In the literature there are many reports on the composition and properties of pumpkin seed oil; however, few is known about the effect of different stages of seed development on various fatty acid profiles in developi...In the literature there are many reports on the composition and properties of pumpkin seed oil; however, few is known about the effect of different stages of seed development on various fatty acid profiles in developing seeds. The objective of this study was to provide the changes of various fatty acid accumulations in seed oil obtained from the seeds of three pumpkin varieties belonging to the species Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita pepo. Unsaturated acids(oleic and linoleic) were dominant in various fatty acids, which constituted 38.9%-49.1% and 29.4%-42.7% of the total fatty acids at seed maturity for three pumpkin varieties, respectively, while other fatty acid concentrations except for palmitic acid all did not reach 10%. Different varieties exhibited greater effect on various fatty acid contents and the total fatty acid contents in the seeds of pumpkin rather than the species. On the whole, palmitic acid profiles of the seed oil in three varieties all followed the fluctuant decrease during all the stages of seed development, but palmitoleic acid and the total fatty acid profiles of the seed oil in three varieties were just the opposite. Stearic, oleic and linoleic acid profiles of the seed oil in three varieties all experienced the third pattern that fluctuated during all the stages of seed development, but no significant differences in these three fatty acid concentrations were found from the beginning to the end. Linolenic acid concentrations of three varieties were on the decline and ultimately close to zero. Myristic and arachidic acid profiles of the seed oil followed different trends in three varieties. Among them, myristic and arachidic acid profiles of the seed oil of Yinhui-1 fluctuated downward all the time until seed maturity, but those of 0238-1 and Jinhui-2 completely changed oppositely.展开更多
Pumpkin belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae,which comprises several species that has economical as well as agronomical importance.All parts of pumpkin are edible and laden with beneficial neutraceutical compounds.P...Pumpkin belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae,which comprises several species that has economical as well as agronomical importance.All parts of pumpkin are edible and laden with beneficial neutraceutical compounds.Pumpkin seeds are valuable source protein which can help in eradicating protein malnutrition and lipids(rich in PUFAs)contains essential as well as non essential fatty acids which prevents from various ailments like cancer and other cardiovascular diseases.Since,seeds of pumpkin are abundant in macro(magnesium,phosphorous,potassium,sodium and calcium)and micro minerals(iron,copper,manganese,zinc and selenium),they can be used as an incredible dietary supplement which in turn helps in curbing various deficiency disorders.This review enlightens the characteristics of pumpkin seeds,process of valorization of pumpkin seeds and the effect of processing on their nutritional composition which have been studied currently with the aim to use this wonder seeds for human wellbeing.Pumpkin seeds possess many bioactive compounds like polyphenols,flavonoids,phytosterols and squalene which makes it a lucrative raw material for pharmacological and food industries.Pumpkin seeds work as anti-depressant and helps majorly in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia(BHP).Daily consumption of pumpkin seeds can reduce the chances of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.Pumpkin seeds are rich in tocopherols and can be used for oil extraction for edible purposes and utilized in other food formulations for future use.展开更多
The inclusion of composite flours in infant food at weaning time should be a priority for mothers. The aim of this project is to formulate infant flour based on pulp flour enriched with oilcake from these grains after...The inclusion of composite flours in infant food at weaning time should be a priority for mothers. The aim of this project is to formulate infant flour based on pulp flour enriched with oilcake from these grains after extraction of the oil. To do this, the elements were combined to obtain a regulatory formulation. Micro- and macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and tasting of the prepared porridge were determined. The results obtained were satisfactory. The moisture content of the fruit pulp was determined using oven-drying techniques: 92.2%, carbohydrates 6.00%, lipids 0.3%, ash 0.80%, proteins 1.10%, calcium 19.8%, phosphorus 42.6% and iron 0.4%. Furthermore, the carbohydrate content of flours composed of 5% insertion is 62.9 g to 48.8 g per 100 g, and the protein content of compound flours with 5% insertion is 15.9 g to 28.25 g per 100 g. On the other hand, the vitamin C and E contents of fresh pulp and oilcake are 25 mg, 13 mg and 21 mg respectively. However, only copper and β-carotene from 5% to 30% insertion remain invariant to the different insertion rates, with a value of 25 mg for copper and 0 µg for β-carotene. In addition, a variation in the degree of swelling of weaning flours compared with the standard from 3.95% at 5% insertion to 3.58 at 30% insertion was observed. The solubility of flours increases on the one hand with increases in the degree of insertion of the cakes. Flour formulated so many toward basicity. But the presence of traces of oil containing fatty acids can reduce this basicity. This study may be an alternative of industrial flours in infant nutrition.展开更多
Biodiesel fuel is a potential alternative energy source for diesel engines due to its physiochemical characteristics relatively similar to those of traditional diesel fuel.In this study,the performance,emission,and co...Biodiesel fuel is a potential alternative energy source for diesel engines due to its physiochemical characteristics relatively similar to those of traditional diesel fuel.In this study,the performance,emission,and combustion features of a mono cylinder DI diesel engine are assessed using 20%Pumpkin seed methyl ester(PSOME20)and considering varying injection pressures(200,220,240,and 260 bar).The considered Pumpkin seed oil is converted into pumpkin biodiesel by transesterification and then used as fuel.The findings demonstrate that the Brake Thermal Efficiency(BTE)of PSOME20 can be raised by 1.68%,and the carbon monoxide(CO),hydrocarbon(HC),and smoke emanations can be lowered,while oxides of nitrogen(NOx)emissions are increased at an injection pressure(IP)of 240 bar compared to the standard IP of 200 bar.The cylinder pressure and the Heat Release Rate(HRR)become higher at 240 bar,whereas the ignition delay is shortened with respect to PSOME20 at a normal IP of 200 bar.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the protective role of pumpkin seed ethanolic extract against escitalopram-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice.Methods:Swiss albino male mice were randomly divided into five groups with...Objective:To investigate the protective role of pumpkin seed ethanolic extract against escitalopram-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice.Methods:Swiss albino male mice were randomly divided into five groups with six mice in each group.Group Ⅰreceived normal water orally,Group Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳand Ⅴreceived escitalopram oxalate(10 mg/kg),pumpkin seed extract(300 mg/kg)plus escitalopram oxalate(10 mg/kg),escitalopram oxalate(20 mg/kg),and pumpkin seed extract(300 mg/kg)plus escitalopram oxalate(20 mg/kg),respectively.All test doses were continuously administered orally once daily per animal body weight for 30 days and 60 days.Body weight and sexual organ weight were evaluated on day 31 and 61.Effects of pumpkin seed extract on sperm parameters,biochemical parameters and histology of testis were also investigated.Results:Escitalopram 10 or 20 mg/kg caused reproductive toxicity in male mice after 30 and 60 days of treatment.However,simultaneous administration of escitalopram oxalate(10 or 20 mg/kg)with pumpkin seed extract(300 mg/kg)attenuated escitalopram-induced testicular toxicity.Significant increase in the body weight and relative organ weight was observed.Sperm count,sperm motility and viability significantly increased(P<0.05).The histopathological alterations caused by escitalopram was also ameliorated.Conclusions:Ethanolic extract of pumpkin seeds(300 mg/kg body weight)protects again reproductive toxicity induced by escitalopram.Therefore,dietary intake of pumpkin seed extract might be useful for male patients who expose to antidepressant drug due to depression.展开更多
Pumpkin seeds were prepared into oil n-butyle alcohol and ether extracts.The effects of the three extracts on the urodynamics of rabbits were observed.It was concluded that the oil preparation could remarkably reduce ...Pumpkin seeds were prepared into oil n-butyle alcohol and ether extracts.The effects of the three extracts on the urodynamics of rabbits were observed.It was concluded that the oil preparation could remarkably reduce the bladder pressure ,increase the bladder compliance, reduce the urethral pressure. Other two kinds of preparations had no effect in this experimental. The mechanisms of the effect of oil preparation on the urodynamics and the prospect of clinical use was discussed.展开更多
Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a major oral health problem, where its etiopathogenesis is not well understood. Accordingly, its therapy whether topical or systemic can induce clearance, but the rel...Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a major oral health problem, where its etiopathogenesis is not well understood. Accordingly, its therapy whether topical or systemic can induce clearance, but the relapse rate is high. Objective: To use 100% topical pumpkin seed oil in RAS as it has many actions as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Patients and Methods: This single, blind, clinical, therapeutic trial was conducted in the Department of Dermatology-Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, during February 2015-August 2016. Twenty-five patients with RAS were included in this work. After full history and clinical examination, the clinical diagnosis was established. Oral clinical manifestation index score (OCMI) was carried out before, during and after stopping therapy to assess the different parameters of this score. 100% Topical pumpkin seed oil was given two times daily for 3 months during which short term assessment for each patient was done by using OCMI before, after 4 days and after 8 days of therapy in addition to assessing the mean size of largest diameter of ulcers in each visit to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the therapy, while long term assessment of the OCMI was done every month for 3 months after starting of the therapy to evaluate the prophylactic effect of the therapy. After 3 months, pumpkin seed oil was stopped and assessment of OCMI was done monthly for another 3 months to evaluate the remission action of pumpkin seed oil. Results: Twenty-five patients were included in this study: 15 (60%) males and 10 (40%) females. While their ages ranged from 9 - 60 (27.48 ± 11.97) years. The mean of OCMI before pumpkin seed oil therapy was ranged from 9 - 15 (12.96 ± 1.42), while after the therapy the mean started to decline to lower level within 4 days of therapy and was statistically significant (p < 0.0001) and continued to decline significantly till the end of third month of therapy (p < 0.0001). The percent reduction was 79.30% after 4 days of therapy and 94.38% after 8 days of therapy. After stopping therapy, the mean of OCMI started to increase, but it is remained statistically highly significant (p < 0.0001) at the end of third months after stopping therapy when it is compared with baseline mean of OCMI. Conclusion: Pumpkin seed oil had an effective therapeutic and prophylactic action against RAS, in addition, it induced remission for at least 3 months after stopping therapy. No local or systemic side effects were observed during the course of therapy.展开更多
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is implicated in the development of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). We investigated if Uromedic? pumpkin (variety of Cucurbita pepo L. convar. citrullinina GREB. var. styriaca GREB) seed s...Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is implicated in the development of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). We investigated if Uromedic? pumpkin (variety of Cucurbita pepo L. convar. citrullinina GREB. var. styriaca GREB) seed soft extract (active ingredients of GRANUFINK? Prosta forte 500 mg), seed oil and isolated Δ7-sterols could inhibit the conversion of [1,2,6,7-3H(N)]-testosterone to DHT by 5α-reductases. Also, we tested competition with [3H]-DHT for binding to the androgen receptor (AR). Pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seed soft extract were identified as moderately active inhibitors of 5α-R1 and 5α-R2, with almost similar inhibitory capacities (IC50 5 mg/ml for 5α-R1 and about IC50 = 6 mg/ml for 5α-R2). The isolated Δ7-sterols were more active inhibitors (IC50 = 0.3 mg/ml for 5α-R1, IC50 = 1.0 mg/ml for 5α-R2). All three test compounds bound to the AR dose-dependently, with strong binding by Δ7-sterols (IC50 = 0.2 mg/ml) and weaker binding by pumpkin seed oil (IC50 = 0.4 mg/ml) and pumpkin seed soft extract (IC50 = 1.1 mg/ml). We propose that inhibition of 5α-reductases and competitive binding to the AR are mechanisms of action, by which the Uromedic? pumpkin seed derived test compounds, most specifically Δ7-sterols, counteract DHT and thereby exert clinically positive effects on the prostate, as well as bladder-strengthening effects.展开更多
Pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a nutritionally valuable food and a significant source of income globally. Pumpkin seeds are rich in oil, protein, unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols, which are associated with...Pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a nutritionally valuable food and a significant source of income globally. Pumpkin seeds are rich in oil, protein, unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols, which are associated with improved human health. Understanding the genetic diversity among pumpkin accessions varying in seed nutrition traits is necessary for designing sound breeding strategies for developing superior cultivars. In the current study, 26 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers were used to assess genetic relatedness among 29 C. pepo accessions varying in seed oil, seed protein, seed-coat phenotype, seed size and fatty acid composition. The SSR markers revealed 102 alleles averaging 3.92 alleles per loci and mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.44. Eleven of the markers had a PIC of ≥0.5. Ward dendrogram and principle component analysis based on seed traits grouped the genotypes into two major clusters corresponding to subspecies pepo and texana, with all the reduced-hull accessions grouping within the former. Collectively, this data suggests wide phenotypic (seed traits) and genotypic variation within C. pepo that may be exploited to develop superior reduced-hull cultivars.展开更多
基金Supported by the Public Welfare Industry(Agricultural)Research Special Foundation of Agricultural Ministry of China(201303112)
文摘In the literature there are many reports on the composition and properties of pumpkin seed oil; however, few is known about the effect of different stages of seed development on various fatty acid profiles in developing seeds. The objective of this study was to provide the changes of various fatty acid accumulations in seed oil obtained from the seeds of three pumpkin varieties belonging to the species Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita pepo. Unsaturated acids(oleic and linoleic) were dominant in various fatty acids, which constituted 38.9%-49.1% and 29.4%-42.7% of the total fatty acids at seed maturity for three pumpkin varieties, respectively, while other fatty acid concentrations except for palmitic acid all did not reach 10%. Different varieties exhibited greater effect on various fatty acid contents and the total fatty acid contents in the seeds of pumpkin rather than the species. On the whole, palmitic acid profiles of the seed oil in three varieties all followed the fluctuant decrease during all the stages of seed development, but palmitoleic acid and the total fatty acid profiles of the seed oil in three varieties were just the opposite. Stearic, oleic and linoleic acid profiles of the seed oil in three varieties all experienced the third pattern that fluctuated during all the stages of seed development, but no significant differences in these three fatty acid concentrations were found from the beginning to the end. Linolenic acid concentrations of three varieties were on the decline and ultimately close to zero. Myristic and arachidic acid profiles of the seed oil followed different trends in three varieties. Among them, myristic and arachidic acid profiles of the seed oil of Yinhui-1 fluctuated downward all the time until seed maturity, but those of 0238-1 and Jinhui-2 completely changed oppositely.
基金The authors would like to thank Harcourt Butler Technical University,Kanpur India for providing infrastructure,guidance,knowledge and support.
文摘Pumpkin belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae,which comprises several species that has economical as well as agronomical importance.All parts of pumpkin are edible and laden with beneficial neutraceutical compounds.Pumpkin seeds are valuable source protein which can help in eradicating protein malnutrition and lipids(rich in PUFAs)contains essential as well as non essential fatty acids which prevents from various ailments like cancer and other cardiovascular diseases.Since,seeds of pumpkin are abundant in macro(magnesium,phosphorous,potassium,sodium and calcium)and micro minerals(iron,copper,manganese,zinc and selenium),they can be used as an incredible dietary supplement which in turn helps in curbing various deficiency disorders.This review enlightens the characteristics of pumpkin seeds,process of valorization of pumpkin seeds and the effect of processing on their nutritional composition which have been studied currently with the aim to use this wonder seeds for human wellbeing.Pumpkin seeds possess many bioactive compounds like polyphenols,flavonoids,phytosterols and squalene which makes it a lucrative raw material for pharmacological and food industries.Pumpkin seeds work as anti-depressant and helps majorly in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia(BHP).Daily consumption of pumpkin seeds can reduce the chances of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.Pumpkin seeds are rich in tocopherols and can be used for oil extraction for edible purposes and utilized in other food formulations for future use.
文摘The inclusion of composite flours in infant food at weaning time should be a priority for mothers. The aim of this project is to formulate infant flour based on pulp flour enriched with oilcake from these grains after extraction of the oil. To do this, the elements were combined to obtain a regulatory formulation. Micro- and macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and tasting of the prepared porridge were determined. The results obtained were satisfactory. The moisture content of the fruit pulp was determined using oven-drying techniques: 92.2%, carbohydrates 6.00%, lipids 0.3%, ash 0.80%, proteins 1.10%, calcium 19.8%, phosphorus 42.6% and iron 0.4%. Furthermore, the carbohydrate content of flours composed of 5% insertion is 62.9 g to 48.8 g per 100 g, and the protein content of compound flours with 5% insertion is 15.9 g to 28.25 g per 100 g. On the other hand, the vitamin C and E contents of fresh pulp and oilcake are 25 mg, 13 mg and 21 mg respectively. However, only copper and β-carotene from 5% to 30% insertion remain invariant to the different insertion rates, with a value of 25 mg for copper and 0 µg for β-carotene. In addition, a variation in the degree of swelling of weaning flours compared with the standard from 3.95% at 5% insertion to 3.58 at 30% insertion was observed. The solubility of flours increases on the one hand with increases in the degree of insertion of the cakes. Flour formulated so many toward basicity. But the presence of traces of oil containing fatty acids can reduce this basicity. This study may be an alternative of industrial flours in infant nutrition.
文摘Biodiesel fuel is a potential alternative energy source for diesel engines due to its physiochemical characteristics relatively similar to those of traditional diesel fuel.In this study,the performance,emission,and combustion features of a mono cylinder DI diesel engine are assessed using 20%Pumpkin seed methyl ester(PSOME20)and considering varying injection pressures(200,220,240,and 260 bar).The considered Pumpkin seed oil is converted into pumpkin biodiesel by transesterification and then used as fuel.The findings demonstrate that the Brake Thermal Efficiency(BTE)of PSOME20 can be raised by 1.68%,and the carbon monoxide(CO),hydrocarbon(HC),and smoke emanations can be lowered,while oxides of nitrogen(NOx)emissions are increased at an injection pressure(IP)of 240 bar compared to the standard IP of 200 bar.The cylinder pressure and the Heat Release Rate(HRR)become higher at 240 bar,whereas the ignition delay is shortened with respect to PSOME20 at a normal IP of 200 bar.
文摘Objective:To investigate the protective role of pumpkin seed ethanolic extract against escitalopram-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice.Methods:Swiss albino male mice were randomly divided into five groups with six mice in each group.Group Ⅰreceived normal water orally,Group Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳand Ⅴreceived escitalopram oxalate(10 mg/kg),pumpkin seed extract(300 mg/kg)plus escitalopram oxalate(10 mg/kg),escitalopram oxalate(20 mg/kg),and pumpkin seed extract(300 mg/kg)plus escitalopram oxalate(20 mg/kg),respectively.All test doses were continuously administered orally once daily per animal body weight for 30 days and 60 days.Body weight and sexual organ weight were evaluated on day 31 and 61.Effects of pumpkin seed extract on sperm parameters,biochemical parameters and histology of testis were also investigated.Results:Escitalopram 10 or 20 mg/kg caused reproductive toxicity in male mice after 30 and 60 days of treatment.However,simultaneous administration of escitalopram oxalate(10 or 20 mg/kg)with pumpkin seed extract(300 mg/kg)attenuated escitalopram-induced testicular toxicity.Significant increase in the body weight and relative organ weight was observed.Sperm count,sperm motility and viability significantly increased(P<0.05).The histopathological alterations caused by escitalopram was also ameliorated.Conclusions:Ethanolic extract of pumpkin seeds(300 mg/kg body weight)protects again reproductive toxicity induced by escitalopram.Therefore,dietary intake of pumpkin seed extract might be useful for male patients who expose to antidepressant drug due to depression.
文摘Pumpkin seeds were prepared into oil n-butyle alcohol and ether extracts.The effects of the three extracts on the urodynamics of rabbits were observed.It was concluded that the oil preparation could remarkably reduce the bladder pressure ,increase the bladder compliance, reduce the urethral pressure. Other two kinds of preparations had no effect in this experimental. The mechanisms of the effect of oil preparation on the urodynamics and the prospect of clinical use was discussed.
文摘Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a major oral health problem, where its etiopathogenesis is not well understood. Accordingly, its therapy whether topical or systemic can induce clearance, but the relapse rate is high. Objective: To use 100% topical pumpkin seed oil in RAS as it has many actions as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Patients and Methods: This single, blind, clinical, therapeutic trial was conducted in the Department of Dermatology-Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, during February 2015-August 2016. Twenty-five patients with RAS were included in this work. After full history and clinical examination, the clinical diagnosis was established. Oral clinical manifestation index score (OCMI) was carried out before, during and after stopping therapy to assess the different parameters of this score. 100% Topical pumpkin seed oil was given two times daily for 3 months during which short term assessment for each patient was done by using OCMI before, after 4 days and after 8 days of therapy in addition to assessing the mean size of largest diameter of ulcers in each visit to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the therapy, while long term assessment of the OCMI was done every month for 3 months after starting of the therapy to evaluate the prophylactic effect of the therapy. After 3 months, pumpkin seed oil was stopped and assessment of OCMI was done monthly for another 3 months to evaluate the remission action of pumpkin seed oil. Results: Twenty-five patients were included in this study: 15 (60%) males and 10 (40%) females. While their ages ranged from 9 - 60 (27.48 ± 11.97) years. The mean of OCMI before pumpkin seed oil therapy was ranged from 9 - 15 (12.96 ± 1.42), while after the therapy the mean started to decline to lower level within 4 days of therapy and was statistically significant (p < 0.0001) and continued to decline significantly till the end of third month of therapy (p < 0.0001). The percent reduction was 79.30% after 4 days of therapy and 94.38% after 8 days of therapy. After stopping therapy, the mean of OCMI started to increase, but it is remained statistically highly significant (p < 0.0001) at the end of third months after stopping therapy when it is compared with baseline mean of OCMI. Conclusion: Pumpkin seed oil had an effective therapeutic and prophylactic action against RAS, in addition, it induced remission for at least 3 months after stopping therapy. No local or systemic side effects were observed during the course of therapy.
文摘Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is implicated in the development of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). We investigated if Uromedic? pumpkin (variety of Cucurbita pepo L. convar. citrullinina GREB. var. styriaca GREB) seed soft extract (active ingredients of GRANUFINK? Prosta forte 500 mg), seed oil and isolated Δ7-sterols could inhibit the conversion of [1,2,6,7-3H(N)]-testosterone to DHT by 5α-reductases. Also, we tested competition with [3H]-DHT for binding to the androgen receptor (AR). Pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seed soft extract were identified as moderately active inhibitors of 5α-R1 and 5α-R2, with almost similar inhibitory capacities (IC50 5 mg/ml for 5α-R1 and about IC50 = 6 mg/ml for 5α-R2). The isolated Δ7-sterols were more active inhibitors (IC50 = 0.3 mg/ml for 5α-R1, IC50 = 1.0 mg/ml for 5α-R2). All three test compounds bound to the AR dose-dependently, with strong binding by Δ7-sterols (IC50 = 0.2 mg/ml) and weaker binding by pumpkin seed oil (IC50 = 0.4 mg/ml) and pumpkin seed soft extract (IC50 = 1.1 mg/ml). We propose that inhibition of 5α-reductases and competitive binding to the AR are mechanisms of action, by which the Uromedic? pumpkin seed derived test compounds, most specifically Δ7-sterols, counteract DHT and thereby exert clinically positive effects on the prostate, as well as bladder-strengthening effects.
文摘Pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a nutritionally valuable food and a significant source of income globally. Pumpkin seeds are rich in oil, protein, unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols, which are associated with improved human health. Understanding the genetic diversity among pumpkin accessions varying in seed nutrition traits is necessary for designing sound breeding strategies for developing superior cultivars. In the current study, 26 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers were used to assess genetic relatedness among 29 C. pepo accessions varying in seed oil, seed protein, seed-coat phenotype, seed size and fatty acid composition. The SSR markers revealed 102 alleles averaging 3.92 alleles per loci and mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.44. Eleven of the markers had a PIC of ≥0.5. Ward dendrogram and principle component analysis based on seed traits grouped the genotypes into two major clusters corresponding to subspecies pepo and texana, with all the reduced-hull accessions grouping within the former. Collectively, this data suggests wide phenotypic (seed traits) and genotypic variation within C. pepo that may be exploited to develop superior reduced-hull cultivars.
