins were one of the first plants domesticated by &lt;em&gt;Homo sapiens&lt;/em&gt; and currently they are important species in human diet. &lt;strong&gt;Objective&lt;/strong&gt;. To explore the knowledge about the relationship that exists between farmers and pumpkin species cultivated in Nayarit, Mexico. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;. Consisted of fieldwork in the years 2013 and 2014, where 15 municipalities were visited, and 35 farmers were interviewed; techniques used for the compilation of information were through semi-structured interviews and the participant observation method. Species studied were &lt;em&gt;Cucurbita argyrosperma &lt;/em&gt;Huber&lt;em&gt;, Cucurbita ficifolia &lt;/em&gt;Bouché&lt;em&gt;, Cucurbita pepo &lt;/em&gt;L.&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;and&lt;em&gt; Cucurbita moschata &lt;/em&gt;Duch. Ex Lam&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt; Information collected included the traditional classification, uses, selection criteria for seed, a source of knowledge acquisition of the crop and beliefs and rites related to the species. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; Main use of pumpkin among farmers were as food, forage and medicine. Seeds and fruits were the main elements of interest; producers’ criteria for selection of plants are based on the characteristics of fruits using established patterns, with which they create their selections for fruit or seed production. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion.&lt;/strong&gt; It was found that &lt;em&gt;Cucurbita&lt;/em&gt; spp. have a ritualistic relationship with the Huichol ethnic group, as it is part of their ceremonies related to their beliefs.&lt;/p&gt;

Fig-leaf gourd cucurbita ficifolia bouche – a new domestic pumpkin species in Ukraine

Aim. To study morphobiological and economically valuable features of four collection fig-leaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouche) accessions under the conditions of the Northern Steppe of Ukraine. Results and Discussion. We investigated 4 fig-leaf gourd accessions (Cabello de Angel (ESP), DN01000 (NLD), DN01001 (MEX) and DN01002 (unknown origin) and proved that it was possible to grow C. ficifolia as a crop in the steppe of Ukraine and to obtain physiologically mature fruits and seeds. The vegetation period of the accessions under investigation varied within 140–150 days. DN01000 (NLD) and DN01002 (unknown origin) were the most early ripening (140 days). Cabello de Angel (ESP) and DN01001 (MEX) ripened the latest (148 days and 150 days, respectively). The studied plants had a strong habitus (the main stem length was 6–7 m) and long internodes (longer than 20 cm). The fruit pattern is a green net on a white-greenish background. The flesh merges with piths like in watermelons. Seeds are black, oval, small or medium (1.3 – 1.8 cm). Five-year data show the commercial performance of the accessions was low (2.3 – 2.9 kg). Cabello de Angel (ESP) and DN01000 (NLD) had the best performance (2.8-2.9 kg / plant). The other two accessions, DN01001 (MEX) and DN01002 (unknown origin) had equally poor performance (2.3 kg / plant). In general, the potential marketable yields from these accessions grown with a density of 5,100 plants/ha are low (11.7 - 14.8 t / ha) in comparison with three other pumpkin species (C. реро, C. maxima, C. moschata). The total number of fruits amounted to 4-7 fruits/plant; the number of mature fruits - 1.5-2.0 fruits/plant. The average fruit weight ranged 1.4 to 1.8 kg. The content of soluble dry matter was low (3 – 5 %). DN01000 (NLD) turned out to be very highly resistant to powdery mildew and bacterial leaf blight (9 points). This accession was also higly resistant to melon aphids (7 points). The other accessions were highly resistant to the above-referred pathogens (7 points) and moderately damaged by melon aphids (5 points). Conclusions. The studied fig-leaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia) accessions are late-ripening (140–150 days); their commercial yields are 11.7–14.8 t / ha; their fruits contain little soluble dry matter (3.0 - 5.0 %); they are very highly resistant or highly resistant to common diseases (bacterial leaf blight, powdery mildew) and pests (melon aphids). Through the lens of breeding, fig-leaf gourd requires further detailed research, since it is of great interest as a stock for other cucurbits.

The influence of the species on the quality, chemical composition and antioxidant activity of pumpkin seed oil

Oilseed pumpkin seeds are known to be rich in oil and nutrients. Their content in bioactive components gives them some assets that make them beneficial for human health. Although commonly consumed as a snack, pumpkin seeds are ready to claim more uses. The identification of pumpkin species is a major resource in this study. Thus, we worked with three pumpkin species: Cucurbita maxima (CMa), Cucurbita moschata (CMo) and Cucurbita pepo (CP). The species effect on the chemical composition, the content of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity was studied. As a result, the analysis of pumpkin seed oil revealed a polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content ranging from 52.23% to 57.65%. Our study also revealed that this oil was a good source of phenolic compounds, in particular CMa with a value of 27.52 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of methanolic extract and 633.51 mg/kg of total tocopherols, which gives it a very strong antioxidant character. In addition, it showed a high antioxidant potency (126.20 ± 20.44) μg/ml for CMa. In this respect, it can be said that the species effect can be a very important factor influencing the nutritional quality of pumpkin seed oil.

Antioxidant potential of phytochemicals in pumpkin varieties belonging to Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita pepo species

ABSTRACT Pumpkin is a genus of plants belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family comprising several species, the most common of which are Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita moschata. Pumpkins are characterized by a high content of carotenoids, polyphenolic compounds, mineral components, and vitamin C. The level of bioactive compounds is affected by the pumpkin cultivar, which determines its antioxidant properties. In this study, the antioxidant potential of 19 pumpkin cultivars of Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita moschata species was determined and compared using ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, chelating activity and ORAC assay. Results of the study confirmed the high diversity of pumpkin cultivars in terms of their antioxidant activity. It was also shown that the antioxidant activity is more affected by the type of cultivar than by the pumpkin species. The obtained results indicate that cultivars such as ‘Delicata’, ‘Baby Boo’, ‘Cream of the Crop’ were characterized by particularly high antioxidant activity.

Chromosome stability of in vitro propagated Cucurbita cultivars

Cucurbita pepo L., a member of Cucurbitaceae family, is an annual plant with herbaceous stems, broad leaves and superficial scattered roots. Monoecious flower structure in the Cucurbitaceae family and the differences in the maturing time of male and female organs in flowers cause an increase in the foreign fertilization rate. Therefore, there may be positive or negative changes in the existing characteristics of the species. Micropropagation method can be performed in pumpkin species for clonal propagation, but their genetic stability in tissue culture is an important consideration. Chromosome number and morphology are primary cytogenetic parameters that must remain stable after in vitro propagation. We preformed cytogenetic analysis of different hybrid pumpkin genotypes cultivated in our country (Ardendo, Angelina, Torpido, Roni, Sena Hanım) in order to determinate their chromosome stability level. Cotyledon nodes, nodes, shoot apex, hypocotyl and internode explants were prepared from the 4-week old C. pepo seedlings by making a horizontal slice through the hypocotyl region. The highest shoot and callus regeneration was obtained in Torpido genotypes in cotyledonary node explants produced multiple shoots placed in tissue culture media MS+1 mg/l N6-benzylamino-purine BA. The chromosome number and karyotype analysis were determined in control and in vitro propagated Cucurbita pepo L. plants and ploidy levels were confirmed to be 2n = 40.

Selection of competitive of pumpkin varieties for the Lower Volga region

Relevance One of the priority directions of selection is the creation of varieties that are most adapted to local conditions with high productivity. Methods The object of study – varieties and hybrids of pumpkin of three Botanical species: Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita pepo. The purpose of the work is the creation and introduction into production of high-yielding varieties of pumpkin with high quality fruits, resistant to bio-and abiotic conditions of the lower Volga region. Research objectives: the study of varietal diversity and identification of genetic sources adapted to the conditions of the region; artificial hybridization, evaluation of the obtained source material on the main economic and valuable features, selection of the best hybrid combinations and testing them in comparison with the best zoned varieties. Results The collection identified genetic sources of productivity: Chino, Sviten, Kham, Creen Warted Habbard, Zukat, Arina, Madam; the quality of the fruit: Sorme poire, Burgess Buttercup Wintes, Malishka, Duchess, Konfetka. Using the selected genetic sources in crossbreeding, new hybrid combinations were obtained, after testing of which the source material for breeding was formed in the hybrid nursery. The table shows the characteristics of the best hybrid populations of pumpkin species S. maxima, S. moschata. The best zoned varieties of table pumpkin created in recent years. Izyashnaya – medium-ripe, shortleaved, high-yielding (17.0-26.0 t/ha), with high quality fruits (12.0-16.0% solids); Izobilie – yield (18.0-25.0 t/ha), drought-resistant; Romantika – medium-ripe, resistant to powdery mildew, yielding (16.0-20.0 t/ha), high quality fruits (10.0-15.0% dry-VA, 60.4 mg% carotene).

Association between Fruit Characteristics and Postharvest Stability of Different Pumpkin (Cucurbita) Species

This study aimed at understanding peel and flesh characteristics of Cucurbita maxima Duchesne subsp maxima, Cucurbita pepo L var. fastigata and Cucurbita moschata Decne pumpkin varieties and how the fruit characteristics relate to its postharvest stability. Mature fruits were stored at ambient conditions (28oC and 78% Relative humidity) for eight months. Cell microscopic structure, intercellular space size, sugars, starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, degree of esterification of pectin, polygalacturonase activity, and cumulative moisture lost were determined monthly. Sucrose, starch, cellulose and hemicellulose content and degree of esterification of pectin of different varieties decreased with storage. Glucose and fructose content increased to a maximum and then reduced. Polygalacturonase activity and lignin generally increased with storage time. Size of intercellular spaces, and cumulative moisture lost from both flesh and peel increased with storage. Sucrose breakdown was key during 0 to 3 months, while moisture loss was important at 4 months of storage. Polygalacturonase activity became paramount from 7th month of storage. Postharvest stability of pumpkins is determined by an interplay of factors. The deterministic factor changes with time. Pumpkin varieties with more lignified peel had lower rates of sucrose breakdown and moisture loss and tended to be more stable postharvest. Varieties with low level of hemicellulose had their cell walls degrade early, while deterioration of pumpkins with highly esterified pectin and closely packed cells was delayed.

Tolerancia al estrés hídrico de dos especies de calabaza (Cucurbita moschata y Cucurbita argyrosperma) mediante indicadores anatómicos

La calabaza (Cucurbita sp) se usa como alimento humano en diferentes regiones del mundo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la tolerancia al déficit hídrico en dos especies de calabaza mediante atributos anatómicos. Fue usado un diseño experimental en bloques al azar con arreglo de parcelas divididas con tres repeticiones. En las parcelas grandes se manejaron los contenidos de humedad del suelo: Capacidad de Campo (CC: rango 21-26 %) y Punto de Marchitez Permanente (PMP: rango 15-20 %); en las parcelas chicas se distribuyeron las especies de calabaza C. moschata y C. argyrosperma. La longitud del tallo principal de las plantas de C. argyrosperma en condiciones de CC fue mayor (P ≤ 0.05) que el de las plantas de C. moschata en el nivel de PMP. Las plantas de Cucurbita argyrosperma en PMP desarrollaron tallos de mayor longitud que las de C. moschata en CC y PMP. Las variables cobertura vegetal y área foliar tuvieron un comportamiento exponencial creciente de manera independiente a la condición de humedad del suelo. Los resultados indican que las dos especies pueden ser tolerantes al estrés hídrico mediante la estrategia de evasión.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on physico-chemical and structural properties of two pumpkin species

The effects of high pressure treatments (200, 400, 600 MPa for 5 min) and a thermal treatment (85 °C for 5 min) were evaluated on cubes of two pumpkin species (Cucurbita maxima L. var. Delica and Cucurbita moschata Duchesne var. Butternut) up to 2 months of refrigerated storage. Increasing the pressure, small parenchyma cells from the pumpkin tissue exhibited collapses and separations, especially for Butternut. This species showed a lower hardness than Delica at time 0. For both species, 400 MPa and thermal treatment were the most effective in the inactivation of pectinmethylesterase, which reactivated after 2 months, especially for Butternut. Colorimetric parameters decreased after all treatments. Antioxidant activity resulted affected by pressure, showing a significant increase during storage especially for the samples treated at 200 MPa after 2 months, comparable to the thermal treated ones. Among the tested treatments, 400 MPa may be considered as the best option for the quality retention during storage.

DIFFERENTIAL TOLERANCE OF PUMPKIN SPECIES TO BENTAZON, METRIBUZIN, TRIFLURALIN, AND OXYFLUORFEN

ABSTRACT Response of pumpkin species including Cucurbita pepo convar. Pepo, Cucurbita moschata Duch, Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, and Lagenaria vulgaris to bentazon, trifluralin, metribuzin, and oxyfluorfen was evaluated in Outdoor pot experiments in 2014 and 2015. Different postemergence doses (bentazon and oxyfluorfen) and preplant incorporated (metribuzin and trifluralin) herbicides were evaluted on pumpkin species at various growth stages. Results showed that the sensitivity of pumpkins species to applied herbicide varied greatly among tested species. On overall, dry weights of Cucurbita spp. were reduced by 12.50%, 48.60%, 23%, and 73.13% when pumpkin was treated with trifluralin, metribuzin, bentazon and oxyfluorfen, respectively. Pumpkin crops were not tolerant of metribuzin and oxyfluorfen and plants showed injures. Results indicated that trifluralin and bentazon have the potential for possible application in pumpkin particularly when broadleaf weeds are dominant.

Evaluation of three pumpkin species: correlation with physicochemical, antioxidant properties and classification using SPME-GC-MS and E-nose methods.

To ascertain the most discriminant variables for three pumpkin species principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. Twenty-four parameters (pH, conductivity, sucrose, glucose, total soluble solids, L*, a*, b*, individual weight, edible rate, firmness, citric acid, fumaric acid, l-ascorbic acid, malic acid, PPO activity, POD activity, total flavonoids, vitamin E, total phenolics, DPPH, FRAP, β-carotene, and aroma) were considered. The studied pumpkin species were Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, and Cucurbita pepo. Three pumpkin species were classified by PCA based on aroma, physicochemical and antioxidant properties because the sum of PC1 and PC2 were both greater than 85% (85.06 and 93.64% respectively). Results were validated by the PCA and showed that PPO activity, total flavonoid, sucrose, glucose, TSS, a*, pH, malic acid, vitamin E, DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene, and aroma are highly useful parameters to classify pumpkin species.

Pumpkin Seed Oil: An Alternative Medicine

Pumpkin seed oil has long been considered as an ingredient for its nutritional and medicinal values for the prevention of various ailments, especially for prostate diseases. In addition, several studies have suggested the crucial roles and effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil in the treatment of diabetes, anxiety and even cancer. Pumpkin seed oil is being used in several countries worldwide including North America, Mexico, India and China. This review highlights the characterization, properties and use of pumpkin seed oil from various pumpkin species against several diseases pathophysiologies. We strongly believe that this review will provide overall insights to the chemists, biologists and researchers on the roles of pumpkin seed oil extracts that possess promising biological activities.

Physico-chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Different Pumpkin Cultivars Grown in China

To obtain more detailed knowledge of the differences among major pumpkin species grown in China, physico-chemical and antioxidant properties of four pumpkin cultivars (Miben, Hongli, Lvli, Xihulu) were characterized and compared. Dry matter, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, fruit color, protein, fat, sugars, minerals, amino acids, &beta-carotene, L-ascorbic acid, total phenols and antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP) were measured in the studied cultivars. The results showed great differences in the composition and characteristics of the pumpkin cultivars. Miben exhibited the highest concentration of dry matter, fat, Total Soluble Solid (TSS), Titratable Acidity (TA), sucrose, &beta-carotene, K, P, Fe, Zn and aspartic acid. Hongli had the highest concentration protein, L-ascorbic acid, Na, Ca, Mg and all individual amino acids except for asparitic acid. Lvli exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP), which are highly related to total phenols content in pumpkin fruits (r = 0.94 and r = 0.98, respectively). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allowed the four pumpkin cultivars to be differentiated clearly based on all these physico-chemical and antioxidant properties determined in the study.

Characteristics of organic acids in the fruit of different pumpkin species

The aim of the research was to determine the composition of organic acids in fruit of different cultivars of three pumpkin species. The amount of acids immediately after fruit harvest and after 3months of storage was compared. The content of organic acids in the examined pumpkin cultivars was assayed using the method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Three organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, and fumaric acid) were identified in the cultivars, whose content considerably varied depending on a cultivar. Three-month storage resulted in decreased content of the acids in the case of cultivars belonging to Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita pepo species, while a slight increase was recorded for Cucurbita moschata species.

Heterologous C-terminal signals effectively target fluorescent fusion proteins to leaf peroxisomes in diverse plant species

Peroxisomes are functionally diverse organelles that are wholly dependent on import of nuclear-encoded proteins. The signals that direct proteins into these organelles are either found at the C-terminus (type 1 peroxisomal targeting signal; PTS1) or N-terminus (type 2 peroxisomal targeting signal; PTS2) of the protein. Based on a limited number of tests in heterologous systems, PTS1 signals appear to be conserved across species. To further test the generality of this conclusion and to establish the extent to which the PTS1 signals can be relied on for biotechnological purposes across species, we tested two PTS1 signals for their ability to target fluorescent proteins in diverse plant species. Transient assays following microprojectile bombardment showed that the six amino acid PTS1 sequence (RAVARL) from spinach glycolate oxidase effectively targets green fluorescent fusion protein to the leaf peroxisomes in all 20 crops tested, including four monocots (sugarcane, wheat, corn and onion) and 16 dicots (carrot, cucumber, broccoli, tomato, lettuce, turnip, radish, cauliflower, cabbage, capsicum, celery, tobacco, petunia, beetroot, eggplant and coriander). Similarly, results indicated that the 10 amino acid PTS1 sequence (IHHPRELSRL) from pumpkin malate synthase effectively targets red fluorescent fusion protein to the leaf peroxisomes in all four crops tested including monocot (sugarcane) and dicot (cabbage, celery and pumpkin) species. These signal sequences should be useful metabolic engineering tools to direct recombinant proteins to the leaf peroxisomes in diverse plant species of biotechnological interest.

Comparison of the chemical compositions and nutritive values of various pumpkin (Cucurbitaceae) species and parts

Pumpkins have considerable variation in nutrient contents depending on the cultivation environment, species, or part. In this study, the general chemical compositions and some bioactive components, such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and β-sitosterol, were analyzed in three major species of pumpkin (Cucurbitaceae pepo, C. moschata, and C. maxima) grown in Korea and also in three parts (peel, flesh, and seed) of each pumpkin species. C. maxima had significantly more carbohydrate, protein, fat, and fiber than C. pepo or C. moschata (P < 0.05). The moisture content as well as the amino acid and arginine contents in all parts of the pumpkin was highest in C. pepo. The major fatty acids in the seeds were palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. C. pepo and C. moschata seeds had significantly more γ-tocopherol than C. maxima, whose seeds had the highest β-carotene content. C. pepo seeds had significantly more β-sitosterol than the others. Nutrient compositions differed considerably among the pumpkin species and parts. These results will be useful in updating the nutrient compositions of pumpkin in the Korean food composition database. Additional analyses of various pumpkins grown in different years and in different areas of Korea are needed.

Comparison of the chemical compositions and nutritive values of various pumpkin (Cucurbitaceae) species and parts

Comparison of the chemical compositions and nutritive values of various pumpkin (<i>Cucurbitaceae</i>) species and parts

Effect of drying on selected proximate composition of fresh and processed fruits and seeds of two pumpkin species

Effect of drying on selected proximate composition of fresh and processed fruits and seeds of two pumpkin species