Investigating Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Edible Seeds in Some Local Populations of Iranian Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)

This study evaluated the quantitative and qualitative traits of ۱۳ local summer squash populations. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with ۳ replications for two years (۲۰۱۹ to ۲۰۲۰). The following traits were considered in this study: number, weight, length, width, and length/width ratio of fruits, seed yield, seed yield/fruit yield ratio, ۱۰۰۰ seeds weight, percentage of empty seeds, seed length, seed width, seed kernel/whole seed ratio, and seed oil percent. Also, quality tests were conducted including ease of separation of skin from the kernel, taste quality, and desirability of seed shape and size from the consumer's point of view. The analysis of variance showed significant differences in most of the studied traits. Based on the results of the mean comparison of traits, the highest seed yield was observed in Ghalami-Kalaleh#۱ and Mashhady-Azadshahr and then Mashhady-Khoy populations. The highest taste quality from the consumer point of view belonged to the Goushti-Kalaleh population. The results represent a positive and highly significant correlation between seed yield and fruit number. No significant correlation was observed between seed yield and other related traits. It is recommended that fruit number trait be considered in selecting programs and modifying high-yielding populations.

Keywords:

Edible seed quality , Seed quantitative features , Squash yield.