Phytochemical screening and free radical scavenging activity of Citrullus colocynthis seeds extracts

Objective:To study the phytochemical screening of different extracts from Citrullus colocynthis(C.colocynthis)seeds extracts and to assess their antioxidant activity on the DPPH free radical scavenging.Methods:Phytochemical screening,total content of polyphenols and flavonoids of C.colocynthis seeds extracts,including a crude aqueous extract(E1),a defatted aqueous extract(E2),a hydromethanolic extract(HM),an ethyl acetate extract(EA)and a n-butanol extract(n-B)was carried out according to the standard methods and to assess their corresponding effect on the antioxidant activity of this plant.Results:None of these extracts contained detectable amount of alkaloid,quinone,antraquinone,or reducing sugar.Catechic tannins and flavonoids were abundant in E1,MM and EA,whilst terpenoids were abundantly present in E1 and n-B but only weekly in HM.Coumarins were found in E2,EA and n-B.Polyphenols,expressed as gallic acid equivalent,amounted,per 100 g plant matter,to 329,1002 and 150 mg in EA,HM an E1 respectively.Flavonoids,expressed as catechin equivalent,amounted.per 100 g plant matter to 620,241 and 94 mg in EA,HM and E1 respectively.Comparable values were found in n-B and E1,with lower values in E2.Quercetin,myricetin and gallic acid were found in the EA and HM extracts by thin layer chromatography,The antioxidative effect of these extracts yielded,when tested at a concentration of 2000μg/mL in a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay,a reducing percentage of 88.8%with EA,74.5%with HM and 66.2%with E1,and corresponding IC_(50)of 350,580and 500μg/mL as compared to 1.1μg/mL for ascorbic acid.Conclusions:These qualitative and quantitative analytical data document the presence in C.colocynthis extracts of such chemical compounds as flavonoids responsible for the antioxidant activity,as well as other biological activities of this plant.

Enhancing the Salt Tolerance Potential of Watermelon (<i>Citrullus lanatus</i>) by Exogenous Application of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid (SA) is a vital plant growth regulator providing promising role in plant development and adopts defense mechanism to abiotic stresses. Salinity is the most limiting abiotic factor for plant development and growth changes in watermelon by producing reactive oxygen species and ultimately oxidative stress. The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanism involved in salt stress alleviation in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thanb. Mavs.) through the foliar application of salicylic acid. Watermelon cv. Charleston Gray was grown under moderate saline regime of 3 ds·m-1 NaCl and sprayed with salicylic acid with four level (0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mmol/L) compared along with control. SA @ 5.0 mmol/L was found to be very effective in mitigation of salt stress. SA was found to be very effective in alleviation of salinity stress by produced antioxidants and acted as osmo-regulator.

In vitro Screening of Fusarium Wilt-resistant Germplasm Resources of Red Edible Seed Watermelon( Citrullus lanatus ssp. vulgaris var. megalaspermus Lin et Chao)

[ Objective] This study aimed to establish an appropriate technology system for in vitro screening of Fuzarium wilt-resistant germplasm resources of red edible seed watermelon and obtain variants resistant to fusaric acid, thus providing resistant materials for breeding Fusarium wilt-resistant red edible seed watermel- on. [ Method] Using Zhongxin No. 1 red edible seed watermelon advemitious buds as screening materials and fusaric acid （FA） as a stress agent, in vitro screen- ing of Fusarium wilt-resistant red edible seed watermelon clonal variants and identification of Fusarium wilt-resistance of the germplasm resources of red edible seed watermelon were performed. [ Result] The results showed that the appropriate FA for in vitro screening of Fusarium wilt-resistant red edible seed watermelon vari- ants was 15 mg/L. In vitro screening system for Fusarium wilt-resistant red edible seed watermelon variants was established preliminarily and FA-resistant regenera- ted plants were obtained. Among the 36 germplasm resources of red edible seed watermelon, there were 2 highly resistant materials, 6 moderately resistant materi- als, 11 slightly resistant materials and 17 highly susceptible materials. [ Conclusion] This study confirmed preliminarily that in vitro screening method is effective for obtaining resistant materials of red edible seed watermelon.

Nutritive Values and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Citrullus lanatus</i>Fruit Extract

Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) is a fruit cultivated and consumed in Africa for its essential nutrients which are very beneficial to the human body. The present study was designed to evaluate the nutritive contents, free radical scavenging activities and phytochemical components of C. lanatus fruit. The extract of the fruit was subjected to in vitro antioxidant assessment using 1,1-di-phenylpicryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assays. The proximate and phytochemical analyses were conducted using standard procedures. The results of this study showed that C. lanatus fruit had very high moisture content and its crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and ash content were all in traceable amounts. The sugar content was considerably high in comparison with other nutritive contents. Lycopene and β-carotene contents of C. lanatus fruit were estimated to be 4537.83 and 308.71 μg/100g respectively. The gross energy evaluation showed a value of 0.335 Kcal/g. The fruit extract exhibited significant (p 50 of 0.10 mg/ml) and hydrogen peroxide radicals scavenging activity (IC50 of 0.62 mg/ml) in comparison with the positive control butylated hydroxytoluene (BTH). This study therefore recommends that C. lanatus fruit could be an excellent source of antioxidants which may prevent diseases whose pathogenesis involves oxidative stress.

Hepatoprotection: A Hallmark of <i>Citrullus colocynthis</i>L. against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Swiss Albino Rats

Objective: To demonstrate the in-vivo hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extracts of Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Animal Model: Swiss Albino rats of either sex were used, divided into six groups with six in each group. Group 1-Normal control: The animals were maintained under normal control, which were given distilled water only. Group 2-Induction of hepatotoxicity: The animals received paracetamol 500 mg/kg b.w. (p.o) every 72 h for 10 Days. Groups 3 to 5: Animals received ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. at 50, 100 & 200 mg/kg bw/day for 7 days (p.o). Group 6: The animals were treated with Silymarin (100 mg/kg p.o) which served as standard. Groups 3 to 6 were intoxicated with paracetamol (500 mg/kg bw) 1 h before the administration of extract or Silymarin for 10 days. Histopathological findings, different hepatic biochemical parameters viz. AST, ALT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, & the body weight before & after treatment were evaluated to investigate the hepatoprotective activity. Results: Paracetamol induced a significant rise in AST, ALT, ALP, Total Bilirubin, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides. Administration of 200 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. effectively reduced these pathological damages caused by paracetamol intoxication. In addition to serum parameters treatment of 200 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of Citrulus colocynthis L. also promotes the body weight in albino rats as shown in Figure 6 respectively. Histopathological changes of the liver samples were compared with the normal control as shown in Figures 2-5 respectively. Conclusion: From our results we may infer that the mode of action of 90% ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. (200 mg/kg bw) in affording the in-vivo hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol may be due to the cell membrane stabilization, hepatic cell regeneration & normalizing the serum parameters.

Phytochemical investigation, antioxidant and wound healing activities of Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple)

Objective: To undertake metabolite profiling of various plant parts of Citrullus colocynthis, and assess antioxidant and wound healing activities of fractions for therapeutical applications. Methods: Extracts from leaves, stem, root, fruit pulp and seeds were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. Variation in antioxidant potential was assayed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The extract with highest antioxidant potential was subjected on in-vivo wound healing activity using excision wound model. Results: Metabolite profiling of Citrullus colocynthis identified 70 chemically diverse metabolites from different plant parts by using a combination of GC-MS and HPLC. Concentration of colocynthin, a principal active secondary metabolite, ranged from 3.15 mg/g dry weight to 242.00 mg/g dry weight, the lowest being in leaves and highest in fruit pulp. DPPH radical scavenging activity of free radical(IC50) ranged from 196.44 μg/mL in fruit pulp to 413.33 μg/mL in leaves tissues. Significant wound contraction and increase in hydroxyproline content of granulation tissue were observed with ointment formulated from methanolic extract of fruit pulp. Conclusions: The study indicates that the methanol extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruit pulp when applied topically may promote wound contraction in rat model attributable to the accumulation of colocynthin. The high quantity of colocynthin(242.00 mg/g dry weight) and substantial concentration of 2,4-di-tert butyl phenol(3.2%), squalene(4.2%) and δ-tocopherol(2.5%) make this plant to provide new opportunities for development of medicinal, nutraceutical and dietary supplements with optimized functionality.

Preparation and Characterization of Alkyd Resins Based on Citrullus colocynthis Seed Oil

In this study,different samples of alkyd resins based on Citrullus colocynthis seed oil(CCSO)—which has a high content of linoleic acid—were prepared as a renewable raw material.Short(I),medium(II),and long(III)alkyd resins were synthesized using oil,glycerol,and phthalic anhydride(PA)in different proportions.Prunus mahaleb seed oil(PMSO),which contains conjugated linolenic acid,was blended with CCSO in different proportions to examine the effect of PMSO on the film properties of alkyd resins(IV and V).All synthesized resins were characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis.These resins were also cured by an epoxy resin and their film properties(pencil hardness,adhesion,gloss,and chemical resistance)were determined.Analysis of these alkyds reveals that CCSO can be used as a new potential raw material for coating applications.

Characterization of Water Melon (<i>Citrullus lanatus</i>) Genotypes under High Salinity Regime

For horticultural crops and especially for vegetables, salinity is dilemma. It is the most limiting factor for plant growth and development by producing reactive oxygen species and ultimately oxidative stress. In the present study, the screening of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thanb. Mavs.) Cultivars was observed for salt tolerance. Four salinity levels (1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 dS·m-1 NaCl) and six cultivars (Crimson, Charleston Gray, Anarkali, Chairman, Sugar Baby and Champion) tested for screening. It was observed that all morphological attributes and ionic contents were severely affected. But it was revealed by statistical analysis that Charleston Gray was affected least while Champion was most salt sensitive cultivar due to oxidative stress and ionic toxicity. It is concluded that different genotypes under consideration vary in their ability to tolerate salt stress.

Colocynth (<i>Citrullus colocynthis</i>) Flesh Extract Suppresses Adipogenesis by Down-Regulating Adipogenic Transcription Factors and Their Target Genes in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes

Citrullus colocynthis, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is widely distributed in North Africa. The fruits are recognized for their wide range of medicinal uses and promising pharmaceutical potential. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effect of the ethanol extract of colocynth flesh (FCEE) in 3T3-L1 cells following treatment at different doses. The viability of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was analyzed via MTT assay and triglycerides were stained with Oil red O to assess lipid accumulation. Additionally, adipogenesis-related gene expression was quantified via qRT-PCR. FCEE (0 - 150 μg/mL) dose-dependently suppressed intracellular triglyceride accumulation during the adipogenesis by 23% and 66% at 100 and 150 μg/mL, respectively, but did not affect cell viability. Analysis of the time-dependence of the effect of FCEE demonstrated that the greatest anti-adipogenic activity was observed during the early stages of differentiation. FCEE also decreased GPDH activity in a dose-dependent manner, with 98% decrease observed at 150 μg/mL. In addition, at same range of FCEE concentrations, the main transcription factors, including CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), were downregulated by 90%, 89%, and 89%, respectively at 150 μg/mL. As these are the master regulators of adipogenesis. The inhibition of their downstream target genes was also observed. Colocynth may be useful in the treatment of obesity owing to its powerful effects on fat, which result in changes to adipocyte differentiation and fat mobilization.

Synergistic Hepatoprotective Effect of Feronia fimonia L,, Citrullus colocynthis L,, and Tribulus terrestris L, against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Swiss Albino Rats

Paracetamol toxicity induced a significant rise in AST （aspartate transaminase）, ALT （alanine transaminase）, ALP （alkhaline phisphatase）, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, Triglycerides. Administration of 150 mg/kg b.w of synergistic ethanolic extracts of Feronia limonia L., Citrullus colocynthis L., and Tribulus terrestris L. effectively reduced these pathological damages caused by paracetamol intoxication. In addition to serum parameters treatment of 150 rng/kg b.w of synergistic ethanolic extract of Feronia limonia L., Citrullus colocynthis L. and Tribulus terrestris L. also promote the body weight in albino rats. Histopathological changes of the liver samples were compared with the normal control. From our results, we may infer that the mode of action of synergistic 90% ethanolic extracts of Feronia limonia L., Citrullus colocynthis L., and Tribulus terrestris L. （150 mg/kg b.w） in affording the in vivo hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol may be due to the cell membrane stabilization, hepatic cell regeneration and activation of antioxidative enzymes such as glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Effects of Citrullus colocynthis Seed Aqueous Extracts upon Sodium Transport across A6 Kidney Cell Monolayers

Background:Various extracts from Citrullus colocynthis seeds were recently examined for their possible favorable effects on glucose homeostasis,other metabolic variables,and pancreatic islet size in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Objective:Considering the effectiveness of insulin upon target cells as another process susceptible to be influenced by plant extracts,the present study is used to compare the effects of either crude or defatted aqueous extracts from C.colocynthis seeds upon Na+transport in A6 kidney cells.Method:The intensity of electrical currents,taken as the potential difference divided by the epithelial resistance was measured in monolayers of A6 kidney cells exposed at the basolateral side to either crude untreated aqueous(EI)or defatted aqueous(EII)extracts,as well as their fractions EI1 and EII1 containing components with high molecular weight(>5 kDa),and EI2 and EII2 containing components with low molecular weight(<5 kDa).The effect of insulin was to assess the functional integrity of the A6 monolayer.Results:All extracts caused a rapid and sustained increase in current intensity.The defatted aqueous extract(EII)was more efficient than the non-defatted aqueous extract(EI)in terms of increasing the intensity of current in the A6 monolayer.The components of the defatted aqueous extract responsible for such a greater efficiency were located in the fraction containing components with low molecular weight and acted in a time-related progressive fashion upon Na+transport.Conclusion:These data suggest that colocynth seed extracts mainly containing components with low molecular weight increased the current intensity in A6 cells,thus suggesting that colocynth may affect Na+transport in kidney cells.

A New Flavone C-glycoside from Citrullus colocynthis

Objective To study the chemical constituents of Citrullus colocynthis. Methods The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 and recrystallization as well. NMR spectra and physicochemical property were characterized for structural identification. Results Eleven compounds were isolated and identified as β-sitosterol (1), α-spinasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), α-spinasterone (3), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (4), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (5), 6-C-p-methylbenzoylvitexin (6), dihydrocucurbitacin E (7), cucurbitacin E (8), dihydro-epi-iso-cucurbitacin D (9), dihydroisocucurbitacin B-25-acaetate (10), and cucurbitacin E 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11). Conclusion Compound 6 is a novel compound. Compounds 1-5, 7, 9, and 10 are isolated from C. colocynthis for the first time.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Extract from Roots and Leaves of Citrullus lanatus

Objective To study anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of extract from the roots and leaves of Citrullus lanatus and assess their acute toxicity in animals. Methods The mouse model with ear edema induced by xylene and the rat model with paw edema or granuloma by carrageenin or cotton pellet were used for anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Effects of the extract on analgesia was tested respectively by measuring the latency of mice licking hind foot from hot plates and by counting the times of body twisting in response to acetic acid. The acute toxicity of the extract was determined with the method of Bliss. Results The extract significantly inhibited the ear edema, granuloma hyperplasia, and paw edema. It significantly lifted the pain threshold on mouse hot-plate responses and reduced their writhing times. During the 7 d observation period in its acute toxicity assay, no apparent toxic reaction was shown and all mice survived at a dose of 87 g extract per kg body weight. Conclusion The extract could protecte mice/rates from inflammation and analgesia, and may be safe as an orally administered natural product for humans.

Effects of Citrullus colocynthis L. in a rat model of diabetic neuropathy

Objective: This study investigated the biochemical, histopathological and physiological effects of Citrullus colocynthis on peripheral neuropathy in rats with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetes.Methods: Seventy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the present study. Diabetes was induced in 60 rats, with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ(65 mg/kg). After 4 weeks, the diabetic rats were assessed for neuropathy. Then, the diabetic rats with neuropathy were randomly divided into 6 groups for a 4-week treatment with gabapentin, oral administration of C. colocynthis fruit pulp powder(100 and 300 mg/kg per day), topical preparations as oil-based solution and ointment, or placebo.Changes in metabolic, physiological, biochemical and histological parameters were considered as treatment outcomes.Results: Metabolic outcomes(body weight and blood glucose level) were improved in the C. colocynthistreated groups as compared to placebo. Tail-flick and hot-plate tests also had lower latency in the C. colocynthis-treated groups. Measurement of oxidative stress markers(malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and catalase) showed the antioxidant effect of C. colocynthis. Histological evaluation of the sciatic nerve showed that C. colocynthis decreased the number of demyelinated and degenerated nerve fibers.Among the C. colocynthis-treated groups, the one receiving 100 mg/kg power per day orally had the best treatment outcomes.Conclusion: The present study showed that C. colocynthis fruit, through its antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities, has a positive effect in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Protection of Citrullus colocynthis Fruit Extracts on Carbon Tetrachloride-induced and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin plus Lipopolysaccharide-induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Objective To investigate the hepatoprotective activities of the extracts from Citrullus colocynthis(ECC),a native plant used as traditional Uigur Medicine on acute liver injury in mice.Methods The activities of ECC of petroleum ether(ECCPE),chloroform(ECCC),ethyl acetate(ECCEA),n-butyl alcohol(ECCBA),and water(ECCW) were evaluated in vivo using two experimental models,carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)- and bacillus calmette-guerin(BCG) plus lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in mice.The contents of aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) in serum were determined and the liver histological examination was carried out,respectively.Results The pretreatment with ECC for 7 d obviously reduced the impact of CCl4toxicity on the serum markers of liver damage,ECCEA and ECCC with a significant difference of AST(P < 0.01,0.05,respectively) and ALT(P < 0.05,0.01,respectively).The protective activity was reconfirmed against BCG + LPS-induced injury and the serum enzymatic levels were obviously elevated,for ECCEA and ECCC with a significant difference of AST(P < 0.05,0.01,respectively) and ALT(P < 0.01,0.05,respectively).Conclusion That ECCEA and ECCC are the potent hepatoprotective extracts that could protect liver against the acute injury,and this ability might be attributed to their hepatoprotective potentials.

Protective effect of juice extract of mesocarp rind of Citrullus lanatus in carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats

Objective:To investigate the protective roles of juice extract of mesocarp rind of C. lanatus in carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats. Methods: Thirty albino rats were divided into six groups of 5 animals each, namely Groups A–F. The oxidant (CCl4) was used to induce oxidative stress in rats. It was administered as a single subcutaneous injection (2.0 mL/kg body weight) diluted 1:1 in paraffin oil on the 21st day. Animals in Group A (control) received 1 mL of distilled water;Group B received 1 mL of distilled water + CCl4;Group C received 100 mg/kg body weight ascorbic acid + CCl4;while Groups D, E and F were administered with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight ofC. lanatus extract + CCl4 respectively. The treatments were given once a day and lasted for 21 days. The levels of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and serum were evaluated. Results:The assessment of antioxidant parameters revealed a significant (P< 0.05) hepatic oxidative damage in CCl4 treated albino rats, and this was considerably reversed to almost normal level in rats co-administered with juice extract of mesocarp rind ofC. lanatus at the dose level of 200 mg/kg body weight/day for 21 consecutive days. Conclusions:It can be concluded from this present study that the mesocarp rind ofC. lanatus is rich in antioxidants and thus suggesting the possibility of utilizing it as nutraceutical or functional foods to prevent or manage some critical complications in living cells.

武汉市设施西瓜种植土壤健康评价指标初步构建

对武汉市主要农业生产区设施西瓜[Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.)Matsum.&Nakai]土壤(0~20 cm)和农产品进行取样,并检测土壤理化指标和微生物数量及农产品品质指标。结果表明,研究区域内土壤酸碱度空间变异较大,pH在4.91~7.16;土壤有机质含量变化范围在9.43~30.75 g/kg;种植土壤的硝态氮含量非常丰富,有效磷和速效钾含量均处于较高水平;土壤容重和紧实度较为接近,土壤田间持水量因种植方式的不同存在一定差异;设施栽培土壤中真菌数量变化不大,而细菌和放线菌数量浮动较明显。通过主成分分析方法对武汉市设施西瓜土壤的健康评价指标进行筛选,初步选择了pH、速效钾含量、有机质含量、硝态氮含量、田间持水量和细菌含量等指标作为评价指标。

鄂州市土壤墒情变化规律与西瓜种植区土壤水分评价指标

为定量评估鄂州市西瓜(Citrullus lanatus L.)种植区土壤含水量和科学管控水分,利用鄂州市2015—2020年的气象资料及墒情监测数据,分析了鄂州市土壤墒情变化规律,初步建立西瓜土壤墒情评价指标体系,并选取日平均气温、7 d平均气温、日降水量、7 d累积降水量、相对湿度、平均风速和日照时数7个气象因子进行主成分分析。结果表明,鄂州市表层土壤墒情受降水量、平均气温、日照时数影响较大,平均风速对土壤水分变化影响不大;主成分分析预报模型能较好地预报土壤水分,达到乙级预报标准,可用于预报作业。采用该评价指标体系,西瓜种植区可以在生长周期内适当调整水分的供给,促进植株的生长,提高果实品质,还能节约有限的水资源。

^(60)Co-γ射线辐射西瓜种子对叶片光合色素含量和气体交换参数的影响

以12个不同千粒重的西瓜(Citrullus lanatus)品种干种子为试验材料,设置6个^(60)Co-γ射线剂量辐射处理,研究不同辐射剂量对西瓜种子的影响,并通过大田试验观察辐射材料的性状表现(开花期及果实性状)。结果表明,西瓜种子经^(60)Co-γ射线辐射后,叶片中的叶绿素a、类胡萝卜素含量随着辐射剂量的增大总体呈先增加后减小的趋势,叶绿素b含量及气孔导度、净光合速率、蒸腾速率总体随着辐射剂量的增加而减少;^(60)Co-γ射线辐射对不同千粒重西瓜干种子的敏感性由强到弱依次为大种子、小种子、中等种子;不同基因型西瓜种子辐射敏感性由强到弱依次为杂交种子、常规种子。

^(60)Co-γ射线辐射对西瓜蔓长、分枝数及开花期的影响

为了探索^(60)Co-γ射线辐射对西瓜[Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.)Matsum.&Nakai]开花期及果实性状的影响,选取千粒重不同的12个西瓜品种种子为材料,设置6个剂量辐射处理,研究不同辐射剂量对西瓜种子开花期及果实性状的影响。研究发现,西瓜蔓长对^(60)Co-γ射线辐射敏感,开花期对其不敏感。400 Gy条件下西瓜分枝数与对照差异达显著水平;800 Gy条件下对西瓜开花期抑制作用明显;西瓜种子适宜的^(60)Co-γ射线辐射剂量为400~600 Gy,不同千粒重西瓜种子的蔓长对^(60)Co-γ射线辐射的敏感性为大种子>小种子>中等种子,分枝数对^(60)Co-γ射线辐射的敏感性为小种子强于中等种子,开花期对^(60)Co-γ射线辐射的敏感性为大种子>小种子=中等种子。