Estimation of Genetic Diversity in<i>Cucurbita</i>Species Using Morphological and Phytochemical Analysis

Abstract

Climate and planting system can affect crop responses and morphological and physiological characters. Evaluation of genetic variation in crops provides useful information about trait affinity and helps to conserve and protect germplasm. Genetic and phytochemical diversity of pumpkin accessions were evaluated to identify characters in the selection of parents for future breeding. Comparison was made to three accessions of naked seed and 11 accessions of true seed involved C. pepo, C. moschata and C. maxima Duch were planted in May 2012. At ripening stage fruit were harvested and analyzed for fruit and seed morphological characters. Cluster analysis divided accessions into six main groups mainly on fruit and seed characters. The seed oil contains the unsaturated fatty acids oleic acid and linoleic acid. The maxima accessions were placed in a separate group. For those with naked seed, the Khomein accession had higher seed weight than other naked seed types. The Chaloos C. moschata accession was best based on fruit and seed characters and amounts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and an accession from Isfahan had the highest content of oleic acid, a valuable nutritional component of seed. Seed width, fruit width, seed cavity diameter, and fruit weight and length were appropriate for improvement through breeding to enhance seed quality.