Summer Squash Research Articles

Nutraceutical and antinutritional properties of wild edible plants consumed by pregnant women and school-age children (6-12 years) in Najjembe sub-county, Buikwe district, Uganda

Wild edible plants (WEPs) immensely contribute to the diets and livelihoods of rural and marginalised communities. In rural Uganda, they play an important role as break tea packages for school-age children and due to their perceived nutraceutical significance, they are always added to the diets of pregnant women. In this study, it was hypothesised that Basella alba L. (Malabar spinach, Ceylon spinach, Indian spinach, Vine spinach, Malabar nightshade), Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk. & Broome) R. Heim (Cendawan Tali; Cendawan Taugeh) Cucurbita pepo L. (Courgette, Marrow, Pumpkin, Summer squash, Table queen squash, Vegetable Marrow, Zucchini) and Solanum anguivi L. (Forest bitter berry, African eggplant) have high nutraceutical significance and could contribute to the diets of school-age children and pregnant women. Using the standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods (method 935.14 and 992.24), the nutraceuticals and antinutrients in B. alba, T. microcarpus, C. pepo, and S. anguivi were investigated. All analyses and measurements were done in triplicate to increase the validity and reliability of the results. Solanum anguivi had the highest crude fibre (25.22±0.08 %), fat (6.55±0.05 %), and energy (371.37±1.17 Kcal) content. Termitomyces microcarpus had the highest protein (21.99±0.16 %) and moisture (10.71±0.35 %) content. Basella alba and C. pepo had the highest ash (19.39±0.01 %) and total carbohydrate (69.15±0.62 %) content. In comparison with the recommended dietary daily intakes for pregnant mothers and school-going children, all the plants had high Potassium, Phosphorous contents (except for T. Microcarpus which had low K contents), iron, copper, zinc, and manganese., but with selenium content being below the detection limit. All the analysed species were good in antioxidants, C. Pepo being the best with an IC50 of 11.78±0.47 mg/ mL followed by B. alba (14.69±0.74 mg/ mL). Solanum anguvi and T. microcarpus had the highest amount of phenols (14.48±0.02 mg/g GAE) and tannins (0.42±0.00 mg/g GAE). Basella alba had the highest amounts of flavonoids (2.45±0.01 mg/g RAE). All the plant species had low contents of phytates ranging from (0.40±0.01 for S. Anguivi to 0.72±0.08 for B. Alba). Cadmium and lead concentrations were below the permissible limit recommended by FAO/WHO Expert Committee in Food Additives. Thus, the analysed WEPs are a rich source of important nutrients and can be used to complement staple foods to ensure balanced nutrition for pregnant women and school-age children. Nonetheless, further comprehensive antinutrients and heavy metals analyses should be conducted to ensure that they do not affect the bioavailability of the nutrients. For value addition, nutrient-dense cocktails / phytonutraceuticals should be developed to alleviate malnutrition-related illnesses in vulnerable groups of people. Key words: Wild edible plants, Nutraceutical, Antinutrients, Heavy metals, Pregnant women, School-age children

Dose-response of plasticulture summer squash and triploid watermelon to fomesafen applied pre-transplanting

AbstractDose-response trials to determine the tolerance of summer squash and watermelon to fomesafen applied (over the top of black polyethylene mulch and respective row middles) pre-transplanting were performed between 2020 and 2021 at three Indiana locations: the Meigs Horticulture Research Farm (MEIGS), the Pinney Purdue Agricultural Center (PPAC), and the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC). Summer squash trials were performed at the MEIGS and PPAC locations, and watermelon trials were performed at the MEIGS and SWPAC locations. The experiments for both summer squash and watermelon had a split-plot arrangement in which the main plot was herbicide rate, and the subplot was cultivar. Summer squash injury included necrotic leaf margin, chlorosis, brown and white spots, and stunting. Fomesafen rates from 262 to 1,048 g ai ha−1 in 2020 at both locations, and from 280 to 1,120 g ai ha−1 in 2021 at MEIGS did not affect summer squash yield. However, in 2021 at PPAC, fomesafen applied at rates from 280 to 1,120 g ha−1 delayed summer squash harvest and decreased marketable yield from 95% to 61% compared with the nontreated control. Watermelon injury included bronzing and stunting. Fomesafen rates from 210 to 840 g ai ha−1 did not affect marketable watermelon yield or fruit number. Crop safety was attributed to rain, which washed off most of the herbicide from the polyethylene mulch before plants were transplanted or little to no rain after transplant. Injury was observed only when there was no rain before transplant followed by excessive rain shortly after transplant. Overall, the 1× rate used for each trial was safe for use 1 d before transplanting summer squash and 6 to 7 d before transplanting watermelon.

Genetics analysis, combining ability and heterosis of some yield and yield component traits in summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Genetics analysis, combining ability and heterosis of some yield and yield component traits in summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Hybrid Performance of Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in Summer Squash Affected By Uv Irradiation

Hybrid Performance of Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in Summer Squash Affected By Uv Irradiation

Interactions of airborne graphene oxides with the sexual reproduction of a model plant: When production impurities matter

The increasing use of graphene-related materials (GRMs) in everyday-life products raises concerns for their possible release into the environment and consequent impact on organisms. GRMs have widely varying effects on plants and, according to recent evidences, graphene oxide (GO) has the potential to interfere with the sexual reproduction owing to its acidic properties and production residues. Here, stigmas of the model plant Cucurbita pepo (summer squash) were subjected to simulated dry depositions of GO and GO purified from production residues (PGO). Stigmas were then hand-pollinated and GRM deposition was checked by ESEM and confocal microscopy. Analysis of stigma integrity, pH homeostasis and pollen-stigma interactions did not reveal negative effects. Fruit and seed production were not affected, but GO depositions of 22.1 ± 7.2 ng mm−2 affected the normal development of seeds, decreasing seed dimensions, seed germination and germination speed. The elemental analysis revealed that GO has significant quantities of production residues, such as strong acids and oxidants, while PGO has only traces, which justifies the differences observed in the effects caused by the two materials. Our results show that GO depositions of up to 11.1 ± 3.6 ng mm−2, which fall within the variation range of total dry particulate matter depositions reported in the literature, are safe for reproduction of C. pepo. This is the first “safety” limit ever recorded for depositions of “out-of-the-box” GO concerning the reproduction of a seed plant. If confirmed for wind-pollinated species, it might be considered for policymaking of GRMs emissions in the air.

Effects of Heating Initiative Temperature and CO2 Fertilizing Concentration on the Growth and Yield of Summer Squash in a Greenhouse

Effects of Heating Initiative Temperature and CO2 Fertilizing Concentration on the Growth and Yield of Summer Squash in a Greenhouse

Pengaruh Perbandingan Tepung Terigu Dengan Tepung Labu Kuning Terhadap Organoleptik Roti Tawar

Summer squash In general, the community is only processed as compote, boiled or steamed. Researchers have an idea to create innovations in processed pumpkin, namely by making pumpkin flour to then be made into plain bread with a ratio of wheat flour and pumpkin flour. This study used the RAL method with 3 levels and 3 repetitions, so that in this study 9 experimental units were obtained. With a combination of K1: 225 grams of wheat flour: 25 grams of pumpkin flour, K2: 200 grams of wheat flour: 50 grams of pumpkin flour, K3: 75 grams of flour: 175 grams of pumpkin flour. Data analysis used quantitative methods. The process of making pumpkin flour by stripping the skin and removing the nets, washing, cutting / reducing size, drying, grinding and sifting. The process of making white bread with a ratio of wheat flour and pumpkin flour begins with the process of kneading, developing, printing, improving and baking. The acceptance variable that is of interest to the K1 combination is 90% wheat flour and 10% pumpkin flour. Keywords: Pumpkin, Pumpkin Flour, Organoleptic

Effect of Application Nitrophenolates and IAA on growth and yield of Squash (Cucurbita pepo)

A field experiment was conducted out from March 11th to July 20 th to study the effect of foliar application nitrophenolates (0, 2, 4 and 6 ml.l-1) biostimulators and IAA (0,150 and 300 mg. l-1) on the growth and yield of summer squash. Nitrophenolates had the best significant effect on plant length and shoot dry weight (63.12 cm and 98.72 g respectively) were obtained with 2 ml.l-1, leaf area (256.00 cm2) was measured in 4 ml.l-1 resentment. However, the best results of stem diameter (17.47 mm) was obtained from 300 ml.l-1 IAA. The interaction of 2 ml.l-1 nitrophenolates and 300 mg. l-1 IAA caused highest significant in Stem diameter (19.10 mm), plant length (69.20 cm) and fruit length (17.16cm), and the best results of fruit. weight Plot-1, fruit weight plant-1 and fruit weight hectare-1(7.30, 1.82 kg and 29.11 ton) were obtained from 150 ml.l-1 IAA without nitrophenolates treatments. 2 ml.l- nitrophenolates is the best levels significantly effect on vegetative and reproductive parameter, however the interaction between IAA and nitrophenolate more significantly effects.

Optimization of steps in the technology of obtaining doubled haploids of summer squash (<i>Cucurbita pepo</i> L.) in the culture of unpollinated ovules <i>in vitro</i>

Relevance. To create an effective technology for obtaining doubled haploids (DH-technology) of zucchini in unpollinatedseedpod culture in vitro it is necessary to select the optimal values of many factors, the degree of influence of each of which on gynogenesis can vary significantly. The aim of the study was to optimize the individual stages of the technology.Methods. Liquid and agarized (7 g/L) IMC medium with different sucrose concentrations (20 to 80 g/L) and different plant growth regulators (2 mg/L 2,4 D; 0.2 mg/L TDZ ; 0.8 mg/L 2,4 D and 1.2 mg/L NUC) were used for induction of embryogenesis.Results. Optimal for the studied zucchini genotypes was pre-isolated from the evening, plucked in the morning opened bud. Sterilization of zucchini ovaries by short-term burning after treatment with 96% alcohol, allows significant reduction of the time required for this step without loss of embryogenic potential. IMC nutrient medium with sucrose (20 to 40 g/l) can be used for induction of gynogenesis in the unpollinatedzucchini ovary culture. The use of nutrient media with 2 mg/l 2,4 D for most genotypes was more effective and resulted in higher number of embryoids compared to nutrient media containing 0.2 mg/l TDC and media with 0.8 mg/l 2,4 D and 1.2 mg/l NAA. Embryoid formation was observed after 5 weeks of cultivation.Conclusion. We were able to complete the full cycle of technology for obtaining doubled haploids in unpollinatedseedpod culture in vitro for 30 zucchini genotypes and obtain DHplants, which are valuable source material for both breeders and genetic research. Optimization of the individual steps of the technology made it possible to achieve the maximum result for individual genotypes – 55 embryoids per 100 cultivated ovules.

Effect of Glycine Betaine and Chitosan on Water Stress Tolerance of Summer Squash Plants.

Effect of Glycine Betaine and Chitosan on Water Stress Tolerance of Summer Squash Plants.

Zinc Application Mitigates Copper Toxicity by Regulating Cu Uptake, Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes, and Improving Physiological Characteristics in Summer Squash.

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential micronutrients for the plant’s growth, development, and metabolism, but in high concentrations, the elements disrupt normal metabolic processes. The present study investigated the effects of different concentrations (added to a Hogland-based solution) of zinc (control, 5, 10 mg L−1 ZnSO4) and copper (control, 0.1, 0.2 mg L−1 CuSO4) on the growth characteristics and biochemical indices of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). Compared with control, a single application of Cu or Zn at both concentrations significantly declined fruit yield, growth traits, pigments content, and high content of these minerals and values of stress-related indices. Increased Cu concentration in the nutritional solutions reduced the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX). Copper at high concentrations intensified ROS production, aggravated oxidative stresses, and decreased the plant yield and productivity. Nonetheless, combining Cu and Zn could alleviate stress intensity by boosting antioxidant enzymes, redox regulation, and a resultant diminishment in the content of H2O2, proline, malondialdehyde, and minerals. The obtained results corroborate that the co-application of zinc in Cu-contaminated areas can improve the plant’s economic yield and physiological parameters by hindering copper toxicity and enhancing the photosynthetic capacity.

Effects of ridge planting on crop seedlings under saline water drip irrigation

AbstractA field experiment was conducted in northwest China to study the effects of different irrigation water salinity levels on the emergence and growth of corn, sunflower, summer squash, and cowpea. Two tillage systems (flat and ridge planting) and five salinity levels (at 1.7, 4.0, 6.3, 8.6, and 10.9 dS/m) were tested. Compared with flat planting, the soil salinity within 30 cm horizontally from the drip tapes decreased by 15% in the ridge planting system. Ridge planting significantly improved the emergence and growth of crops, which was mainly manifested in higher emergence rates, reduced emergence time, and increased dry biomass, especially under high‐salinity conditions (electrical conductivity of irrigation water >4 dS/m). The electrolytic conductivity of the saturation extract threshold at which corn, sunflower, summer squash, and cowpea endured without reduced emergence rates was 5.8, 5.8, 4.8, and 4.0 dS/m, respectively. Above this threshold, the relative emergence rate decreased by 11%, 16%, 14%, and 20%, respectively. Our results indicate the agronomic benefits of ridge planting, and the soil environment was improved by ridge planting with saline water drip irrigation. In addition, we discuss the crop responses in terms of emergence rates and relative seedling dry biomass in relation to soil salinity. Suggestions for the secure and efficient use of saline water for irrigation in arid regions have been put forward.

Risk assessment of carbofuran residues in fruits and vegetables at the Chinese market: A 7-year survey

The United Nations designated 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV), with the goal of educating populations regarding the role of such produce in nutrition, food safety, and overall health. Carbofuran is a highly toxic insecticide and nematocide, and its use to treat fruit trees, vegetables, tea, and medicinal herbs is thus prohibited. However, carbofuran residues are still detectable via LC-Q-TOF/MS in fruit and vegetable samples collected from 138 sites in 31 regions. In the present study, carbofuran levels were sampled at 1388 sampling sites in 31 regions (provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities) not including Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan. In total, over 36,000 samples (including 12,547 samples of 41 kinds of fruits and 23,785 samples of 83 kinds of vegetables) were randomly collected from supermarkets and farmer’s markets. These data were used to conduct a risk assessment pertaining to dietary carbofuran exposure through the consumption of fruits and vegetables. In total, carbofuran residues were detectable in 2.0% of fruits and 2.3% of vegetables. Risk assessments indicated that the intake of fruits and vegetables harboring carbofuran residues did not pose a chronic health risk. However, peaches, grapes, sweet peppers, celery, Chinese chives, leaf lettuce, spinach, small rape, mustard greens, cucumbers, watermelons, Chinese wolfberry leaves, wax gourds, snap beans, bitter melons, green Chinese vegetables, lettuce, shallot, cowpeas, eggplants, tomatoes, tangerines, summer squash, oranges, lemons, Chinese cabbage, peppers, and strawberries were associated with an unacceptable acute risk to both children and adults. Moreover, crown daisies, nectarines, citrus fruits, pitayas, melons, kale, cabbages, milk Chinese cabbage, carrots, and melons were associated with an unacceptable acute risk to children. Substantial acute risk to children and adults was observed for fruits and vegetables from surveyed regions other than Inner Mongolia, Yunnan, Liaoning, Fujian, Xinjiang, and Hubei. Together, these data provide a foundation for future research aimed at the management of carbofuran residues in fruits and vegetables in an effort to better protect consumer health.

Effect of Organic And Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth And Yield of Summer Squash (cucurbita Pepo L.)

This experiment was carried out in the experimental vegetable farms of the Horticulture Department, College of Agricultural engineering sciences, University of Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq, during the spring growing season of 2021. The aim of the study was to investigate the response of summer squash cultivar, namely (Alexanderia  F1) to four levels of organic  (0 , 2 g.L-1 Fulvic acid, 2 g.L-1 Seaweed extract and 4 g.L-1 Amino acid  ) and three level of inorganic fertilizers ( 0, 1 ml.L-1 Cal-Mag and 5 ml.L-1 Phosphate-K) on growth and yield of summer squash plant (Cucurbita pepo L.). Fertilizers were used three times at the 25 days of planting and repeated in 10 days interval. Results showed that Spraying Summer squash with organic fertilizers especially amino acid significantly increased characters like (chlorophyll content in leaves, No. of fruit f.plant-1, plant yield kg.plant-1 and total yield t.ha-1), Also inorganic fertilizers especially Cal-Mag had higher increased  in characters ( plant length, leave area, chlorophyll content in leaves, No. of fruit f.plant-1, plant yield kg.plant-1 and total yield t.ha-1), where as no significant differences occurred in (Fruit length (cm), Fruit Diameter (cm) and TSS) by using organic and inorganic fertilizers

Hydroponic Technique: A New approach for Crop Production at Trans Himalayan High-altitude Cold Desert Regions of India

Aims: The trans-Himalayan high-altitude cold desert regions of India is characterized by a rugged topography at an altitude ranging from 2550 to 7742 meters above sea level. It has a vast geographical area of 72976 km2 with very little cultivated area of about 13726 hectare. Hydroponic is a soilless cultivation technique which may produce fresh vegetable in areas where environmental stress (cold, heat, dessert etc.) and limited space or on non-arable land is a major constrains for agriculture production.
 Methodology: The experiment was conducted under open natural ventilated double layer polycarbonate green house in cold desert high altitude conditions of Leh, India. The hydroponic structures were designed for crop production (viz. leafy greens, vegetables, fruits etc) in deep water culture (DWC) and nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic techniques and compared them with conventional soil grown system. Nutrient solution for growing vegetables was prepared and standardized.
 Results: The result obtained has shown that crop yield was significantly higher in hydroponic system as compared to traditional system for all crops. The recorded increase in yield for various crops in hydroponic system compared to soil grown system were: arugula 221%, atriplex 248%, coriander 288%, fenugreek 208%, lettuce 293%, mint 237%, mustard 227%, spinach 294%, cucumber 533%, strawberry 280%, summer squash 229% and tomato 345% which were significantly higher. Hydroponics can be explored to grow vegetables round the year especially for leafy greens. The hydroponic systems may come out as a valuable asset to forward and remote area of trans-Himalayan region for growing fresh vegetables where cultivated land and availability of the water are the limiting factors for crop production.

Yield, Quality, Land Equivalent Ratio, and Economic viability of Intercropping Combinations of Summer Squash, Faba Bean and Strawberry

Yield, Quality, Land Equivalent Ratio, and Economic viability of Intercropping Combinations of Summer Squash, Faba Bean and Strawberry

Hatay İli Bazı Kabak (Cucurbitaceae) ve Tarlasarmaşığı'nda (Convolvuluceae) Fitoplazmaların Belirlenmesi ve Karakterizasyonu

Aims: During a disease survey conducted in 2019, typical symptoms including yellowing of the leaves, stunting, shortening of internodes, proliferation of auxiliary shoots (witches'-broom), the bunchy appearance of growth at the ends of stems (rosetting), virescence of flowers or sterility, phyllody, small and deformed leaves and fasciation were observed on suspected cucurbit plants growing in Hatay province. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the phytoplasma infection(s) on cucurbit crops and bindweed in Hatay province of Turkey.Methods and Results: In total; 4 pumpkins (winter squash: Cucurbita moschata Duchesne), 12 summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) and 2 bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) samples were collected from suspected plants in cucurbit fields in Hatay province. Some of the plants (2 pumpkins, 10 summer squash and 2 bindweeds) exhibited symptoms related to phytoplasmas. Total nucleic acid was extracted by CTAB method. PCR amplification of 16S rDNA with phytoplasma specific primer pairs; F1/R0 followed by R16F2n/R2 confirmed the phytoplasma presence. Expected size amplicons of ~1.2 kb were obtained from infected samples from symptomatic cucurbits (12/12) and bindweed (1/2), but not from asymptomatic cucurbit plants (0/4). The sequences of the 4 symptomatic samples were deposited in NCBI GenBank (MT163353, MT163393, MT163396, and MT163469).Conclusions: After sequencing and phylogenetic analyses it was revealed that the squash isolates had 99% sequence identity with “Candidatus phytoplasma trifolii” (16SrVI) and the bindweed isolate had 99% sequence identity with “Candidatus phytoplasma solani” (16SrXII).Significance and Impact of the Study: There is a lack of knowledge on the status of phytoplasma infections and natural hosts in cucurbits in Turkey. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of a member of 16SrVI group, Candidatus phytoplasma trifolii associated with phytoplasma infection in winter squash-pumpkin (C. moschata) and summer squash (C. pepo) in Turkey.

Effect of Plastic Mulch Colors on Anasa tristis (Hemiptera: Coreidae) Population Dynamics in Summer Squash, Cucurbita pepo (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae).

The squash bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer), is a serious pest of cucurbit crops across the United States, especially within summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) systems. Using their piercing sucking mouthparts, squash bugs feed on both leaf tissue and fruits, often leading to leaf necrosis, marketable fruit loss, and even plant death. To date, the relationship between squash bug presence and plasticulture has not been adequately investigated. This 2-yr study evaluated the effects of white, black, and reflective plastic mulch colors on the occurrence of all squash bug life stages and marketable zucchini yield in Virginia. In both years, A. tristis adults and egg masses were more numerous on zucchini plants grown in white and reflective plastic mulch compared to bare ground plants. Greater nymphal densities and marketable fruit yield were observed in certain plastic mulch treatments versus the bare ground treatment, yet these differences were not consistent in both years. Contrary to the repellency effects reflective mulches have on other cucurbit insect pests, our research suggests that reflective and other plastic mulch colors can negatively impact squash bug management, especially in regions with high A. tristis pressure. Our study offers new insights for cucurbit growers to use when considering whether they should implement plasticulture in their growing systems.

Effects of biochar on soil properties, heavy metal availability and uptake, and growth of summer squash grown in metal-contaminated soil

• Biochar types had high variability in physical and chemical properties. • Biochar application helped in modifying the physio-chemical properties of soil. • Biochar types and rates played a vital role in the immobilization of heavy metals. • Casuarina biochar was more suitable for plant growth in metal-polluted soils. • Both BCF and TF varied significantly for different types and rates of biochars. Pollution of agricultural soil with heavy metals is a serious hazard to the environment and human health. The application of biochar can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to reduce heavy metal bioavailability in contaminated soils and thus their uptake by plants. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of three types of biochar (mango, Casuarina and Salix as feedstocks) at two application rates (2% and 4% w/w) on soil characteristics, heavy metal availability in soil and bioaccumulation in plants, as well as the growth of summer squash grown in highly polluted soil. The results indicated that the highest dry weight of root and shoot was recorded at the lowest application rate of Casuarina biochar followed by mango and Salix biochars. Compared to untreated soil, the adding of Casuarina biochar at 4% decreased the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn by 25.7%, 52.1%, 12.1%, 32.3%, 31.0%, 85.0% and 25.2% in the root, and by 37.2%, 66.9%, 24.3%, 40.2%, 42.0%, 89.2% and 35.5% in the shoot, respectively. Casuarina biochar at 4% treatment was found to be the most effective in reducing the uptake of heavy metals by roots and shoots. Also, this treatment had the highest significant reductions in the availability of heavy metals over the untreated soil. The reductions in bioconcentration factor and translocation factor achieved with biochar application varied significantly for different types and rates of biochars. All biochar applications increased significantly soil pH, organic matter and electrical conductivity compared to untreated soil. It can be concluded that Casuarina biochar has great potential as a soil amendment for increasing the heavy metal immobilization, reducing the availability and plant uptake of heavy metals, and enhancing the growth of summer squash plants. :

Production and Postharvest Assessment of Tropical Pumpkin Flowers Harvested for Consumption

Consumption of staminate (male) flowers of squash and pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) has generally been limited to summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), a species of temperate regions or highland tropical environments. In the lowland tropics of the Caribbean Basin, tropical pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is better adapted and more widely grown. We evaluated flower production in Lajas, Puerto Rico, and postharvest attributes (shelf life, chemical and nutritional properties, sensory quality) of flowers of four tropical pumpkin and two summer squash cultivars. Tested cultivars varied slightly among experiments. Passive and active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were compared. For passive MAP, packages were sealed without further intervention. Under active MAP, packages were adjusted to 6% to 7% oxygen (O2) and 12% to 13% carbon dioxide (CO2) during sealing. Sensory quality of fresh and canned tropical pumpkin flowers was evaluated by panelists. Production ranged from 1.8 to 4.0 flowers/plant per day. Flower weight and length were up to 50% greater in tropical pumpkin compared with summer squash. Packaged flowers turned more orange but with less color saturation as they aged. In active MAP packages, decreases in O2, and increases in CO2 observed after 5 days were small or not significant compared with initially established atmospheres at day 0. Storage temperature generally had no effect on changes in O2 and CO2. Packaged flowers lost about 27% of their initial weight after 5 days. Type of MAP had no consistent effect on the appearance of packaged flowers. Storing flowers at 5 °C often improved appearance compared with storage at 10 °C. The rate of deterioration was slower in packaged flowers of tropical pumpkin compared with summer squash, but by day 6 the poor appearance of flowers of all cultivars made them unmarketable. Compared with fresh flowers, packaged flowers stored for 5 days exhibited a decrease in soluble solids, total acidity, ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity, and total phenolics, and generally an increase in pH. Beta-carotene often increased in stored flowers although this varied by cultivar. Storage temperature and type of MAP had inconsistent effects on chemical attributes of stored flowers. Panelists rated fresh flowers as “like moderately” to “like very much” for texture, taste, and overall acceptability, whereas canned flowers were rated as “like moderately” for overall acceptability. Male flowers of tropical pumpkin are suitable for human consumption but deterioration after 5 days of storage limits their market potential unless better packaging methods are developed. Canned tropical pumpkin flowers may be an alternative to packaged flowers.