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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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.