Search

Semi-arid regions present the inherent problem of accumulation of salts in the soil due to the use of brackish water for irrigation, and water deficit compromises the growth and physiological indices of crops. This study evaluated the effect of salt and water stress on growth and gas exchange in the zucchini cv. Caserta crop. The study was conducted at the University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção, Ceará State, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with five levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water - ECw (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 dS m-1) and two water regimes (50 and 100% of the potential crop evapotranspiration - ETc), with five replicates. At 36 days after sowing, the following traits were evaluated: CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, internal carbon concentration, leaf temperature, relative chlorophyll index, and water use efficiency. At 45 days after sowing, the plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and leaf area were also evaluated. The use of brackish water (1 to 2.5 dS m-1) reduced the growth parameters of zucchini cv. Caserta. The increase in ECw caused a decline in the physiological traits. Under 100% ETc, higher values of CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration, and instantaneous water use efficiency were recorded, and there was 50% ETc for internal carbon concentration, even with the increase in ECw.

Posljednjih nekoliko godina, virusne bolesti tikvica i tikvi u Hrvatskoj javljaju se u sve jačem intenzitetu i uzrokuju gubitke u proizvodnji. Cilj rada bio je utvrditi prisutnost virusa mozaika krastavca (CMV), virusa žutog mozaika tikvice (ZYMV) i virusa mozaika lubenice (WMV) na tim kulturama. Tijekom 2019. godine, na 18 lokacija (polja na otvorenom) u šest županija provedeni su vizualni pregledi te je ukupno sakupljeno 43 simptomatičnih uzorka tikvice i 39 uzoraka tikve u svrhu laboratorijske analize na prisutnost CMV, ZYMV i WMV. Analiza je provedena imunoenzimskim testom DAS-ELISA korištenjem komercijalnih seroloških kompleta. Od 82 uzorka, CMV je potvrđen u njih 55 (67%), ZYMV u 50 (61%), a WMV u 10 uzoraka (12%). Pojedinačna zaraza s jednim od tri istraživana virusa utvrđena je u ukupno 38 uzoraka (46%). Mješovite zaraze s dva virusa zabilježene su u 36 uzoraka (44%): 32 uzorka (39%) s kombinacijom CMV + ZYMV te četiri uzorka (5%) s kombinacijom CMV + WMV. Mješovita zaraza sa sva tri virusa (CMV + ZYMV + WMV) utvrđena je u dva uzorka. U šest uzoraka (7%) nije zabilježen niti jedan od tri istraživana virusa. U osam nasada utvrđena je prisutnost jednog virusa, u devet nasada prisutnost dva virusa, a u jednom od 18 pregledanih nasada utvrđena je prisutnost sva tri istraživana virusa., Viral diseases of zucchini and pumpkin have become more severe in recent years, causing significant yield losses. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) in these crops. In 2019, a survey was conducted at 18 sites (open fields) in six counties. Fortythree symptomatic samples of zucchini and 39 symptomatic samples of pumpkin were collected and tested for the presence of CMV, ZYMV and WMV. Samples were tested with commercial serological assays, using doubleantibody sandwich ELISA kits. Out of 82 samples analysed, CMV was detected in 55 (67%), ZYMV in 50 (61%), and WMV in 10 samples (12%). Single viral infection was detected in 38 samples (46%). Mixed infections with two viruses were recorded in 36 samples (44%), CMV + ZYMV combination in 32 samples (39%), and CMV + WMV combination in four samples (5%). Triple viral infection was detected in two samples, while six samples (7%) were determined to be free of all three viruses in the testes. One virus species was recorded at eight locations, two viruses at nine locations, while all three viruses were determined in one out of 18 sampled fields.

Saline water has been used in irrigation due to the limited availability of fresh water, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the use of this type of water can affect crop growth and development. Studies have tested the use of chemical conditioners to minimize the negative effects of salinity on plants. In this scenario, the present study examined the role of hydrogen peroxide in mitigating the negative effects of salt stress on zucchini plants grown in a hydroponic system. The study was carried out in a greenhouse in Pombal - PB, Brazil. The NFT (nutrient film technique) hydroponic system was employed. A randomized complete experimental design was set up with a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement consisting of four levels of electrical conductivity in the nutrient solution (ECns: 2.1 [control], 3.6, 5.1, and 6.6 dS m-1) and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2: 0, 20, 40, and 60 uM), in three replicates. Foliar spraying with H2O2 at 60 and 40 uM associated with the nutrient solution of 2.1 dS m-1 increased stem diameter and root length, respectively, at 47 days after transplanting. However, at ECns higher than 2.1 dS m-1, the application of H2O2 at the concentrations of 60 and 40 uM intensified salt stress, reducing stem diameter and root length. Nutrient solution salinity levels above 2.1 dS m-1 reduce photosynthetic pigments; the number of leaves; leaf area; the length of the main branch; and the dry biomass of stems, leaves, and roots of zucchini plants. Chlorophyll b and carotenoid contents are the variables most sensitive to changes in salinity levels. A salina vem sendo utilizada na irrigação principalmente água à baixa disponibilidade de água doce principalmente em regiões áridas e semiáridas. No entanto, o uso destas águas pode ajudar o crescimento e o desenvolvimento das culturas. Dessa forma, têm testado o uso de estudos químicos a fim de minimizar os efeitos negativos nas plantas pela salinidade provocada. Nesse contexto, este estudo teve como avaliar o papel do peróxido de hidrogênio como mitigador dos efeitos do estresse salino em objetivo de abobrinha italiana cultivadas em sistema hidropônico. O trabalho foi feito em casa de plantação, em Pombal – PB. O sistema de cultivo utilizado foi o hidropônico tipo NFT - Técnica de Fluxo Laminar de Nutriente. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, sendo quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva - CEsn (2,1 (controle); 3,6; 5,1 e 6,6 dS m-1), e quatro de peróxido de hidrogênio – H2O2 (0; 20; 40 e 6uM), com 30 repetições. A solução salina nutritiva acima de 2, as fotos m-1 secas da crescimentodS m-1 fotosintéticos os teores de pigmento, o crescimento de fitomassa das plantas de abobr italiana. Aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio nas 60 uM no tratamento promoveu crescimento do diâmetro do caule e comprimento da raiz da abobrinha italiana. 1 m-1 dS fotosintetizantes de teores de pigmentos, o crescimento e o acúmulo de fitomassa seca das plantas de abobrinha italiana. Aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio nas 60 uM no tratamento promoveu crescimento do diâmetro do caule e comprimento da raiz da abobrinha italiana. 1 m-1 dS fotosintetizantes de teores de pigmentos, o crescimento e o acúmulo de fitomassa seca das plantas de abobrinha italiana. Aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio nas 60 uM no tratamento promoveu crescimento do diâmetro do caule e comprimento da raiz da abobrinha italiana.

The demands of high-quality zucchini fruits by the consumer market make studies regarding the improvement of cultivation systems, such as plant nutrition and salinity tolerance. Considering the demands of the consumer market for the high quality of zucchini fruits, it is necessary studies regarding the improvement of production systems for this improvement, such as nutrition and salinity tolerance to plant. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the zucchini fruits quality characteristics, grown in soilless, under N:K ratios, and levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution. The experiment was conducted in a protected environment in pots with 8.2 dm3 of volumetric capacity filled with commercial substrate. The trial design adopted was randomized blocks, with three replicates, in a 5x3 factorial scheme, with five levels of electrical conductivity (1.0; 2.0; 3.0; 4.0; and 5.0 dS m-1) and three N:K ratios (2:1; 1:1; and 1:2), both in the nutrient solution. The application of the nutrient solution was by fertigation through drip irrigation. Throughout the experiment, variables related to fruit quality and total plant biomass production were analyzed. The increase of the electrical conductivity in the nutrient solution provided an increase in the values of fruits organoleptic properties. Regarding the nutrient solution N:K ratios, the 1:2 ratio provided larger fruits and a higher percentage of water.

Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a globally important vegetable, the production of which is severely constrained by powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii. In this study, we examined the effects of Trichoderma asperellum (MW965676), Streptomyces rochei (MN700192), and a mixture of the two foliar sprays with or without shikimic acid seed priming treatment on powdery mildew severity, plant growth, and total yield during the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 growing seasons. We also studied their immune eliciting properties by examining their enzymatic, phenolic, and hormonal functions. The combination of Trichoderma asperellum, Streptomyces rochei, and shikimic acid triggered plant defense responses, which elicited enzyme activities such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), phenolic compound accumulation, and increased salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) content. This approach yielded high-quality results in the control of powdery mildew during the two growing seasons under greenhouse conditions. Additionally, relatively large statistical differences in plant growth, total yield, mineral components, and physiological traits were observed. A GC–MS analysis of Trichoderma asperellum (MW965676) showed hemin cation as a major component, while Streptomyces rochei(MN700192) contained 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol and the hexadecenoic acid methyl ester. With respect to the morphological changes induced by powdery mildew and the treatments, plants treated with a mixture of Trichoderma asperellum, Streptomyces rochei and shikimic acid showed an improvement in the thickness of the midvein, increased dimensions of the main midvein bundle, a larger number of xylem rows in the main midvein bundle, greater mean diameters of vessels and of parenchyma cells in the ground tissues, as well as increased thickness of the upper and lower epidermis, lamina, palisade tissue and spongy tissue. This extensive, new study is the first step toward a more profound understanding of the use of Trichoderma asperellum and Streptomyces rochei with shikimic acid-primed seeds as a potential alternative technique for attenuating powdery mildew infection in squash.

Doubled haploids have been widely used worldwide in breeding programs and fundamental research as valuable homozygous material for about 100 years. The species Cucurbita pepo L. are represented by a huge variety of forms, include highly productive vegetable crops and have a wide distribution in the world. Despite the great economic importance, the creation of effective protocols to ensure stable production of doubled haploids in this species remains an urgent task. DH plants are of interest not only because of the acceleration of the breeding process, but also because of the realization of the huge potential of gametoclonal variability inherent in this highly polymorphic species. In this review, we analyzed the main technologies used for obtaining doubled haploids in vegetable crops of C. pepo: parthenogenesis in situ stimulated by treated/irradiated pollen, gynogenesis in vitro (unpollinated ovule culture in vitro) and androgenesis in vitro (anther/microspore culture in vitro). An analysis is presented of the research carried out from the beginning of the discovery of haploid plants to the current advances and evaluation of the prospects in the field of DH plant production. The main critical factors influencing the efficiency of each technology and its individual steps are considered. The developed technology of doubled haploids obtaining using non-pollinated ovary culture in vitro is presented. This technology allows to obtain up to 55 embryoids per one cultivated ovary (28 embryoids/ 100 cultivated ovules) To introduce haploid technologies into the breeding process it is necessary to evaluate the obtained plants for ploidy level. The use of direct counting of chromosomes in apical cells may present a certain difficulty in this species due to their large number (2n=40) and their small size. Depending on the level of laboratory equipment, ploidy determination using flow cytometry of cell nuclei and counting the number of chloroplasts in stomatal guard cells in the epidermis of the abaxial side of the leaf may be more convenient methods. The prospects for the use of molecular markers for assessment for homozygosity in DH technologies used, including C. pepo, are discussed in the review.

Bu araştırmada, Kütahya il ve ilçelerinde çerezlik kabak çekirdeği üretimine başlayan üretici arazilerinin toprak özelliklerinin, hasat edilen tohumların özellikleri üzerine etkileri araştırılmıştır. Bu amaçla, Kütahya Tarım ve Orman İl Müdürlüğü‘nün çiftçilere çerezlik kabak tohumluğu dağıttığı tarlalardan (44 adet) ekim öncesi toprak örnekleri alınmıştır. Toprak analizleri yapılmış ve elde edilen sonuçlara göre dekara 10 kg azot (N), 30 kg fosfor (P2O5), 11 kg potasyum (K2O) ve eksikliği belirlenen mikro elementleri yeterli seviyeye getirecek miktarda gübre önerilmiştir. Bu araştırma ile hasat edilen kabak tohumlarının verimi, morfolojik özellikleri, yağ ve protein içeriği belirlenmiştir. Araştırma alanındaki toprakların çoğunlukla killi tınlı, kireçli, organik madde içeriğinin orta, N içeriğinin yeterli, P içeriği yetersiz olarak belirlenmiştir. Toprakların mikro element içerikleri ise Fe ve Cu yeterli, Mn ve Zn çok az, B ise yeterli olduğu bulunmuştur. Kabak tohumlarının iç kısmının protein içeriği %22,6 ile 45,8 ve yağ oranı %41,48 ile 54,13 değerleri arasında değişmiştir. Bazı yetiştiricilerin ürettiği çerezlik kabak tanelerinin 100 tohum ağırlıklarının iri kalite sınıfına girdiği belirlenmiştir. Araştırma verileri, büyüme ortamı olan toprak özelliklerinin ve iklim koşullarının kabak çekirdeğinin protein ve yağ içeriğine doğrudan etkisinin çok fazla olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.

Relevance and methods. Pumpkin fruits and seeds are valuable raw materials for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Of particular value are pumpkin seeds, from which oil and protein products are obtained. The purpose of our research is to identify the best breeding samples of pumpkin in terms of seed yield and pumpkin oil and to study their biochemical composition. The evaluation of 12 samples of pumpkin was carried out according to the main economic and biological characteristics. Results. According to the yield of seeds and the yield of pumpkin oil, the following samples were distinguished: Delta, Golosemyanno-kustovaya, Line 2-3, Line 2-5. The biochemical composition of seed samples with high seed yields was studied in terms of the content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. A biochemical analysis of pumpkin seed oil for fatty acids, sterols and minerals was carried out. Seeds of hard-barked pumpkin of Belarusian selection are sources of high protein content (34-35%) with a wide range of essential amino acids, fats (43-45.8%), unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, as well as carbohydrates (9.6-11.9%) , a number of vitamins, macro- and microelements.

Amany Ibrahim Ammar, 1 Amira Fathy Afifi, 1 Abdallah Essa, 2, 3 Asmaa Galal-Khallaf, 4 Mostafa Mohamed Mokhtar, 5 Somaia Shehab-Eldeen, 2, 3 Amany Ahmed Rady 1 1Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt; 2Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt; 3Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsaa, Saudi Arabia; 4Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El- Kom, Menoufia, Egypt; 5Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, EgyptCorrespondence: Abdallah EssaFaculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Yassen Abd Al Ghafar Street, Shebin Elkom City 32511, Menoufia Governorate, EgyptTel +20-10-2242-4341Email abdallah.essa@med.menofia.edu.egBackground: Schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease treated exclusively with praziquantel (PZQ). However, PZQ has low efficacy against schistosomula and juveniles. In addition, the emergence of PZQ resistance has prompted the search for new drugs.Methods: This study investigated the effects of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)-seed oil (PSO) on Schistosoma mansoni adults, juveniles, and newly formed schistosomula in vitro by exposing the parasites to increasing concentrations of PSO (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 μl/mL) with variable incubation periods (24, 48, and 72 hours). Dose–response effects of PSO on mortality rate, worm activity, and tegumental changes were studied. Also, effect on DNA were assessed with microsatellite analysis.Results: All tested stages of S. mansoni were susceptible to PSO, which was more effective than PZQ on juvenile worms and schistosomula. Juveniles and schistosomula S. mansoni were more sensitive to the antischistosomal activity of PSO than adult worms. PSO showed evident changes in the integuments of adults, juveniles, and schistosomula. These changes were more evident with increased concentrations. At the genomic level, PSO induced clear qualitative and quantitative changes in the microsatellite loci R95529 and SMD57 of S. mansoni adults and schistosomula. This microsatellite instability is being reported through the current study for S. mansoni in response to PSO for the first time.Conclusion: This study suggested that PSO possesses effective antischistosomal activity against various stages of S. mansoni. Further investigations are needed to figure out the mechanism of action of PSO on this parasite.Keywords: Schistosoma mansoni, Cucurbita pepo, praziquantel, tegumental alteration, microsatellite

In this study, hexane and ethanol were used separately as solvent in the extraction of different part of fresh fruit of Cucurbita pepo L. For each solvent, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total flavanol content and antioxidant activity in skin, pulp and whole fruit extract were investigated using invitro assays. The results showed that skin part is the rich one en compounds and ethanol is the best solvent for the extraction of total phenolics (231.16 mgGAE/g), total flavonoids (8,4 mgRE/g) and total flavanols (4,16 mgQE/g). For evaluation of antioxidant activity, using DPPH• radical scavenging and total antioxidant activity, skin extract obtained by ethanol showed the highest value respectively (IC50= 0,42 mg/mL) and (19,72 mg/g). The superoxide scavenging assay of ethanol extract of whole fruit and skin showed the highest value respectively (IC50= 0,015 mg/ml) and (0.016 mg/ml).

Las vermicompostas incrementan la disponibilidad y asimilación de nutrimentos y sustancias naturales promotoras del crecimiento. Adicionalmente, contribuyen en numerosas respuestas fisiológicas en plantas, tales como aumento de crecimiento y rendimiento. Se realizó una investigación con el objetivo de comparar el efecto de auxinas sintéticas y vermicomposta en el crecimiento y rendimiento de calabacita (Cucurbita pepo L.), cultivada bajo condiciones de invernadero. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques al azar con cinco tratamientos: auxinas sintéticas (Amcotone®) aplicadas al follaje (AUX); vermicomposta (VioHache®) incorporada al suelo en dosis de 5 (DBV), 10 (DMV) y 15 Mg ha-1 (DAV); además de un testigo (TES). Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que tanto las auxinas sintéticas como todas las dosis de vermicomposta promovieron el crecimiento de las plantas. Los rendimientos más altos, 40.5 y 37.9 Mg ha-1, fueron obtenidos con DBV y DMV, respectivamente. La calabacita de tamaño mediano (18.9 a 22.8 cm, 3.9 a 4.4 cm, 101 a 225 g) fue la más producida, con 58.6 a 74.5% del rendimiento total. El rendimiento de calabacita mediana obtenido con auxinas sintéticas o vermicomposta se incrementó desde 26.9 (DMV) hasta 61.1% (DBV), comparado con TES (17.5 Mg ha-1).

Knowledge about the effect of chemical conditioners on the reduction of the deleterious effects caused by salinity on crops is of great importance for the expansion of the cultivation of vegetable crops such as zucchini in the semi-arid region of the Northeast. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the foliar application of hydrogen peroxide as a mitigator of salt stress on the gas exchange, production, and postharvest fruit quality of zucchini cultivated in a hydroponic system. The study was conducted in NFT-type (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system in a greenhouse, in Pombal — PB, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to four levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution - ECns (2.1 (control); 3.6; 5.1 and 6.6 dS m−1), and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide - H2O2 (0; 20; 40 and 60 μM), with three replicates. Nutrient solution with electrical conductivity above 2.1 dS m−1 caused a reduction in gas exchange and the total number of fruits of zucchini. An increase in nutrient solution salinity levels increased the total soluble solids content of the fruits and the initial fluorescence of zucchini. Under conditions of nutrient solution salinity above 2.1 dS m−1, hydrogen peroxide could not mitigate the effects of salt stress. Application of 20 μM of H2O2 when the plants were grown in a nutrient solution of 2.1 dS m−1 promoted higher total fruit weight and basal diameter of the fruits. RESUMO O conhecimento do efeito de condicionadores químicos na redução dos efeitos deletérios provocados pela salinidade nas culturas é de grande importância para a expansão do cultivos tais como abobrinha na região semiárida do Nordeste. Nesse contexto, no presente estudo objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar de peróxido de hidrogênio como atenuador do estresse salino sob as trocas gasosas, a produção e a qualidade pós-colheita de frutos de abobrinha italiana cultivada em sistema hidropônico. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em sistema hidropônico tipo Técnica de Fluxo de Nutrientes em casa de vegetação, em Pombal — PB. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 × 4, sendo quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva - CEsn (2,1 (controle); 3,6; 5,1 e 6,6 dS m−1), e quatro concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio — H2O2 (0; 20; 40 e 60 μM), com três repetições. A solução nutritiva com condutividade elétrica acima de 2,1 dS m−1 promoveu redução nas trocas gasosas e no número total de frutos de abobrinha italiana. A elevação dos níveis salinos da solução nutritiva aumentou o teor de sólidos solúveis totais dos frutos e a fluorescência inicial de abobrinha italiana. Em condições de salinidade da solução nutritiva acima de 2,1 dS m−1, o peróxido de hidrogênio não conseguiu atenuar os efeitos do estresse salino. A aplicação de 20 μM de H2O2 quando as plantas foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva de 2,1 dS m−1 promoveu maior peso total dos frutos e diâmetro basal dos frutos.

Parasitic diseases are responsible for substantial losses in reproduction and productivity in swine, creating a major impairment to efficient and profitable livestock management. The use of phytotherapeutic remedies has notably increased over the past decade due to their bioavailability, decreased toxicity, non-polluting nature, and to some extent due to their antiparasitic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiparasitic potential of Cucurbita pepo L. and Coriandrum sativum L. against protozoa and nematodes found in swine. The samples were collected from weaners, fatteners, and sows and examined via flotation (Willis and McMaster), active sedimentation, Ziehl-Neelsen staining as modified by Henricksen, a modified Blagg method, and eggs/oocyst culture. The parasite species detected were Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Oesophagostomum spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Eimeria spp., and Cryptosporidium spp., depending on age category. A dose of 500 mg/kg bw/day of C. pepo and 170 mg/kg bw/day of C. sativum powders, administered for ten consecutive days, demonstrated a pronounced anthelmintic (pumpkin) and antiprotozoal (coriander) effect against the aforementioned parasites. Future studies are required to ascertain the optimal dose that maximizes their antiparasitic effectiveness. The current study represents the first Romanian report on the in vivo antiparasitic activity of these two plants tested on digestive parasites in swine.

The informations about methodologies for evaluating the vigor of vegetable seeds is less studied, including species of less commercial interest, such as the most diverse species of pumpkins. Studies involving the storage of these seeds and the effects of chemical treatment on their vigor are necessary for a better understanding of the maintenance of the quality of pumpkin seeds. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of “Pumpkin of Pig” seeds under different periods of storage and chemical treatment. The experiment was carried out in the seed analysis laboratory of Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Ceres. The treatments were: with and without chemical treatment and five storage periods (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days). The following analyzes were carried out: physical purity, mass of a thousand seeds, moisture content, electrical conductivity, germination, dry mass of germinated seedlings, field emergence and emergence speed index. Data were submitted to Tukey's test (5%) by Sisvar and regression analysis. It was observed that the stored seeds lost moisture and had an increase in electrical conductivity as a function of storage. There was no significant difference in seed germination with or without the application of chemical treatment in the studied periods. The emergence of seedlings with seed treatment was higher up to 90 days. La información sobre metodologías para evaluar el vigor de semillas de hortalizas está menos estudiada, incluyendo especies de menor interés comercial, como las más diversas especies de calabazas. Los estudios que involucran el almacenamiento de estas semillas y los efectos del tratamiento químico en su vigor son necesarios para una mejor comprensión del mantenimiento de la calidad de las semillas de calabaza. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la calidad de semillas de “Calabaza de Cerdo” bajo diferentes periodos de almacenamiento y tratamiento químico. El experimento se realizó en el laboratorio de análisis de semillas del Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Ceres. Los tratamientos fueron: con y sin tratamiento químico y cinco periodos de almacenamiento (0, 30, 60, 90 y 120 días). Se realizaron los siguientes análisis: pureza física, masa de mil semillas, contenido de humedad, conductividad eléctrica, germinación, masa seca de plántulas germinadas, emergencia en campo e índice de velocidad de emergencia. Los datos fueron sometidos a la prueba de Tukey (5%) por Sisvar y análisis de regresión. Se observó que las semillas almacenadas perdieron humedad y tuvieron un aumento en la conductividad eléctrica en función del almacenamiento. No hubo diferencia significativa en la germinación de semillas con o sin la aplicación de tratamiento químico en los periodos estudiados. La emergencia de plántulas con tratamiento de semillas fue mayor hasta los 90 días. As informações acerca de metodologias para avaliação de vigor de sementes de olerícolas são menos estudadas, inclusive de espécies de menor interesse comercial, como é o caso das mais diversas espécies de abóboras. Estudos que envolvam o armazenamento dessas sementes e efeitos do tratamento químico sob o seu vigor são necessários para maior conhecimento da manutenção da qualidade de sementes de abóbora. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de sementes de “Abóbora de Porco” sob diferentes períodos de armazenamento e tratamento químico. O experimento foi realizado no laboratório de análise de sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Ceres. Os tratamentos foram: com e sem tratamento químico e cinco períodos de armazenamento (0, 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias). Foram realizadas as seguintes análises: pureza física, massa de mil sementes, grau de umidade, condutividade elétrica, germinação, massa seca de plântulas, emergência em campo e índice de velocidade de emergência. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Tukey (5%) pelo Sisvar e a análise de regressão. Observou-se que as sementes armazenadas perderam umidade e tiveram aumento da condutividade elétrica em função do armazenamento. Não houve diferença significativa na germinação de sementes com a aplicação ou não de tratamento químico nos períodos estudados. A emergência de plântulas com tratamento de sementes foi maior até os 90 dias.

Although there are fertilization recommendations for the cultivation of zucchini, there are just few researches about the effects of nutrients in seed production. Calcium and boron have a low mobility in plants, and some researches recommend foliar application for these nutrients. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the foliar application of calcium and boron in the production and quality of zucchini seeds. The experimental design was randomized blocks with seven replications. Four treatments were evaluated: only calcium (0.2%) application, only boron (0.1%) application, combined application of calcium (0.2%) and boron (0.1%) and the control (without calcium and boron.) The following characteristics were evaluated: number of pollen grains per flower, hundred seeds weight; seed number and weight per fruit and seed physiological quality (germination; first germination count and speed of germination index - SGI). Only boron application reduced the number of seeds produced per fruit. The combined foliar application of calcium and boron, in addition to reducing the number of seeds, also reduced SGI. The calcium only application increased the amount of pollen per flower (superior to all other treatments) and also the number of seeds per fruit (compared to the combined application of calcium + boron), without affecting the quality of the zucchini seeds. So, it can be recomended the aplication of Ca during zucchini flowering for seed production.

The use of organic substances in integrated pest management can contribute to human- and environment-safe crop production. In the present work, a combination of organic biostimulants (Fullcrhum Alert and BioVeg 500) and an inorganic corroborant (Clinogold, zeolite) was tested for the effects on the plant response to the quarantine pest tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). Biostimulants were applied to healthy and infected greenhouse-grown zucchini plants, and the vegetative parameters and viral titer were evaluated. Although no antiviral effects were observed in terms of both virus replication and symptom expression, these biostimulants were shown to influence plant fitness. A significant increase in biomass and in leaf, flower, and fruit production was induced in both healthy and infected plants. Biostimulants also enhanced the production of metabolites commonly involved in plant response to virus infection, such as carbohydrates, phenylpropanoids and free amino acids. These results encourage new field trials to evaluate the actual productivity of infected plants after treatments and the possible application of organic biostimulants in agriculture.

Zucchini (Cucúrbita pepo L.) has a great economic and productive potential in the semi-arid region of Brazil, due to the wide acceptance by consumers and quick financial return. The nitrate (NO3 -) assimilation process in C3 plants such as zucchini is related to photorespiration, and Si accumulated near the stomata reduces the transpiration rate, making the photosynthesis cycle more efficient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between nitrogen and silicon fertilization on growth, chlorophyll index, and chlorophyll a fluorescence of zucchini plants. The treatments were distributed in a split-plot scheme in a randomized block design with three replicates. The plot was arranged by silicon levels (0 and 6 g/plant) and the subplots constituted by five nitrogen levels (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha-1). Leaf, stem and total dry masses, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a/b ratio and chlorophyll a fluorescence were evaluated. The highest dry matter productions in zucchini were obtained in treatments without Si. Si and N application together positively influences the chlorophyll a/b ratio of zucchini plants. The interaction between Si and N positively influences the maximum fluorescence, variable fluorescence and quantum yield of photosystem II of zucchini plants. RESUMEN El calabacín (Cucurbita pepo L.) presenta un gran potencial económico y productivo en la región semiárida de Brasil, debido a su amplia aceptación por los consumidores y su rápido rendimiento financiero., El proceso de asimilación de nitrato (NO3 -) en plantas C3 como el calabacín estaría relacionado en parte con la fotorrespiración, y el Si acumulado cerca de los estomas reduce la tasa de transpiración, haciendo que el ciclo de fotosíntesis sea más eficiente. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la interacción entre el nitrógeno y la fertilización con silicio en el crecimiento, el índice de clorofila y la fluorescencia de la clorofila a en plantas de calabacín. Los tratamientos se distribuyeron en un esquema de parcelas divididas en un diseño de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. La parcela se formó por niveles de silicio (0 y 6 g/planta) y las subparcelas constituidas por cinco niveles de nitrógeno (30, 60, 90, 120 y 150 kg ha-1), totalizando 30 parcelas experimentales. Se evaluaron masas de hojas, tallos y secas totales, clorofila a, clorofila b, clorofila total, clorofila a/b y fluorescencia de la clorofila a. Las mayores producciones de materia seca de calabacín se obtuvieron en tratamientos sin Si. La aplicación de Si y N juntos influye positivamente en la proporción de clorofila a/b de las plantas de calabacín. La interacción entre Si y N influye positivamente en la fluorescencia máxima, la fluorescencia variable y el rendimiento cuántico del fotosistema II de plantas de calabacín.

The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of freezing and different culinary treatments (stir-fried and steamed) on the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds and the sensorial characteristics of zucchini. The zucchini was stir-fried for 8 minutes at 250ºC and steamed for 13 minutes at 100ºC. The freezing of raw zucchini does not significantly affect its nutritional compounds. The stir-frying process provoked important moisture loss; this being higher is zucchini that were previously frozen. The content of ash, proteins and fats, significantly increased in stir-fried zucchini. There was an important decrease in antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds when the zucchini was frozen. The antioxidant activity was much greater in the stir-fried produce in comparison to steamed and raw. Freezing the raw zucchini provoked a significant loss in its adhesiveness qualities and hardness. A lower hardness and adhesiveness was also observed in frozen zucchini after steamed and stir-fried, with these changes not being observed in freezing. The sensorial characteristics of previously frozen zucchini were valued less by the consumer as well as those that were steamed and stir-fried. The culinary treatment had less influence its sensorial values, only better valuations were observed in fresh steamed zucchini than the stir-fried. Ciencias de la Alimentación

Мета. Виявити генетичний поліморфізм та дивергенцію сортів і гібридів кабачка (C. pepo L.) різного географічного походження за ISSR маркерами. Методи. Для оцінки генетичного поліморфізму 29 сортів і гібридів C. pepo L. різного походження використовували ISSR аналіз. Коефіцієнт подібності між досліджуваними зразками кабачка визначали за формулою Nei–Li. Розрахунок коефіцієнтів подібності та побудування філогенетичного дерева здійснювали за допомогою пакету програм Phylip-3.69. Кластерний аналіз проводили методом приєднання сусідів (Neighbor-joining). Достовірність групування зразків у кластери перевіряли методом бутстреп-аналізу. Результати. Використання 13 праймерів до міжмікросателітних ділянок дозволило виявити 129 локусів ДНК кабачка, серед яких 109 були поліморфними, 20 – мономорфними, 11 – унікальними для певних зразків. Електрофореграми продуктів ампліфікації дослідних зразків різнилися кількістю і розміром ампліконів. Виявлено високий поліморфізм ДНК дослідних зразків кабачка, який варіював від 62,5 % (праймер UBC 810) до 100 % (праймери UBC 2, UBC 3 і UBC 846). Рівень молекулярно-генетичного поліморфізму зразків кабачка варіював від 55,8 до 63,6 % у гібридів ‘Rimini’ і ‘Eight Ball’, відповідно. Встановлено низьку генетичну дивергенцію між дослідними зразками C. pepo L., коефіцієнт подібності за Nei–Li становив 0,0005–0,0092. За допомогою кластерного аналізу зразки кабачка були згруповані у два кластери. Основним критерієм кластеризації був рівень генетичної дивергенції. Географічне походження зразків не впливало на особливості їх групування. Висновки. За результатами вивчення зразків кабачка різного географічного походження за допомогою ISSR аналізу встановлено високий генетичний поліморфізм і незначна генетична дивергенція між дослідними зразками. Виявлено унікальні фрагменти ДНК, які можуть бути використані для паспортизації відповідних зразків, а також для розробки інших молекулярно-генетичних маркерів. Отримана інформація може бути корисною для оптимізації селекційного процесу кабачка і подальших досліджень в області молекулярної генетики цієї культури.

In this study, the effects of spermidine and putrescine on the haploid plant obtention via ovule culture were investigated in Sakız and dark green squashes. As plant material, 3 different cultivars of Sakız and 3 different cultivars of dark green squashes were used. 5 mg L-1 2.4-D added MS medium was used for embryo stimulation in ovule culture applications. To determine the effects of polyamines, spermidine (Spd) and putrescine (Put) were used with the concentrations of 40, 80 and 160 μM L-1. Furthermore, spermidine and putrescine were used together with concentration of 80, 160 and 320 μM L-1 (1:1, v/v), respectively. The control group included only 5 mg L-1 2.4-D. According to the results of the research, it was determined that ovule development and callus formations were at different levels for each cultivar. When the ovule development results were examined, it is found that the ovule development rates obtained in all cultivars were generally more successful than the control group. According to the result of callus formation; the best culture medias were only Put and Spd for Elida Fı cultivar, Put+Spd-containing media for Roni Fı cultivar, Spd and Put+Spd-containing medias for Shakila Fı, Put and Put+Spd-containing medias for Briallante Fı, and only Put in Chivas Fı. Generally, the best callus growth rate was found in 4 0 μ M L -1 Put containing media, but plant was not obtained from these callus. In order to obtain haploid plants, it is recommended to use polyamines in higher doses.

Majority of men are affected by symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from a certain age. Botanical extracts are frequently used in the early management of the symptoms. In a single-arm, mono-center pilot study, the effects of a proprietary oil-free hydroethanolic pumpkin seed extract on the symptoms of BPH were investigated. A total of 60 men (62.3 years [95% confidence interval (CI): 60.3–64.3 years]) with a total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 14.8 (95% CI: 13.5–16.1) participated between January 2017 and October 2017 in the study by ingesting the oil-free hydroethanolic pumpkin seed extract once daily before going to bed during 3 months. Change in IPSS within treatment period was assessed. Frequency of nocturia was recorded by bladder diary, and postvoid residual urine volume was determined through ultrasound. Between baseline and after 12 weeks of supplementation, a significant symptom reduction of an average 30.1% (95% CI: 23.1–37.1) was seen for the total IPSS. Symptom alleviation had a high impact on quality of life (P

To maintain the shelf life of fresh-cut zucchini flowers, low temperatures and wrapping with plastic film have been used. In this study, storage at 5 °C for 8 days has been studied, using polyester (an oxygen permeability reduction of 63%) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with an oxygen permeability reduction of 24%. In addition, the novelty was investigating the possibility of introducing washing into the process, a rather difficult operation given the high sensitivity of this product to handling. The washing of flowers could ease the consumption of fresh-cut zucchini flowers as they are ready-to-use. The following measurements were carried out: respiration rate, color, firmness, pH, and sensory analysis. The findings showed the polyester film allows the best conservation, representing a barrier to gas diffusion and maintaining an atmosphere rich in CO2 and poor in O2. The flowers kept a better texture than those wrapped in LDPE. Using polyester film packaging, sensorial and structural characteristics were maintained for a longer period, and the aspect of the ready-to-use fresh-cut zucchini flowers was satisfying until day 5.

This research was carried out aiming at evaluating the effects of nitrate and ammonium ions on nutrient accumulation, biochemical components and yield of Italian zucchini (cv. Caserta) grown in a hydroponic system under salt stress conditions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse utilizing an experimental design in randomized blocks, arranged in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with 4 replications. The treatments consisted of two forms of nitrogen (nitrate - NO3- and ammonium - NH4+) and 5 electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water (ECw) (0.5, 2.0, 3.5, 5.0 and 6.5 dS m-1). The analysis of the results indicated that supply of N exclusively in NH4+ form promotes greater damage to the leaf membrane and reduction in accumulation of macronutrients and higher Na+/K+, Na+/Ca++ and Na+/Mg++ ratios in the shoots of zucchini plants. Electrical conductivity of irrigation water above 2.0 dS m-1 reduces the accumulation of nutrients in shoot and yield of Italian zucchini plant. The toxicity of NH4+ under Italian zucchini plants overlap the toxicity of the salinity, since its fertilization exclusively with this form of nitrogen inhibits its production, being the NO3- form the most suitable for the cultivation of the species. Resumo Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos dos íons nitrato e amônio sobre o acúmulo de nutrientes e produção da abobrinha italiana (cv. Caserta) cultivada em sistema hidropônico sob estrese salino. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação utilizando o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, arranjados em esquema fatorial 2 x 5, com 4 repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de duas formas de nitrogênio (nitrato - NO3- e amônio - NH4+) e cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa) (0,5; 2,0; 3,5; 5,0 e 6,5 dS m-1). As análises dos resultados indicaram que suprimento de N exclusivamente em forma de NH4+ promove maiores danos na membrana foliar e redução no acúmulo de macronutrientes e maiores relações Na+/K+, Na+/Ca++ e Na+/Mg++ na parte aérea das plantas de abobrinha. A irrigação com água a cima de 2,0 dS m-1 reduz o acúmulo de nutrientes na parte aérea das plantas e a produção de abobrinha. A toxicidade do NH4+ sob abobrinha italiana sobrepõe-se à toxicidade da salinidade, pois a fertilização exclusiva com esta forma de nitrogênio inibe sua produção, sendo a forma NO3- a mais adequada para o cultivo da espécie.

Organic production must be carried out following the EU regulations and their protocols. On the contrary, conventional cultivation instead can be carried out using the best agronomic approaches available and using the latest innovative resources. Organic cultivation is more widespread in permanent crops (olive and grape crops) than vegetable ones, and even less in protected cultivation systems, due to the high intensity production processes which render the application of organic growing protocols more complex. The comparison between the two systems of cultivation, organic and conventional, is difficult because the two cultivation methods are often carried out in different farms and hence in different environmental conditions. Cultivation using the two methods was conducted in a greenhouse from November to March 2017/2018. Results demonstrated that the total fruit yield zucchini squash in organic cultivation was not significantly different to the conventional one (43.2 Mg ha-1 and 46.4 Mg ha-1, respectively). The agronomic inputs (fertilizers, fungicides, and insecticides) were higher in the organic cultivation system than conventional one. The water use efficiency was higher in the conventional cultivation system (150.6 kg m-3 ha-1) compared to the organic one (147.6 kg m-3 ha-1). No statistically significant differences were found for the fruit number per plant and for the marketable fruit at the end of the growing period. Significant differences for the harvest period were only detected for fresh weight, shape index, firmness, and titratable acidity. In conclusion, this work demonstrated that the organic system required higher inputs compared to the conventional cultivation. The extensive experience of the grower allowed for comparable yields between the two systems.

Although knowledge of the microstructure of food of vegetal origin helps us to understand the behavior of food materials, the variability in the microstructural elements complicates this analysis. In this regard, the construction of learning models that represent the actual microstructures of the tissue is important to extract relevant information and advance in the comprehension of such behavior. Consequently, the objective of this research is to compare two machine learning techniques—Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Radial Basis Neural Networks (RBNN)—when used to enhance its microstructural analysis. Two main contributions can be highlighted from this research. First, a method is proposed to automatically analyze the microstructural elements of vegetal tissue, and second, a comparison was conducted to select a classifier to discriminate between tissue structures. For the comparison, a database of microstructural elements images was obtained from pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) micrographs. Two classifiers were implemented using CNN and RBNN, and statistical performance metrics were computed using a 5-fold cross-validation scheme. This process was repeated one hundred times with a random selection of images in each repetition. The comparison showed that the classifiers based on CNN produced a better fit, obtaining F1–score average of 89.42% in front of 83.83% for RBNN. In this study, the performance of classifiers based on CNN was significantly higher compared to those based on RBNN in the discrimination of microstructural elements of vegetable foods.

Cucurbita pepo is an important economic plant cultivated widely in the world. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of C. pepo is reported here. The genome is 157,343 bp in length and exhibits a typical quadripartite structure of the large (LSC, 87,970 bp) and small (SSC, 18,167 bp) single-copy regions, separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, 25,603 bp). A total of 131 genes were predicted including 85 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes and 38 tRNA genes. Further, phylogenetic analysis showed that C. pepo were closely related to other species in the family Cucurbitaceae. The complete chloroplast genome of C. pepo would be taken as a useful molecular tool for species discrimination, taxonomy, and phylogenetic relationships in the family Cucurbitaceae.

El calabacín (C. pepo L.) es una especie caracterizada por producir frutos voluminosos con variabilidad de colores, tamaños y texturas, además de poseer gran funcionalidad tanto en el terreno dietético como medicinal e industrial, haciendo que sea una de las especies de mayor relevancia económica dentro de la familia Cucurbitaceae. Sin embargo; las tendencias de consumo actuales se dirigen hacia una producción más ecológica, fomentando la generación de variedades comerciales partenocárpicas. Siendo este el objetivo de este trabajo fin de grado, apoyándonos en la detección de la mutación lox3/4 dentro de la colección de mutantes EMS de calabacín generada por el departamento BIO293 de la Universidad de Almería (UAL), la cual afecta al gen 13-LIPOXYGENASE (LOX3/4) del cromosoma 12 del genoma de C. pepo., confiriendo partenocarpia con un fenotipo característico de falta de maduración de la corola y flor pegada en el fruto. Para estudiar su modo de herencia y características fenotípicas asociadas, se ha introgresado dicha mutación en poblaciones F2 de las líneas precomerciales 13B y 60B pertenecientes al programa de mejora de C. pepo de la empresa “Green Breeding Biotech S. L.” (GBB). Demostrando que estamos ante la segregación mostrada por un gen simple de herencia recesiva, el cual ofrece en estado homocigótico un suave incremento en la producción y en la cantidad de frutos comerciales, reduciendo a su vez el tamaño del cierre pistilar ligado a los frutos. Sin efectos aparentes sobre el color, moteado, rayado, peso medio, curvatura, relación longitud/diámetro, brillo y costillas de los frutos ni sobre el porte, vigor, arquitectura y grado de ramificación de las plantas que conforman estas poblaciones. Confirmando, la posible aplicación comercial de la mutación lox3/4 en estudios futuros o su incorporación dentro de programas de mejora de índole comercial.

Самое продолжительное время в селекционной схеме создания гибридов Cucurbita pepo занимает получение гомозиготных линий. Использование технологии получения удвоенных гаплоидов (DH-технологии) в культуре неопыленных семяпочек in vitro позволяет создать 100% гомозиготную линию в течение одного года, что многократно повышает эффективность селекционного процесса, причем не только за счет его ускорения, но и ввиду реализации значительного потенциала гаметоклональной изменчивости, заложенной у этого высоко полиморфного вида. Целью исследования являлось изучение факторов влияющих на индукцию эмбриогенеза и регенерацию удвоенных гаплоидов у кабачка в культуре неопыленных семяпочек in vitro., The longest time in the breeding scheme for creating Cucurbita pepo hybrids is to obtain homozygous lines. The use of technology for obtaining doubled haploids (DH-technologies) in the culture of unpollinated ovules in vitro makes it possible to create a 100% homozygous line within one year, which greatly increases the efficiency of the breeding process, not only due to its acceleration, but also due to the realization of a significant potential of gametoclonal variability , incorporated in this highly polymorphic species. The aim of the study was to study the factors affecting the induction of embryogenesis and the regeneration of doubled haploids in squash in a culture of unpollinated ovules in vitro.

Plant biostimulants are “green” solutions to improve crop production. Trichoderma spp. and phosphites, ordinarily used as biocontrol agents, can trigger phytostimulation, also promoting endogenous mechanisms involved in plant growth and development. The present study aimed at assessing the efficacy of a phosphite-based formulation (Phosphit-One) and Trichoderma harzianum-T22 on the morpho-physiological response and modulation of the metabolomics profile in zucchini squash plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivated in controlled growth conditions (Fitotron®). The highest values of fresh biomass production (390.9 g plant−1) and root dry weight (5.6 g plant−1) were obtained for Trichoderma-treated plants. This last treatment resulted in an improved physiological performance (SPAD index, CO2 assimilation rate, and Fv/Fm ratio) measured 30 days after transplanting. Both Trichoderma and phosphite treatments induced a broad metabolic reprogramming in leaves, evident also for the phosphite treatment that did not result in a growth promotion. The microbial and the non-microbial treatments showed distinctive signatures in secondary metabolism yet, common responses could be also highlighted. For instance, both Trichoderma and phosphite triggered ROS-mediated signaling processes, together with the accumulation of phenylpropanoids, glucosinolates, and phytoalexins. Furthermore, a significant alteration of phytohormones was observed, with terpenoid gibberellins and brassinosteroids showing the largest differences. The metabolomic signatures induced by Trichoderma and phosphite in zucchini squash provided molecular insights into the processes underlying elicitation of plant defense due to biostimulation. Interestingly, the modulation of plant secondary metabolism by both treatments did not impair plant growth.

Ускорение селекции сельскохозяйственных растений предполагает внедрение современных методов культуры in vitro и молекулярной селекции, направленных на снижение временных, трудовых и финансовых затрат на производство коммерческих конкурентноспособных F1-гибридов (Shmykova N.A. et al., 2015, Domblides E.A., 2019, Осминина Е.В. и др., 2020). Одним из перспективных на сегодняшний день способов ускорения селекции является производство удвоенных гаплоидов, который позволяет сократить сроки создания гомозиготных линий с 6-8 лет до 1-2 лет (Shmykova N.A. et al., 2015)., Accelerating the breeding of agricultural plants involves the introduction of modern methods of in vitro culture and molecular breeding aimed at reducing the time, labor and financial costs for the production of commercial competitive F1 hybrids (Shmykova N.A. et al., 2015, Domblides E.A., 2019, Osminina E.V. et al., 2020). One of the most promising ways to accelerate selection today is the production of doubled haploids, which reduces the time for creating homozygous lines from 6-8 years to 1-2 years (Shmykova N.A. et al., 2015).

Pumpkin, (Cucurbita pepo L.) is one of the most important vegetables of the Cucurbitaceae family which is widely used for its edible fleshy fruit, especially fruit pulp. However, other fruit parts such as seeds are a good source of phytochemical and usually consumed in raw or processed form. ln the present work, the chemical composition and bioactive properties of pumpkin seeds and seed cakes were evaluated. Plants from local landrace ''Nychaki" were cultivated at the experimental farm of the University of Thessaly during the summer-autumn growing period of2020 and fruit were collected at marketable maturity. Seeds were removed from 15 randomly selected after cutting each :fruit at the equatorial axis. Then seeds were air-dried at room temperature and pressed with a cold-press to obtain the seed oils and seed cakes, while whole air-dried seeds were ground to fine powder. The ground seeds were rich in fat and proteins (42.7 g/100 g dw and 37.7 g/100 g dw, respectively) while carbohydrates and ash content were 16.1 g/100 dw and 3.5 g/100 g dw. On the other hand, seed cakes contained a high amount ofprotein (58.6 g/100 g dw) and carbohydrates (28.4 g/1 00 g dw ). Ground seeds and seed cakes contained ali the four vitamin E isoforms (a-, p-, y- and S-tocopherols) with y-tocopherol being the most abundant isomer in both samples (6.59 mg/100 g dw and 1.07 mg/100 g dw, respectively). The main detected free sugar in ground seeds and seed cakes were sucrose, followed by trehalose, fructose and glucose, while seed cakes contained a higher amount of sucrose and total free sugars than ground seeds. Regarding the organic acids content, oxalic acid content was the only detected compound in seed cakes, whereas no organic acids were detected in ground seeds. The main detected fatty acids were linoleic acid (43.9% and 41.5% in ground seeds and seed cakes, respectively) and oleie acid (37.0% and 36.3% in ground seeds and seed cakes, respectively), followed by stearic acid (4.83% and 5.46% in ground seeds and seed cakes, respectively). Polyunsaturated and unsaturated fatty acids were the main fatty acids class and accounted for 81.9% and 79.0% oftotal fatty acids in ground seeds and seed cakes, respectively. Finally, both materiais showed no toxic effects against non-tumor PLP2 cell lines indicating that they are safe for human consumption. ln, conclusion, the presented results highlighted the nutritional value of the tested materiais which could be considered a rich source of protein. Moreover, the high content in polyunsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols could be further valorized for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes and increase the added value of pumpkin crop. This work was funded by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology of Greece and PRIMA foundation under the project PULPING (Prima2019-08). The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020); for the financial support through national funding from the FCT, within the scope of the Project PRIMA Section 2 - Multi-topic 2019: Pulplng (PRIMA/0007/2019); and L. Barros and Â. Fernandes thank the national funding by FCT, P.l., through the institutional scientific employrnent program-contract for their contacts. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Zucchini is traditionally used in human consumption, however, the scarcity of information, especially about fertilization and the physiological aspects of this crop, constitutes a major obstacle its cultivation and commercialization. The objective was evaluate the chlorophyll content and gas exchange under cattle bio-fertilization and different sources of nitrogen. The work was carried a randomized block experimental design was used in a factorial scheme 5 x 3 + 1 composed of five cattle bio-fertilizer concentrations, three sources of nitrogen and an additional treatment without nitrogen. The levels of chlorophyll a, b and total, liquid photosynthesis, transpiration, internal CO2 concentration, stomatal conductance, instantaneous water use efficiency, and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency were evaluated. The studied variables were influenced by the interaction between the concentrations of the cattle bio-fertilizer and the nitrogen sources, except for the chlorophyll b content and the instantaneous water use efficiency, which responded only to the nitrogen sources. Ammonium sulfate and urea increased increase the physiological variables evaluated. The combination of ammonium sulfate with bio-fertilizer promoted an increase in chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, liquid photosynthesis, transpiration, internal carbon concentration, stomatal conductance, and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency. The cattle bio-fertilizer in the soil without nitrogen did not increase the physiological variables evaluated. El calabacín se utiliza tradicionalmente para alimentar a la población, sin embargo, la escasez de información, principalmente para la fertilización y los aspectos fisiológicos del cultivo, constituye un gran obstáculo para mejorar el cultivo y la comercialización. El objetivo fue evaluar el contenido de clorofilas y el intercambio de gases en calabacines fertilizados con biofertilizante bovino y diferentes fuentes de nitrógeno. El trabajo se realizó en un diseño de bloques al azar en un esquema factorial 5 x 3 + 1, con cinco prácticas de biofertilizante bovino, tres fuentes de nitrógeno y un tratamiento adicional sin nitrógeno. Las variables analizadas fueron niveles de clorofila a, by total, fotosíntesis líquida, transpiración, concentración interna de CO2, conductancia estomática, eficiencia de uso instantáneo de agua y eficiencia de carboxilación instantánea. A partir de los resultados, las variables estudiadas fueron influenciadas por la interacción entre las fuentes de biofertilizante bovino y las fuentes de nitrógeno, con excepción del contenido de clorofila b y la eficiencia instantánea en el uso del agua que respondía solo a las fuentes de nitrógeno. El sulfato de amonio y la urea estimularon la formación de clorofila by la eficiencia instantánea en el uso del agua. Una combinación de sulfato de amonio con biofertilizante proporcionó incrementos en la clorofila a, clorofila total, fotosíntesis líquida, transpiración, concentración de carbono interno, conductancia estomática y eficiencia de carboxilación instantánea. El biofertilizante bovino en suelo sin nitrógeno no incrementó las variables fisiológicas evaluadas. A abobrinha é utilizada tradicionalmente na alimentação da população, no entanto, a escassez de informações, sobretudo para a adubação e os aspectos fisiológicos da cultura, constitui-se em grande entrave para melhoria no cultivo e comercialização. Objetivou-se avaliar os teores de clorofilas e trocas gasosas em abobrinha adubada com biofertilizante bovino e diferentes fontes de nitrogênio. O trabalho foi realizado em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5 x 3 + 1. Sendo, cinco concentrações de biofertilizante bovino, três fontes de nitrogênio e um tratamento adicional sem nitrogênio. As variáveis analisadas foram teores de clorofila a, b e total, fotossíntese líquida, transpiração, concentração interna de CO2, condutância estomática, eficiência instantânea no uso da água e eficiência instantânea de carboxilação. Pelos resultados, as variáveis estudadas foram influenciadas pela interação entre as concentrações de biofertilizante bovino e as fontes de nitrogênio, com exceção do teor de clorofila b e da eficiência instantânea no uso da água que responderam apenas às fontes de nitrogênio. O sulfato de amônio e a ureia estimularam a formação de clorofila b e a eficiência instantânea no uso da água. A combinação do sulfato de amônio com biofertilizante proporcionou aumentos na clorofila a, clorofila total, fotossíntese líquida, transpiração, concentração interna de carbono, condutância estomática e eficiência instantânea de carboxilação. O biofertilizante bovino no solo sem nitrogênio não proporcionou aumento nas variáveis fisiológicas avaliadas.

The quality and preservability of fresh-cut fruits can be improved by osmotic dehydration (OD). In this study, the impact of Strained Yoghurt Whey (SY Whey) (along with other osmotic solutes) on mass transfer kinetics (water loss, solid gain, water activity decrease), quality attributes (color, texture, sensory characteristics, vitamin C), and microbial stability during OD and subsequent refrigerated storage (5&ndash, 15 &deg, C) of OD-processed pumpkin cuts was studied. The effect of temperature (35&ndash, 55 &deg, C), time (10&ndash, 240 min), and type of osmotic solvent was evaluated to select the optimal processing conditions (55 &deg, C&ndash, 120 min, WL: 9-99-10.86 g w./g i.d.m. SG: 1.47&ndash, 1.79 g s./g i.d.m., aw: 0.89). The use of SY Whey vs. water as solvent enhanced the mass transfer phenomena increasing the solids uptake diffusion coefficient by 20%. Water and whey osmosed samples were of similar quality (32&ndash, 38% increase of hardness, total sensory quality score: 7.9&ndash, 8.2/9.0, vitamin C content: 77&ndash, 81 mg/100 g). At all studied storage temperatures, ODSY Whey samples presented lower quality degradation rates compared to the respective ODWater samples (e.g., almost half for hardness change). The shelf life of both OD processed pumpkin cuts exceeded 90 days at 5&ndash, C (no microbial growth) supporting the applicability of SY whey as novel osmotic solvent.

The reuse of livestock by-products in agricultural management is becoming an increasingly common and necessary practice, both for enabling good plant nutrition and for reducing fertilizer costs. In this way, the objective was to evaluate the biomass production and leaf contents of macronutrients of the Italian zucchini, hybrid Corona, cultivated in two soil types and fertilized with different biofertilizers. The experiment was conducted in pots in Fortaleza, Ceará. The design used was was randomized blocks in subdivided plots. The plots consisted of two soil types (S1: Alfisol Paleudalf soil and S2: Entisol Fluvent) and the subdivided plots of five aerobic fermentation biofertilizers (F1 = quail, F2 = sheep, F3 = bovine + quail + sheep, F4 = bovine and F5 = enriched crab), with five replicates. The analyzed variables were: shoot, root and total dry mass, and macronutrient leaf contents (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium). The Entisol fertilized with the mixed biofertilizer allowed higher values of shoot and total dry mass of zucchini plants compared to Alfisol and the other biofertilizers, root dry mass was higher when fertilized with mixed biofertilizer in both soils. The Alfisol allowed a greater contribution of leaf macronutrients (N, P, K and Mg) in zucchini plants mainly when associated with mixed and bovine biofertilizers. Leaf contents of Ca were higher when the zucchini was cultivated in Entisol, except when fertilized with sheep biofertilizer. La reutilización de subproductos ganaderos en el manejo agrícola se está convirtiendo en una práctica cada vez más común y necesaria, tanto para permitir una buena nutrición de las plantas como para reducir los costes de fertilización. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la producción de biomasa y el contenido de macronutrientes de las hojas de calabacín italiano, híbrido Corona, cultivado en dos tipos de suelo y fertilizado con diferentes biofertilizantes. El experimento se realizó en macetas, en Fortaleza, Ceará. El diseño utilizado fue en bloques al azar en parcelas subdivididas. Las parcelas consistieron en dos tipos de suelo (S1: Alfisol Paleudalf soil y S2: Entisol Fluvent) y las parcelas subdivididas de cinco biofertilizantes de fermentación aeróbica (F1 = codorniz, F2 = oveja, F3 = bovino + codorniz + oveja, F4 = bovino y F5 = cangrejo enriquecido), con cinco repeticiones. Las variables analizadas fueron: masa seca de la parte aérea, raíz y total, y el contenido foliar de los macronutrientes (nitrógeno, fósforo, potasio, calcio y magnesio). El Entisol fertilizado con el biofertilizante mixto permitió valores más altos de MSPA y MST de las plantas de calabacín en comparación con Alfisol y los otros biofertilizantes, mientras que el MSR fue mayor cuando se fertilizó con el biofertilizante mixto en ambos suelos. El Alfisol hizo posible proporcionar un mayor suministro de macronutrientes foliares (N, P, K y Mg) en las plantas de calabacín principalmente cuando se asocia con biofertilizantes mixtos y bovinos. El contenido de Ca de las hojas fue mayor cuando se cultivó el calabacín en Entisol, excepto cuando se fertilizó con el biofertilizante de oveja. O reaproveitamento de subprodutos da pecuária no manejo da agricultura vem se tornando uma prática cada vez mais comum e necessária, tanto por possibilitar boa nutrição de plantas quanto por reduzir os custos com fertilizantes. Dessa maneira, objetivou-se avaliar a produção de biomassa e os teores foliares de macronutrientes da abobrinha italiana, híbrido Corona, cultivada em dois tipos de solo e adubada com diferentes biofertilizantes. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos, em Fortaleza, Ceará. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso em parcelas subdivididas. As parcelas se constituíram de dois tipos de solo (S1: Argissolo Vermelho Amarelo e S2: Neossolo Flúvico) e as parcelas subdivididas de cinco biofertilizantes de fermentação aeróbia (F1 = codorna, F2 = ovino, F3 = bovino + codorna + ovino, F4 = bovino e F5 = caranquejo enriquecido), com cinco repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: massa seca da parte aérea, raiz e total, e os teores foliares de macronutrientes (nitrogênio, fósforo, potássio, cálcio e magnésio). O Neossolo fertilizado com o biofertilizante misto possibilitou maiores valores de MSPA e MST de plantas de abobrinha em comparação ao Argissolo e os demais biofertilizantes, já a MSR foi maior quando fertilizada com o biofertilizante misto em ambos os solos. O Argissolo possibilitou maior aporte de macronutrientes foliares (N, P, K e Mg) nas plantas de abobrinha principalmente quando associado aos biofertilizantes misto e bovino. Já os teores de foliares de Ca foram maiores quando se cultivou a abobrinha em Neossolo, exceto quando fertilizada com o biofertilizante ovino.

Objective: to characterize the visual symptoms of simple and multiple deficiencies in Italian squash, growth parameters, and the mineral composition of the leaves grown in the nutrient solution. Material and Methods: The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Department of Soil Science at UFLA, Lavras, MG. The statistical design used was the DIC with eleven treatments and three replications, in a nutrient solution based on the Hoagland & Arnon solution. The treatments were: complete nutrient solution (control), nutrient solutions with the individual omission of K, Ca, Mg, B, Mn, and Zn and multiple omissions of BZn, CaB, MnMg, and KZn. The plants were selected according to the size uniformity of the aerial part and roots and then, individualized in plastic pots with a capacity of eight liters, thus constituting each pot as an experimental plot. After the manifestation of visual deficiency symptoms, the treatment plants were harvested and the dry matter was subsequently collected and chemical analysis of the plants was performed. Results: The vestments analyzed for multiple nutritional deficiencies in Italian pumpkin have statistical differences between them. Conclusion: Multiple omissions CaB, BZn, and MgMn in nutrient solution result in morphological changes, translated into characteristic symptoms of deficiency. Deficiency symptoms were initially characteristic of each nutrient (with the exception of Zn and Mn), with the absence of nutrients in the solution, regardless of whether they are isolated or associated with another. Simple and multiple omissions affect the parameters of growth, dry matter production, levels, and nutritional accumulations of Italian pumpkin cv. Caserta. Objetivo: caracterizar los síntomas visuales de la deficiencia simple y múltiple en la calabaza italiana, los parámetros de crecimiento y la composición mineral de las hojas cultivadas en solución nutritiva. Material y métodos: El experimento se llevó a cabo en un invernadero en el Departamento de Ciencia del Suelo en UFLA, Lavras, MG. El diseño estadístico utilizado fue el DIC con once tratamientos y tres repeticiones, en una solución nutritiva basada en la solución Hoagland & Arnon. Los tratamientos fueron: solución nutritiva completa (control), soluciones nutritivas con omisión individual de K, Ca, Mg, B, Mn y Zn y omisiones múltiples de BZn, CaB, MnMg y KZn. Las plantas se seleccionaron de acuerdo con la uniformidad de tamaño de la parte aérea y las raíces y luego se individualizaron en macetas de plástico con una capacidad de ocho litros, constituyendo así cada maceta como una parcela experimental. Después de la manifestación de los síntomas de deficiencia visual, las plantas de tratamiento se cosecharon y la materia seca se recogió posteriormente y se realizó un análisis químico de las plantas. Resultados: Las vestimentas analizadas para detectar deficiencias nutricionales múltiples en la calabaza italiana tienen diferencias estadísticas entre ellas. Conclusión: Las omisiones múltiples de CaB, BZn y MgMn en la solución nutritiva resultan en cambios morfológicos, traducidos en síntomas característicos de deficiencia. Los síntomas de deficiencia fueron inicialmente característicos de cada nutriente (con la excepción de Zn y Mn), con la ausencia de nutrientes en la solución, independientemente de si están aislados o asociados con otro. Las omisiones simples y múltiples afectan los parámetros de crecimiento, producción de materia seca, niveles y acumulaciones nutricionales del cv. Caserta. Objetivo: caracterizar os sintomas visuais de deficiência simples e múltiplas em abóbora italiana, parâmetros de crescimento e a composição mineral das folhas cultivada em solução nutritiva. Material e Métodos: O experimento foi realizado em casa-de-vegetação do Departamento de Ciência do Solo da UFLA, Lavras, MG. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi o DIC com onze tratamentos e três repetições, em solução nutritiva baseada na solução de Hoagland & Arnon. Os tratamentos foram: solução nutritiva completa (controle), soluções nutritivas com omissão individual de K, Ca, Mg, B, Mn e Zn e as omissões múltiplas de BZn, CaB, MnMg e KZn. As plantas foram selecionadas quanto à uniformidade de tamanho da parte aérea e raízes e então, individualizadas em vasos plásticos com capacidade de oito litros, constituindo assim, cada vaso uma parcela experimental. Após a manifestação dos sintomas visuais de deficiência, as plantas dos tratamentos foram colhidas, sendo, posteriormente, coletada a matéria seca e realizada a análise química das plantas. Resultados: Os paramentos analisados para deficiências nutricionais múltiplas em abobora italiana apresentam diferenças estatísticas entre si. Conclusão: As omissões múltiplas CaB, BZn e MgMn em solução nutritiva resultam em alterações morfológicas, traduzidas em sintomas característicos de deficiência. Os sintomas de deficiência foram inicialmente, característicos de cada nutriente (com exceção do Zn e Mn), tendo a ausência dos nutrientes na solução, independentemente de estarem isolados ou associados a outro. A omissões simples e múltiplas afeta os parâmetros de crescimento, produção de matéria seca, teores e acúmulos nutricionais de abóbora italiana cv. Caserta.

Introduction: According to previous research, Cucurbita pepo L. increases sex hormones in males. The purpose of this study was to survey the effect of Cucurbita pepo on the histomorphometrical changes of testes induced by ethanol administration in male Wistar rats. Materials & Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five as follows: 1- Control group, 2- Experimental group1 (received 20% ethanol [1 mg/gr, i.p.] for 30 days), 3- Experimental group2 (received 20% ethanol [1 mg/gr, i.p.] along with Cucurbita pepo as 20% of their meal for 30 days), and 4- Experimental group3 (received 20% ethanol (1 mg/gr, i.p.) along with Cucurbita pepo as 80% of their meal for 30 days). Findings: Results showed that seminiferous tubule wall thickness, weight of the testes, and the number of spermatogenic cells were decreased in the Experimental group1. However, all these parameters were increased in the Experimental group3 compared to the Experimental group1. These reductions in the Experimental group1 in comparison with the control group were significantly different. However, all these parameters had increased in the Experimental group3 compared to the control group with no significant difference, while they were significantly different from experimental groups 1 and 2. Discusion & Conclusions: It is concluded that high doses of Cucurbita pepo (80%) may prevent reduced number of spermatogenic cells caused by the consumption of alcohol. However, low doses of Cucurbita pepo (20%) cannot impede the destructive effects of alcohol.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the agronomic performance of Italian zucchini as a function of phosphate fertilization. The experiments were carried at the Rafael Fernandes Experimental Farm, Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region, Mossoró, RN, Brazil, from August to November 2015 and from July to September 2016. The experimental design was randomized blocks in 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of the combination of two cultivars (Caserta and Alícia) and five doses of phosphorus (0, 40, 78, 120 and 150 kg ha-1 of P2O5). Phosphorus doses associated with the maximum marketable yields estimated were smaller for Alícia than for Caserta in the period from August to November 2015. In the period from July to September 2016, these estimated doses were higher for Alícia compared with Caserta. Alícia, regardless of crop season, was superior to Caserta. Zucchini cultivation from July to September of 2016 resulted in higher fruit yield in comparison to the period from August to November 2015. RESUMO Esta pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho agronômico da abobrinha italiana em função da adubação fosfatada. Os experimentos foram realizados na Fazenda Experimental Rafael Fernandes, da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brasil, nos períodos de agosto a novembro de 2015 e de julho a setembro de 2016. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2 x 5, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram da combinação de duas cultivares (Caserta e Alícia) e cinco doses de fósforo (0, 40, 78, 120 e 150 kg ha-1 P2O5). As doses de fósforo associadas às máximas produtividades comerciais estimadas foram menores para Alícia em relação à Caserta no período de agosto a novembro de 2015. De julho a setembro de 2016, essas doses estimadas foram maiores para Alícia comparado à Caserta. A ‘Alícia’, independente da época de cultivo foi superior a ‘Caserta’. O cultivo de abobrinha no período de julho a setembro de 2016 proporcionou maior produção de frutos em relação ao período de agosto a novembro de 2015.

VQ protein is a plant specific protein, which plays an important role in plant growth and development and biological and abiotic stress response. This study aimed to systematically analyze for the first time the VQ of Cucurbita pepo and understand their expression patterns in response to different stimuli. Herein, 44 VQ genes were identified, which were divided into eight groups (I–VIII) based on phylogenetic analysis. Two genes (CpVQ1 and CpVQ2) could not be located on the chromosome, whereas the remaining CpVQ genes were randomly distributed on the chromosomes, except for chromosomes 15 and 18. Noteworthy, the main event driving the expansion of the VQ gene family was chromosome fragment duplication. Based on qRT-PCR analysis, VQ genes are expressed in different tissues, and VQ genes are differentially regulated under a variety of abiotic stresses and powdery mildew stress, indicating that they play an important role in plant stress response and other aspects. This report presents the first systematic analysis of VQ genes from C. pepo and provides a solid foundation for further research of the specific functions of VQ proteins.

Мета. Виявити генетичний поліморфізм та дивергенцію сортів і гібридів кабачка (C. pepo L.) різного географічного походження за ISSR маркерами.Методи. Для оцінки генетичного поліморфізму 29 сортів і гібридів C. pepo L. різного походження використовували ISSR аналіз. Коефіцієнт подібності між досліджуваними зразками кабачка визначали за формулою Nei–Li. Розрахунок коефіцієнтів подібності та побудування філогенетичного дерева здійснювали за допомогою пакету програм Phylip-3.69. Кластерний аналіз проводили методом приєднання сусідів (Neighbor-joining). Достовірність групування зразків у кластери перевіряли методом бутстреп-аналізу.Результати. Використання 13 праймерів до міжмікросателітних ділянок дозволило виявити 129 локусів ДНК кабачка, серед яких 109 були поліморфними, 20 – мономорфними, 11 – унікальними для певних зразків. Електрофореграми продуктів ампліфікації дослідних зразків різнилися кількістю і розміром ампліконів. Виявлено високий поліморфізм ДНК дослідних зразків кабачка, який варіював від 62,5 % (праймер UBC 810) до 100 % (праймери UBC 2, UBC 3 і UBC 846). Рівень молекулярно-генетичного поліморфізму зразків кабачка варіював від 55,8 до 63,6 % у гібридів ‘Rimini’ і ‘Eight Ball’, відповідно. Встановлено низьку генетичну дивергенцію між дослідними зразками C. pepo L., коефіцієнт подібності за Nei–Li становив 0,0005–0,0092. За допомогою кластерного аналізу зразки кабачка були згруповані у два кластери. Основним критерієм кластеризації був рівень генетичної дивергенції. Географічне походження зразків не впливало на особливості їх групування.Висновки. За результатами вивчення зразків кабачка різного географічного походження за допомогою ISSR аналізу встановлено високий генетичний поліморфізм і незначна генетична дивергенція між дослідними зразками. Виявлено унікальні фрагменти ДНК, які можуть бути використані для паспортизації відповідних зразків, а також для розробки інших молекулярно-генетичних маркерів. Отримана інформація може бути корисною для оптимізації селекційного процесу кабачка і подальших досліджень в області молекулярної генетики цієї культури., Цель. Выявить генетический полиморфизм и дивергенцию сортов и гибридов кабачка (C. pepo L.) разного географического происхождения по ISSR маркерами.Методы. Для оценки генетического полиморфизма 29 сортов и гибридов C. pepo L. различного происхождения использовали ISSR анализ. Коэффициент сходства между исследуемыми образцами кабачка определяли по формуле Nei-Li. Расчет коэффициентов сходства и построение филогенетического дерева осуществляли с помощью пакета программ Phylip-3.69. Кластерный анализ проводили методом присоединения соседей (Neighbor-joining). Достоверность группировки образцов в кластеры проверяли методом бутстреп-анализа.Результаты. Использование 13 праймеров к межмикросателлитным участкам позволило выявить 129 локусов ДНК кабачка, среди которых 109 были полиморфные, 20 – мономорфные, 11 – уникальные для определенных образцов. Электрофореграммы продуктов амплификации опытных образцов отличались количеством и размером ампликонов. Выявлен высокий полиморфизм ДНК опытных образцов кабачка, который варьировал от 62,5% (праймер UBC 810) до 100% (праймеры UBC 2, UBC 3 и UBC 846). Уровень молекулярно-генетического полиморфизма образцов кабачка варьировал от 55,8 до 63,6% у гибридов "Rimini" и "Eight Ball", соответственно. Установлено низкую генетическую дивергенцию между опытными образцами C. pepo L., коэффициент сходства по Nei-Li составил 0,0005-0,0092. С помощью кластерного анализа образцы кабачка были сгруппированы в два кластера. Основным критерием кластеризации был уровень генетической дивергенции. Географическое происхождение образцов не влияло на особенности их группировки.Выводы. По результатам изучения образцов кабачка разного географического происхождения с помощью ISSR анализа установлены высокий генетический полиморфизм и незначительная генетическая дивергенция между опытными образцами. Обнаружены уникальные фрагменты ДНК, которые могут быть использованы для паспортизации соответствующих образцов, а также для разработки других молекулярно-генетических маркеров. Полученная информация может быть полезной для оптимизации селекционного процесса кабачка и последующих исследований в области молекулярной генетики этой культуры., Purpose. Identify genetic polymorphism and divergence of C. pepo L. varieties and hybrids of different geographical origin using ISSR markers.Methods. ISSR analysis was used to evaluate the genetic polymorphism of 29 C. pepo L. varieties and hybrids of different origin. The similarity coefficient between the investigated courgetti accessions was calculated by the Nei – Li’s formula. Calculating coefficients of similarity and phylogenetic tree construction was performed with the Phylip-3.69 software package. The cluster analysis was performed by the Neighbor-joining method. The validity of the accessions grouping into clusters was tested by bootstrap analysis.Results. The use of 13 primers in the intermicrosatellite regions revealed 129 loci of courgetti DNA, among them 109 were polymorphic, 20 were monomorphic, 11 were unique to certain accessions. Electrophoregrams of the amplification products of the investigated accessions differed in the number and size of the amplicons. High DNA polymorphism of the investigated courgetti accessions was found, which ranged from 62,5% (primer UBC 810) to 100% (primers UBC 2, UBC 3, and UBC 846). The level of molecular genetic polymorphism of courgetti accessions varied from 55,8 to 63,6% in the 'Rimini' and 'Eight Ball' hybrids correspondingly. Low genetic divergence was determined between the C. pepo L. specimens, the Nei – Li similarity coefficient was 0,0005–0,0092. Using the cluster analysis, courgetti accessions were grouped into two clusters. The main criterion for clustering was the level of genetic divergence. The geographical origin of the accessions did not affect the peculiarities of their grouping.Conclusions. The results of the study of courgetti accessions of different geographical origin using ISSR analysis revealed high genetic polymorphism and little genetic divergence between the experimental accessions. Unique DNA fragments have been identified and can be used for the certification of relevant samples, as well as for the development of other molecular genetic markers. The obtained information may be useful for optimizing the courgetti breeding process and for further studies in the molecular genetics of this culture.

Purpose. Identify genetic polymorphism and divergence ofC. pepoL. varieties and hybrids of different geographical origin using ISSR markers. Methods. ISSR analysis was used to evaluate the genetic polymorphism of 29C. pepoL. varieties and hybrids of different origin. The similarity coefficient between the investigated courgetti accessions was calculated by the Nei – Li’s formula. Calculating coefficients of similarity and phylogenetic tree construction was performed with the Phylip-3.69 software package. The cluster analysis was performed by the Neighbor-joining method. The validity of the accessions grouping into clusters was tested by bootstrap analysis. Results. The use of 13 primers in the intermicrosatellite regions revealed 129 loci of courgetti DNA, among them 109 were polymorphic, 20 were monomorphic, 11 were unique to certain accessions. Electrophoregrams of the amplification products of the investigated accessions differed in the number and size of the amplicons. High DNA polymorphism of the investigated courgetti accessions was found, which ranged from 62,5% (primer UBC 810) to 100% (primers UBC 2, UBC 3, and UBC 846). The level of molecular genetic polymorphism of courgetti accessions varied from 55,8 to 63,6% in the 'Rimini' and 'Eight Ball' hybrids correspondingly. Low genetic divergence was determined between theC. pepoL. specimens, the Nei – Li similarity coefficient was 0,0005–0,0092. Using the cluster analysis, courgetti accessions were grouped into two clusters. The main criterion for clustering was the level of genetic divergence. The geographical origin of the accessions did not affect the peculiarities of their grouping. Conclusions. The results of the study of courgetti accessions of different geographical origin using ISSR analysis revealed high genetic polymorphism and little genetic divergence between the experimental accessions. Unique DNA fragments have been identified and can be used for the certification of relevant samples, as well as for the development of other molecular genetic markers. The obtained information may be useful for optimizing the courgetti breeding process and for further studies in the molecular genetics of this culture.

Plants and animals are sources of various bioactive compounds that exhibit a broad spectrum of health-promoting effects. Scientists continue studies on the chemical composition of many products in search of foods with high nutritional value. The pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) is unquestionably a source of valuable nutrients. This vegetable is well-known all over the world and it is appreciated due to its high content of carotenoids, but it is still not much used in the processing industry. The aim of present study was to compare the flesh of 15 pumpkin varieties belonging to the Cucurbita pepo and C. moschata species in terms of the bioactive compound content (carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonols, minerals and vitamins) and to demonstrate whether the variety has an effect on the chemical composition. To date, no such extensive research has been carried out in this area. The research revealed that the pumpkin pulp had high content of carotenoids. In nearly all cases lutein was the most abundant carotenoid. Numerous phenolic acids and flavonols were also identified. All the cultivars contained gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin. The pumpkin pulp also contained alpha- and gamma-tocopherol. No beta- or delta-tocopherol was found. Potassium, calcium, and sodium were the most abundant minerals. The research also proved that the profile of bioactive compounds in the pumpkin pulp was considerably diversified and depended on the species and cultivar

The food enzyme l‐ascorbate: oxygen oxidoreductase (EC 1.10.3.3) is extracted from fruit peels of Cucurbita pepo L. and Cucurbita moschata Duchesne by Nagase (Europa) GmbH. This enzyme is intended to be used in baking and cereal‐based processes. Based on maximum use levels recommended for the respective food processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 5.950 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. This exposure is in the same order of magnitude for infants and toddlers; but for children, adolescents, adults and the elderly it is one order of magnitude higher than the exposure to the fraction of the fruit peels comparable to the food enzyme–TOS. The Panel, while recognising the order of magnitude of difference in the exposure estimates, considers that any realistic exposure derived from the use of the food enzyme would be considerably lower and likely to be within the range of exposure through a typical diet. The Panel agreed that the requirements for exclusion of toxicological data were met. Amino acid sequence similarity to known allergens was searched and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded, but are not expected to exceed the likelihood of the allergic reactions following consumption of pumpkin or zucchini per se, which is low. Based on the data provided and the origin of the food enzyme from edible parts of C. pepo L. and C. moschata Duchesne, the Panel considers that the food enzyme l‐ascorbate oxidase does not raise safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

W pracy przedstawiono przegląd literatury na temat biologii oraz wpływu odmiany, warunków pogodowych, warunków uprawy, zabiegów agrotechnicznych, przechowywania i konserwowania na plon oraz wartość odżywczą dyni makaronowej, jednej z odmian botanicznych dyni zwyczajnej (Cucurbita pepo L.). W Polsce jest rośliną rzadko uprawianą. Spośród gatunków w obrębie rodziny Cucurbitaceae dynia makaronowa ma najmniejsze wymagania klimatyczne i glebowe. W Polsce znane są dwie jej odmiany uprawne: ‘Makaronowa Warszawska’ oraz ‘Pyza’. Dynia makaronowa zasługuje na szersze rozpowszechnienie ze względu na wysoką wartość biologiczną – jej owoce zawierają znaczne ilości karotenoidów, cukrów, witaminy C, K i E oraz witamin z grupy B, a także makro- i mikroelementy, jak fosfor, potas, wapń czy magnez.

The present study deals with the antimicrobial activity of different extracts of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) (Seed, Leaves and pulp) against seven microorganisms: two Gram-positive bacteria, i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus; three Gram-negative bacteria, i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and two yeasts, i.e. Candida albicans & C. parapsilosis. Results revealed that all extracts (Seed, Leaves and pulp) were very effective against P. aeruginosa while some extracts showed no inhibition against S. aureus at all tested concentration (20, 40 & 80 µg/ml). The maximum inhibition zone at 80 µg/ml concentration of n-hexane pulp extract was 39 ± 0.1 mm against P. aeruginosa. The minimum concentration (MIC) for n-hexane pulp extract was 1.65 µg/ml for P. aeruginosa, leading to a conclusion that the n-hexane pulp extract of pumpkin was found to be the most potent. Thus it can be concluded that n- hexane pulp extract of Cucurbita pepo L. was more potent as compared n- hexane seed and leaves extract of Cucurbita pepo L. KEYWORDS: Cucurbita pepo L; n-Hexane extract; Seeds extract; Leaves extract; Pulp extract; Antimicrobial activity.

We investigated the effect of gibberellin and the antigibberellic agent chlormequat-chloride on gas exchange and use of reserve substances in pumpkin seedlings during germination in the light and in the dark. We established that an artificial strengthening or growth inhibition of pumpkin seedlings in conditions of skotomorphogenesis caused an increase in of respiration intensity. Gibberellin treatment increased the proportion of assimilation processes in carbon dioxide gas exchange of seedlings, and growth inhibition by retardant caused an increase in respiratory costs when the nutrition type switches in the light from heterotrophic to autotrophic. The formation by seedlings of the demand for reserve assimilates from cotyledons was largely determined by change of activity of subapical meristems, which is manifested in the acceleration of seed germination, enhancing of histogenesis for the actions of gibberellin and in the weakening of these processes under the influence of retardants. Reserve substances used both oil and nitrogen-containing compounds. The content of protein nitrogen in pumpkin cotyledons decreased more in the light than in the dark, moreover growth inhibition by the retardant slowed down and growth increase by gibberellin accelerated this process both in conditions of photomorphogenesis and skotomorphogenesis.

Submitted by Wiqlifi Bruno de Freitas Melo (wbruno@ufersa.edu.br) on 2019-04-04T19:09:05Z No. of bitstreams: 1 CleytonSF_DISSERT.pdf: 1065607 bytes, checksum: 07a5dea15f6946912b7694b56d2920db (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Vanessa Christiane (referencia@ufersa.edu.br) on 2019-04-10T13:59:44Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 CleytonSF_DISSERT.pdf: 1065607 bytes, checksum: 07a5dea15f6946912b7694b56d2920db (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Vanessa Christiane (referencia@ufersa.edu.br) on 2019-04-10T14:05:53Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 CleytonSF_DISSERT.pdf: 1065607 bytes, checksum: 07a5dea15f6946912b7694b56d2920db (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2019-04-10T14:13:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CleytonSF_DISSERT.pdf: 1065607 bytes, checksum: 07a5dea15f6946912b7694b56d2920db (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019-02-26 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES O estresse salino é um dos fatores abióticos que mais limita o crescimento de plantas e o rendimento das culturas no mundo, especialmente em regiões áridas e semiáridas. Com isso, visando melhorar à aclimatação das plantas ao estresse salino, diversas estratégias de manejo são estudadas, principalmente aquelas com potencial de melhorar a absorção e assimilação de nutrientes. Nesse contexto, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo estudar os efeitos dos íons nitrato e amônio na atenuação do estresse salino em plantas de abobrinha italiana (cv Caserta) cultivadas em sistema hidropônico. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em delineamento experimental de blocos casualisados, arranjados em esquema fatorial 2 x 5, com 4 repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de duas formas específicas de nitrogênio (nitrato - NO3- e amônio - NH4+) e cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa) (0,5; 2,0; 3,5; 5,0 e 6,5 dS m-1). As plantas foram cultivadas até a fase de produção em vasos com capacidade para 8 dm3, preenchidos com substrato a base de fibra de coco. Avaliou-se as plantas quanto ao crescimento, trocas gasosas, fluorescência da clorofila a, pigmentos cloroplastídicos, percentagem de dano celular nas folhas, composição mineral da parte aérea e produção. Os resultados foram avaliados por meio de análise de variância, verificando-se as significâncias ao nível de 5% de probabilidade dos tratamentos por meio do teste F. Os resultados indicaram que a nutrição exclusiva com nitrogênio na forma de NH4+ promove redução no crescimento e acúmulo de biomassa das plantas de abobrinha italiana. Essas plantas apresentam maiores restrições na eficiência fotoquímica e fotossintética do que as nutridas com NO3- quando crescidas sob condição de salinidade. Além disso, apresentam morte prematura na fase de floração, independente da condição de estresse salino. A nutrição com nitrogênio na forma de NO3- é indicada para o cultivo hidropônico da abobrinha italiana. A irrigação com água de condutividade elétrica superior a 2,0 dS m-1 reduz o crescimento, as trocas gasosas, a eficiência fotoquímica e não fotoquímica, o acúmulo de nutrientes na parte aérea das plantas e a produção de abobrinha italiana. Sugere-se a realização de outras pesquisas semelhantes para aprofundar os conhecimentos sob o possível potencial dos íons NO3- e NH4+ na atenuação dos efeitos da salinidade em plantas de abobrinha italiana e outras cucurbitáceas Salt stress is one of the most restrictive abiotic factors in plant growth and yield in the world, especially in arid and semi-arid zones. In order to improve the acclimatization of plants to salt stress, several management strategies are studied, especially those with potential to improve the absorption and assimilation of nutrients. In this context, the present research aimed to study the effects of nitrate and ammonium ions on the attenuation of salt stress in zucchini plants (Caserta cv.) grown in a hydroponic system. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, in an experimental design of randomized blocks, arranged in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with 4 replications. The treatments consisted of two specific forms of nitrogen (nitrate - NO3- and ammonium - NH4+) and five levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (ECw) (0.5, 2.0, 3.5, 5.0 e 6.5 dS m-1). The plants were grown until the production phase in pots with capacity of 8 dm3, filled with coconut fiber-based substrate. The plants were evaluated for growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, chloroplastidic pigments, percentage of leaf cell damage, aerial shoot composition and yield. The results were analyzed through analysis of variance, with significance being verified at the 5% probability level of the treatments using the F test. The results indicated that the exclusive nutrition with nitrogen in the form of NH4+ promotes reduction in the growth and accumulation of biomass of Italian zucchini plants. These plants present greater restrictions in the photochemical and photosynthetic efficiency than those fed with NO3- when grown under salinity conditions. In addition, they present premature death in the flowering phase, regardless of the saline stress condition. Nitrogen nutrition in the form of NO3- is indicated for the hydroponic cultivation of zucchini. Irrigation with water of electrical conductivity higher than 2.0 dS m-1 reduces growth, gas exchange, photochemical and non-photochemical efficiency, nutrient accumulation in the aerial part of plants and production of Italian zucchini. It is suggested to carry out other similar researches to deepen the knowledge under the possible potential of NO3- and NH4+ ions in the attenuation of salinity effects in zucchini and other cucurbit plants

Objetivo: caracterizar os sintomas visuais de deficiência simples e múltiplas em abóbora italiana, parâmetros de crescimento e a composição mineral das folhas cultivada em solução nutritiva. Material e Métodos: O experimento foi realizado em casa-de-vegetação do Departamento de Ciência do Solo da UFLA, Lavras, MG. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi o DIC com onze tratamentos e três repetições, em solução nutritiva baseada na solução de Hoagland & Arnon. Os tratamentos foram: solução nutritiva completa (controle), soluções nutritivas com omissão individual de K, Ca, Mg, B, Mn e Zn e as omissões múltiplas de BZn, CaB, MnMg e KZn. As plantas foram selecionadas quanto à uniformidade de tamanho da parte aérea e raízes e então, individualizadas em vasos plásticos com capacidade de oito litros, constituindo assim, cada vaso uma parcela experimental. Após a manifestação dos sintomas visuais de deficiência, as plantas dos tratamentos foram colhidas, sendo, posteriormente, coletada a matéria seca e realizada a análise química das plantas. Resultados: Os paramentos analisados para deficiências nutricionais múltiplas em abobora italiana apresentam diferenças estatísticas entre si. Conclusão: As omissões múltiplas CaB, BZn e MgMn em solução nutritiva resultam em alterações morfológicas, traduzidas em sintomas característicos de deficiência. Os sintomas de deficiência foram inicialmente, característicos de cada nutriente (com exceção do Zn e Mn), tendo a ausência dos nutrientes na solução, independentemente de estarem isolados ou associados a outro. A omissões simples e múltiplas afeta os parâmetros de crescimento, produção de matéria seca, teores e acúmulos nutricionais de abóbora italiana cv. Caserta.