Vegetable Marrow Research Articles

Archaeobotanical evidence supports indigenous cucurbit long-term use in the Mesoamerican Neotropics

The squash family (Cucurbitaceae) contains some of the most important crops cultivated worldwide and has played an important ecological, economic, and cultural role for millennia. In the American tropics, squashes were among the first cultivated crop species, but little is known about how their domestication unfolded. Here, we employ direct radiocarbon dating and morphological analyses of desiccated cucurbit seeds, rinds, and stems from El Gigante Rockshelter in Honduras to reconstruct human practices of selection and cultivation of Lagenaria siceraria, Cucurbita pepo, and Cucurbita moschata. Direct radiocarbon dating indicates that humans started using Lagenaria and wild Cucurbita starting ~ 10,950 calendar years before present (cal B.P.), primarily as watertight vessels and possibly as cooking and drinking containers. A rind directly dated to 11,150–10,765 cal B.P. represents the oldest known bottle gourd in the Americas. Domesticated C. moschata subsequently appeared ~ 4035 cal B.P., followed by domesticated C. pepo ~ 2190 cal B.P. associated with increasing evidence for their use as food crops. Multivariate statistical analysis of seed size and shape show that the archaeological C. pepo assemblage exhibits significant variability, representing at least three varieties: one similar to present-day zucchini, another like present-day vegetable marrow, and a native cultivar without modern analogs. Our archaeobotanical data supports the hypothesis that Indigenous cucurbit use started in the Early Holocene, and that agricultural complexity during the Late Holocene involved selective breeding that encouraged crop diversification.

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

Study of the monosaccharide composition of vegetable marrow leaves by the GC/MS method and determination of their antimicrobial activity

Study of the monosaccharide composition of vegetable marrow leaves by the GC/MS method and determination of their antimicrobial activity

Increasing the yield of melon in a greenhouse at vegetative grafting on vegetable marrow rootstocks

In Uzbekistan, there is a demand of the population for fresh melon fruits during the off-season. In the Research Institute of Vegetable, Melon Crops and Potato for the first time studies were carried out, when grown in a greenhouse, on the vegetative grafting of melon’s Zarkhal variety on the vegetable marrow varieties used as rootstocks. The aim of the research was to study the effect of vegetable marrow rootstocks on the variability of economically valuable traits of the Zarkhal melon variety and to identify promising combinations of vegetable marrow rootstocks that increase the yield and quality of melon fruits.Methods. The studies were carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the World Vegetable Center. As a control, ungrafted plants of the Zarkhal melon variety were used. For comparison with the control, plants of this variety were grafted onto their own plants. Also, plants of the melon variety Zarkhal (scion) were grafted in combinations on 10 varieties of vegetable marrow, which served as rootstocks. Vegetative grafting of melon on vegetable marrow rootstocks was carried out “in a split” in the phase of the first true leaf when the stem diameter reached 4.1–4.3 mm and plant height 4.4–5.9 cm.Results. In comparison with the control, in combinations of grafting the Zarkhal melon variety onto the Grecheskiye 110, Unumdor, Delicates and Skvorushka varieties of vegetable marrow, the flowering of paternal and female flowers, the onset of fruit formation was observed 2 days earlier. In the same combinations, fruit ripening was observed on 81-82 days, which is 4-5 days earlier than the control (86 days). They also had the tallest plants (203-205 cm), the plants formed 2-4 leaves more than the others. Marketable yields between combinations ranged from 7.89 to 9.75 kg/m2 . The melon variety Zarkhal, grafted onto its own plants, lagged behind the control in all phases of development and yield. The early yield in combinations was from 3.95 to 5.75 kg/m2 and amounted to 53-59% of the yield. The average fruit weight varied from 785 to 810 g.

Ефективність вирощування овочевих рослин в ущільнених посівах

Goal. To determine optimal technological parameters for growing vegetable plants in interplanting companion crops. Methods. Field (observation of plant growth and development), measuring and weighing (yield determination), laboratory and chemical (assessment of fruit quality indicators), statistical (determination of the reliability of experimental data), calculation and comparison (determination of economic efficiency). Results. The yield of vegetable marrow at interplanting with sugar corn and beets was 33.4–33.8 t / ha, which is less than in the control by 5.3–6.5%. Yields of additional products of table beet ripeness at different densities were 10.5–11.4 t/ha, sugar corn — 2.3–2.8 t/ha. The total profit at interplanting of vegetable marrow increased by 20.9–22.4 and 10.5–11.7 thousand UAH respectively for control. Tomato yields at interplanting with shallots and sweet corn decreased by 2.3 and 2.9 t/ha (5.5 and 6.9%), respectively, compared with the control. At interplanting with shallots and sweet corn, the additional profit was 49.9–55.0 and 3.7–5.7 thousand UAH/ha, respectively. The highest net profit — 158.5–163.6 thousand UAH with a level of profitability of 190.7–195.5% was fixed at interplanting tomatoes with shallots on a green feather. Conclusions. Growing vegetable marrow and tomatoes at interplanting led to a slight shortage of their crop relative to crops without interplanting. Combined cultivation of basic and compacting plants contributed to a larger total yield per unit of sown area, net profit, and level of profitability due to compacting plants.

Some Ecological Aspects of some Piercing-Sucking Pests Infestation on Four Vegetable Marrow Varieties in Relation to their Histological Features and their Control and Evaluation of Yield

Two field experiments were conducted during 2020 at the Plant Protection Research Station at Qaha, Qalubiya Governorate. Those included fluctuation in population growth rate of Bemisia tabaci, Aphis gossypii, Thrips tabaciand Tetranychus urticaein addition to evaluation of the susceptibility degree of 4vegetable marrow varieties (hybrid Aziad, hybrid Marseille, Askandrany and Amna)to infestation by previously mentioned pests. The study also included the application of lemon oil, ginger oil, fenugreek oil, green tea oil and egyxide plus(water soluble natural oil)for control of these each of pests. The 5oils (at 500 and 1000ml.)were mixed with 250gm hivit 80%WDG. Also, 5insecticides; Vapcomic 1.8%EC, Mobet, Trivap 75%WP, Oecos 3.2%EC and Hivit 80%were assayed at the recommended concentrations.Aziad variety could be fairly categorized as the highest susceptible(S)to infestation with the above mentioned pests of vegetable marrow plants, with means 31.61, 19.45, 1.76 and 2.31/leaf to B. tabaci, A. gossypii, T. tabaciand T. urticae, respectively/leaf.Obtained data indicated that A. gossypii recorded the highest growth rate 6.77, taking time difference 7days at Marseille variety. As for the anatomical measurements, those were the highest in case of Amna variety and the lowest in Aziad variety. Also, highest fruit yield was that of Amna variety and lowest in Aziad variety.The obtained records exhibited, that vapcomic and fenugreek oil+Hivit(1000ml+250gm)caused the significantly highest reduction against B. tabaci and A. gossypii counts on Aziad variety, as the recorded average of their reductions after 14days of first and second spray were(88.8 and 88.1%),(93.2 and 91.3%)and(96.2 and 95.2%), respectively.

Replenishment and rationalization of seed collections of pumpkin, vegetable marrow and summer squash for ex situ conservation and use for breeding in Armenia

The conservation and sustainable use of crop genetic resources are crucial for food security and economic development, and diverse genetic resources are a critical input in the agricultural production process. To conserve the gene pool of vegetable crops of Armenia, the Scientific Centre of Vegetable and Industrial Crops of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia carried out activities to upgrade storage facilities and optimize the existing seed collections. Newly created long-term and medium-term seed collections of pumpkin, vegetable marrow and summer squash reliably conserve genetic resources of these crops and create a base for undertaking genetic enhancement and base-broadening efforts. A database and application of barcodes and QR-code labels facilitate the search of required accessions, making the stored genetic materials more accessible for users and promoting their wider use in breeding.

Assortment of zucchini, squash, pumpkin, watermelon, melon in the Russian Federation

Relevance. Pumpkin plants are valuable vegetable and melon crops (pumpkin, watermelon, melon, squash, cucumber, luffa, momordica, lagenaria, anguria, etc.), covering a wide variety of plant life forms. The fruits and seeds of these crops are of great nutritional value. Material and results. The existing assortment of a pumpkin, vegetable marrow, bush pumpkin, watermelon, melon in the Russian Federation, according to the State register of the selection achievements admitted to use is considered. On each culture the grades which were grown for more then 45–75 years are allocated. The carried out analysis of domestic and foreign grades and hybrids has allowed to divide them into groups on precocity, use, cultivation regions, quantity of deducing by selection-seed-growing establishments. Perspective directions of selection of pumpkin crops are shown: selection for bush and short-walled forms for long-term storage of fruits (with a period of 6–9 months with a thick, dense peel), for gymnospermy (reduces labor costs for their cleaning, contain up to 45–50% oil), for high carotene (up to 30 mg%) and sugars (up to 15%), for processing (pulp thickness from 3 cm, bright orange, dense, juicy, aromatic), with portioned fruits (fruits of small mass — 2–3 kg), saturation of female flowers and weak branching, etc.

Гидротермальный нанокремнезем в сельскохозяйственном растениеводстве и биотехнологии

Experiments on application of hydrothermal nanosilica to increase productivity agricultural plants were carried out. Nanosilica sol was produced by ultrafiltration membrane concentration of orthosilicic acid polymers of hydrothermal solution to SiO2 content 10–20 mas. %. Plants treatment was done by diluted sol with SiO2 content in the range 0.0001–0.2 mas. %. Treatment of seeds ore upground parts of plants once ore twice was applied. SiO2 consumption was about 10–20 g per hectare. Experiments with wide range of plants was done, including potatoes, cabbage, vegetable marrow, onion, mustard, amaranth, tomato, sugar, wheat, beet and radish. Besides productivity biochemical and biometric parameters were changed: plants height, quantity, length, wide of leafs and others. For example, in upground mass of amaranth was detected decreasing of cellular tissue content and increasing grease, total saccharin content with constant content of carotene and protein. In amaranth seeds increasing of oil, squalene, starch, protein, vitamin C content was detected.

Fatty acid composition of vegetable marrows and zucchini leaves

The qualitative composition and quantitative content of fatty acids in leaves of vegetable marrows (Cucurbita pepo L. var. giromontina Alef.), zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L. var. cylindrica Paris) yellow- and green-fruits varieties were determined by using GC/MS. 14 fatty acids were identified as the result of the experiment. Unsaturated fatty acids were found to be dominated in the raw plant material. The total content of unsaturated fatty acids amounted to 60.47% in vegetable marrows leaves, 64.35% yellow zucchini leaves and 68.85% green zucchini leaves, among which linoleic and linolenic acid dominated. The related health lipid indices (IA, atherogenicity, IT, thrombogenicity and IH, health) were determined. It is shown that the use of such biological resources is actual and expedient for the purpose of alimentary correction of the physiological condition of a person.

Whole-genome resequencing of Cucurbita pepo morphotypes to discover genomic variants associated with morphology and horticulturally valuable traits

Cucurbita pepo contains two cultivated subspecies, each of which encompasses four fruit-shape morphotypes (cultivar groups). The Pumpkin, Vegetable Marrow, Cocozelle, and Zucchini Groups are of subsp. pepo and the Acorn, Crookneck, Scallop, and Straightneck Groups are of subsp. ovifera. Recently, a de novo assembly of the C. pepo subsp. pepo Zucchini genome was published, providing insights into its evolution. To expand our knowledge of evolutionary processes within C. pepo and to identify variants associated with particular morphotypes, we performed whole-genome resequencing of seven of these eight C. pepo morphotypes. We report for the first time whole-genome resequencing of the four subsp. pepo (Pumpkin, Vegetable Marrow, Cocozelle, green Zucchini, and yellow Zucchini) morphotypes and three of the subsp. ovifera (Acorn, Crookneck, and Scallop) morphotypes. A high-depth resequencing approach was followed, using the BGISEQ-500 platform that enables the identification of rare variants, with an average of 33.5X. Approximately 94.5% of the clean reads were mapped against the reference Zucchini genome. In total, 3,823,977 high confidence single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. Within each accession, SNPs varied from 636,918 in green Zucchini to 2,656,513 in Crookneck, and were distributed homogeneously along the chromosomes. Clear differences between subspecies pepo and ovifera in genetic variation and linkage disequilibrium are highlighted. In fact, comparison between subspecies pepo and ovifera indicated 5710 genes (22.5%) with Fst > 0.80 and 1059 genes (4.1%) with Fst = 1.00 as potential candidate genes that were fixed during the independent evolution and domestication of the two subspecies. Linkage disequilibrium was greater in subsp. ovifera than in subsp. pepo, perhaps reflective of the earlier differentiation of morphotypes within subsp. ovifera. Some morphotype-specific genes have been localized. Our results offer new clues that may provide an improved understanding of the underlying genomic regions involved in the independent evolution and domestication of the two subspecies. Comparisons among SNPs unique to particular subspecies or morphotypes may provide candidate genes responsible for traits of high economic importance.

Mineral composition of vegetable marrows leaves

The aim of the research was to conduct a comparative study of the qualitative composition and quantitative content of macro- and microelements in the leaves of vegetable marrows of three varieties – with white, yellow and green fruits.Materials and methods. The objects of study – the leaves of vegetable marrows of three varieties – were harvested in Kharkov region in August 2018. To determine the qualitative composition and quantitative content of macro- and microelements, the atomic-emission spectroscopy method with photographic registration on the DFS-8 device was used.Results. It is established that the studied raw materials have at least 19 elements. The following elements accumulated in the vegetable marrows leaves in the largest amounts (mg/100g): potassium (4080.0–8150.0), calcium (1830.0–2630.0), silicon (510.0–2000.0), magnesium (610.0–1050.0), phosphorus (245.0–750.0), sodium (75.0–122.0), iron (10.0–92.0), aluminum (25.0–105.0), zinc (21.0–30.6) and manganese (6.6–7.9).Conclusions. As a result of atomic-emission spectroscopy with photographic registration, the element composition has been established in the vegetable marrows leaves of three varieties. 19 elements have been detected, of which the content of potassium, calcium, silicon, magnesium and sodium dominated in studied raw materials. The results indicate the prospects of studying the leaves of vegetable marrows as a source of macro- and microelements, as well as an available type of medicinal plant raw materials with a sufficient raw material base for creating new medicines on their basis.

Determination of product density for calculating the safety pressure on the walls of sieve drum in pulping machine

Pulping machines are an integral part of production lines for the processing fruits and vegetables. To meet the ever-growing demand for these agricultural products, it is necessary to introduce innovative solutions to modernize equipment not only for increasing its productivity but also for ensuring its safety. The article proposes a pulping machine that helps to increase the productivity by using the entire area of the sieve drum. The productivity also depends on reliable and safe equipment operation, elimination of downtime during product pulping. One of the main factors affecting the reliable and safe operation is the pressure of pulped product on the walls of the sieve drum, and this pressure depends on the product density. It has been experimentally shown that the density of pulped product can vary significantly even for different varieties of vegetable marrow. As the calculations show, in this case the pressure inside the sieve drum of the pulping machine changes considerably (more than 10%). Therefore, the density of the product should be taken into account when calculating the design parameters of the pulping machine; it helps to ensure its reliable and safe operation and hence to reduce the probability of downtime and to improve the productivity.

Experimental studies on vegetable marrow seeds ozonation using laboratory equipment

A set of measures is taken to protect plants against various diseases and to prevent yield losses. One of the components of such actions is a pre-sowing seed treatment. One of the effective ways of pre-sowing treatment is seeds ozonization, which stimulates their germination and provides the prevention of plant diseases, hence this process increases the germination and the yield of agricultural crops. Our laboratory equipment was made to substantiate the ozonation regimes. Experimental studies on seeds ozonation were carried out for agricultural crop (the zucchini variety Zebra), which is widely used in Russia, particularly in the natural-climatic areas of the Urals. Taking into account that high ozone concentrations are dangerous to human health and life (to service personnel), pre-sowing seeds treatment was carried out at relatively safe concentrations (up to 10 mg/m3), paying attention to the tightness of the equipment. Ozone concentrations of 3 mg/m3, 6 mg/m3 and 9 mg/m3 and seed treatment time of 120 min, 240 min, 360 min and 480 min were chosen. The experimental studies have shown, that a rational regime of seeds treatment for obtaining the maximum germination (79.1%), is observed when ozone concentration is 9 mg/m3 and treatment time is 247.7 min. Thus, the developed laboratory equipment helps to determine the rational ozonation regimes for zucchini seeds. It can also be used to determine the rational ozonation regimes for seeds of other crops.

The system of fertilizers of zucchini in the conditions of drip irrigation in the cultivation on light-chestnut solonetz soils in the Astrakhan region

The noticeable growth in the production of vegetable products is due, first of all, to the increase in acreage, the use of highquality high-yielding varieties of seeds, the use of energy-saving agricultural technologies, scientifically based doses of mineral fertilizers and plant growth regulators. In the presented article the scientific substantiation of the developed technological scheme of cultivation of zucchini is given, the most high-yielding hybrids meeting the requirements of resource-saving technology of cultivation at the drip irrigation method are allocated. The results obtained in the study on cultivation of vegetable marrows on the background of the introduction of different norms of mineral fertilizers in combination with foliar (leaf) treatments revealed that the most positive effect was observed on the variant N110P105K75+Megavol and N110P105K75+VITASEM.

PRODUCTION OF HYBRID SEEDS OF THE VEGETABLE MARROW AT FREE POLLINATION

The purpose of this work performed in 2015-2017 on seedgrowing crops of the Crimean OSS VIR was receiving hybrid seeds of a vegetable marrow at free pollination and check of their quality by method of soil control. At laying of seed-growing crops, carrying out variety cleanings,, inspections and approbation were guided by the Instruction for approbation of seedgrowing crops of vegetable, melon cultures, fodder root crops and fodder cabbage (2008). The vegetable marrow with a high saturation pistillate flowers of Bl12, Su4 and Ar3 were used as maternal lines. Double processing by solution of an etrel was carried out to early phases of development of plants them. Use of this growth regulator has influenced blossoming of plants - in the lower knots men's flowers weren't formed, purely women's blossoming for the term of 14-17 days, sufficient for setting of seed fruits was observed. Control of blossoming of maternal forms was exercised by systematic inspections of plants on a floor. We have conducted three multiple examination. The first - before blossoming of maternal plants, in a budding phase when it is already possible to distinguish a sex of flowers, the second – in a phase of the beginning of blossoming. The third examination was conducted for definition of the beginning of blossoming of male flowers on plants of the maternal line. Timely carrying out inspections and variety cleanings, promotes receiving qualitative hybrid material. When carrying out soil control the high hybridism of seed material is revealed: F 1 Bl12 x D1 - 95,3 %; F 1 Su4 x D1 - 95,7 %; F 1 Ar3 x D1 - 96,0 %. The results indicate that of the carried-out work, at free pollination of maternal and fatherly forms, vegetable marrow seeds with a high hybridism are received. Conducting the trial testing of new hybrids showed their high economic value. In comparison with the standard of Belogor F 1 , their total yield is higher by 16.7-25.7%, and the early yield by 10.5-27.7%. The introduction of new vegetable marrow hybrids in production is cost-effective and in demand.

Продуктивність та динаміка плодоношення сортів та гібридів кабачка в умовах Правобережного Лісостепу України

Продуктивність та динаміка плодоношення сортів та гібридів кабачка в умовах Правобережного Лісостепу України

Characterization of Vegetables by Stable Isotopic and Elemental Signatures

ABSTRACT109 Romanian parsley, celery and parsnip root, cucumber, vegetable marrow, onion, and pepper samples were characterized by their stable isotope ratios and elemental concentrations in comparison to imported varieties. Organic and conventional agriculture practices were also compared as well as a differentiation between eggplant and peppers grown in greenhouses and those in the field. δ2H values were between −70.8 and 5.6‰, while the δ18O values were between −9.0 and 4.1‰. The δ15N values for white onions were from 2.8 to 11.1‰. For Romanian organic onions, the carbon isotopic values were lower (−29.2 to −28.2‰) compared to conventional onions from other countries (−27.8‰ to −23.8%). Linear discriminant analysis was used to characterize agricultural practices and the geographic origin of the vegetables.

Postharvest cold tolerance in summer squash and its association with reduced cold-induced ethylene production

Tolerance to postharvest chilling injury (PCI) is becoming an ever more essential trait for export-oriented vegetables requiring refrigerated transport and/or storage. Summer squash, Cucurbita pepo, is highly subject to PCI. We screened a collection consisting of 80 long-fruited accessions of morphotypes zucchini, cocozelle, and vegetable marrow for cold tolerance. Of these, we selected the most cold tolerant and some of the least cold tolerant for further scrutiny. Fruits from each accession were stored for 7 and 14 days at 4 °C before evaluating PCI, weight loss (WL) and ethylene production. Several accessions, including CpCAL003, CpCAL053 and CpCAL051, showed tolerance to PCI, with a lower percentage of the fruit surface suffering injury and WL at 4 °C. The mode of inheritance of tolerance to PCI index and WL was investigated by crossing the tolerant accession designated CpCAL003 with the susceptible CpCAL112, and observing their filial- and backcross-generation progenies. The results indicate that cold tolerance is not conferred by a single gene, but rather is quantitatively inherited trait. Cold-induced ethylene production co-segregated with PCI susceptibility. Thus, ethylene production under cold storage can be used as physiological indicator in selecting for PCI tolerance in summer squash.

THE VIR COLLECTION – A SOURCE OF INITIAL BREEDING MATERIAL FOR THE PERSPECTIVE DIRECTIONS OF BREEDING OF A VEGETABLE MARROW AND PUMPKIN

The vegetable marrow and pumpkin are valuable vegetable crops thanks to high food and dietary qualities of fruits. Russia is on the third place in the world on gross yield of these crops, but on productivity takes the 11th place among the European countries. The state register of breeding achievements permitted for utilization in the territory of the Russian Federation for 2016, contains 152 varieties and a hybrids of vegetable marrows and the 138 pumpkins. But there are not enough varieties of a wide area, there are practically no ultra early varieties, there are not enough pumpkin varieties with a bush habitus of plants. The collection of pumpkins and vegetable marrows which is a source of valuable genotypes for the solution of actual tasks of breeding contains 2641 accessions from 99 countries of the world and wins the first place in the number of accessions among world genebanks. The greatest part of a collection (more than 1500 accessions) is constituted by advanced varieties, the second part of a collection (more than one thousand accessions) – local forms of pumpkins. Not large collection, about 50 accessions, but quite significant for its scientific and breeding values consists of hybrids, self-pollinated lines and donors of valuable traits. As a result of long-term evaluation of breeding accessions the germplasm collection that includes sources of valuable traits has been created. Genetic collection of pumpkin includes accessions with such traits as resistance to a virus mosaic, a naked seeds, bush habitus plants, spaghetti like fruit, parthenocarpy.