Search Results (170)

Edible pumpkin flowers represent a promising but still underutilized source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Despite their traditional culinary use in various regions of the world, comprehensive studies comparing the nutritional and chemical composition of flowers from different Cucurbita species are limited. This study conducted a detailed chemical analysis of flowers from five pumpkin species: Cucurbita maxima (giant pumpkin), C. pepo (summer squash), C. moschata (butternut squash), C. ficifolia (fig-leaf gourd), and C. argyrosperma (cushaw squash). The analyses included the determination of basic nutritional components, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acid profiles using standard analytical methods (AOAC, ISO, and HPLC). Significant interspecific differences were observed. The flowers of butternut squash exhibited the highest protein and fat contents, while the flowers of cushaw squash contained the largest amounts of dietary fiber and total sugars. Flowers of giant pumpkin were distinguished by their elevated contents of vitamin C and β-carotene. Amino acid analysis revealed a rich protein profile, particularly in cushaw squash, characterized by high lysine and cysteine levels, whereas fig-leaf gourd contained the greatest amounts of leucine and isoleucine. The fatty acid composition was dominated by oleic, stearic, and myristic acids, while a considerable proportion of linoleic acid (PUFA) indicated potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory effects. Mineral analysis showed that giant pumpkin was richest in potassium, summer squash in zinc, and butternut squash in calcium and sodium. The findings confirm that pumpkin flowers are a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Their composition highlights their potential as functional food ingredients and as raw materials for use in the dietary, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Further studies on bioavailability and antioxidant capacity are recommended to better define their nutritional and functional value. Full article

In Saudi Arabia, cucurbit crops such as zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) and snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) are major vegetables and key dietary components, yet their associated viral threats remain poorly understood. We surveyed symptomatic cucurbit samples from greenhouses and open fields in the Al-Ahsa and Qatif regions. The detection methods employed included PCR, RCA, and Illumina NGS. Based on nucleotide sequence comparisons and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis, we identified three viruses, i.e., TYLCV, WmCSV, and ToLCPalV, present as both single and mixed infections. Sequence analyses revealed a novel strain, TYLCV-Hasa, representing a distinct lineage of TYLCV. Analysis revealed that recombination occurred solely in the DNA-A components of the identified viruses, while DNA-B segments showed no evidence of recombination. Notably, no DNA satellites were detected, suggesting cucurbits may act as independent reservoirs of begomovirus diversity. These results provide a comprehensive genomic insight into cucurbit-infecting begomoviruses in Eastern Saudi Arabia. The discovery of TYLCV-Hasa and evidence of recombination raise concerns about the emergence of novel viral variants that could pose risks to cucurbit cultivation. The results establish a foundation for advanced molecular surveillance and breeding strategies, contributing to improved food security and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable agriculture. Full article

Salt stress is one of the most significant abiotic factors limiting plant growth and crop productivity worldwide, especially in arid and semiarid regions. We aimed to investigate nitrogen fertilization strategies using nitrate and ammoniacal sources during different phenological phases of Italian zucchini cv. Caserta to alleviate salt stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were as follows: T1 = entire cycle with nitrate nitrogen + 0.50 dS m⁻¹ (control); T2 = entire cycle with nitrate nitrogen + 4.5 dS m⁻¹ (salt stress); T3 = 50% nitrate nitrogen + 50% ammoniacal nitrogen + 4.50 dS m⁻¹; T4 = ammoniacal nitrogen during the vegetative phase + nitrate nitrogen during the reproductive phase + 4.50 dS m⁻¹; T5 = nitrate nitrogen during the vegetative phase + ammoniacal nitrogen during the reproductive phase + 4.50 dS m⁻¹; T6 = entire cycle with ammoniacal nitrogen + 4.50 dS m⁻¹. Under salt stress conditions, Italian zucchini cv. Caserta showed a leaf area of 5783 cm² compared to an average of 4521 cm² under salt stress. Similarly, production per plant reached 1361 g in the control, while under salt stress it averaged only 442 g. However, under salt stress, T2 resulted in higher production compared with T3, T4, T5 and T6, although it was still lower than T1. The use of ammoniacal nitrogen throughout the cycle or during the reproductive phase caused flower abortion. Under salt stress, the application of ammoniacal nitrogen during the vegetative phase (T4) or a 1:1 ammonium–nitrate ratio throughout the cycle (T3) resulted in yields that were comparable to those achieved with nitrate-only fertilization (T2). Full article

This literature review systematizes current data on the development of triploid seedless hybrids in the Cucurbitaceae Juss family. The absence of seeds simplifies the consumption and industrial preparation of products from cucurbits. In addition, triploids showed larger plant habitus, field resistance to infections, extended shelf life, and higher fruit quality. Phenotypic differences in polyploids can stem from altered chromatin organization and gene regulation, as the nucleus must accommodate a doubled chromosome set. The triploid watermelon cultivation method developed in 1951 failed to gain traction among other crops in the gourd (Cucurbitaceae) family. The challenges of triploid seed production and use include the need for the development of tetraploid and diploid parental lines, as well as bypassing the problem of the low viability of tetraploid parent pollen and the issue of thick seed coats and underdeveloped embryos in triploids. The research findings presented in this review can be applied to the development of triploid seedless hybrids for other members of the Cucurbitaceae family. Full article

Soil degradation and climate-driven stress increasingly compromise crop performance by disrupting microbial communities and weakening soil biological functions. Microbial consortia such as Effective Microorganisms (EM) are widely adopted as nature-based solutions to enhance soil health and plant productivity, yet it remains unclear whether their biostimulant effects arise primarily from microbial activity or from the metabolites they release. This study aimed to disentangle these contributions by comparing the effects of EM and its cell-free extract (EM Extract) on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.), grown under controlled conditions. Growth parameters and pigment composition were quantified through morphological and spectrophotometric analyses, while soil microbial communities and metabolic profiles were characterized using metabarcoding and high-resolution FTIR-based soil metabolomics. Both EM and EM-derived cell-free extracts significantly enhanced zucchini growth, increasing plant height, biomass, chlorophyll content and root development. Cultural-based microbial analyses showed complementary shifts in rhizosphere communities, yet no major taxonomic differences were detected. Consistently, both treatments induced similar metabolomic changes in bulk and rhizosphere soils, resulting in a shared functional state shaped by plant inputs. These results suggest EM extract as a stable and effective alternative to live microbial inoculants for sustainable crop bio stimulation. Full article

Gynogenesis offers a promising route for doubled haploid (DH) production in Cucurbita, yet efficient protocols remain scarce. This study established a reproducible ovary culture system for Cucurbita pepo and evaluated zeatin riboside (ZR) as an alternative cytokinin. Ovaries collected at anthesis and one day before were cultured to screen nine media with different cytokinin–auxin combinations. Subsequently, four optimized ZR-based formulations were evaluated. Both floral stages showed morphogenic activity, but embryo formation occurred almost exclusively in pre-anthesis ovaries. Among ZR treatments, E6.1 (1 mg·L⁻¹ ZR + 3 mg·L⁻¹ NAA, 30 g·L⁻¹ sucrose) achieved the highest embryogenic output (approximately 97 embryos per 100 explants), while high-sucrose media (120 g·L⁻¹) induced abundant swollen ovules but poor conversion, suggesting that excessive osmotic pressure promotes morphogenesis but hampers embryogenic transition. In total, 415 embryos were obtained, and 52 regenerants were analyzed by flow cytometry, confirming haploid, diploid, and mixoploid plants and evidencing spontaneous chromosome doubling during in vitro development. A categorical A–D scoring system enabled early prediction of embryogenic potential. This represents the first successful application of ZR in cucurbit gynogenesis and highlights its value as a biologically compatible cytokinin for DH production. The findings open new avenues for testing ZR-based formulations in other Cucurbita species under different auxin and sucrose regimes. Full article

Powdery mildew represents one of the most significant challenges for cucurbit crops. In recent decades, progress has been made in identifying resistance sources that improve yield and quality while reducing fungicide use. This study explored the molecular mechanisms underlying cucurbit responses to powdery mildew through comparative RNA-seq of two contrasting Cucurbita pepo cultivars: the partially resistant 968Rb and the susceptible True French. Differential expression analysis between inoculated and non-inoculated conditions identified 398 DEGs in 968Rb and 1129 in True French. In 968Rb, a stronger defense response emerged with cell wall reinforcement and upregulation of fructose-1,6-biphosphate aldolase genes, while True French showed activation of chitinase genes. Machine learning models, including Random Forest and K-means, identified expression features and gene modules linked to resistance. By combining conventional and Artificial Intelligence-based analyses, we identified a putative adaptive genetic variation, supported by a higher single nucleotide polymorphism density within expression clusters enriched for upregulated genes in the partial resistant cultivar 968Rb. The integration of Artificial Intelligence tools in our pipeline facilitated the understanding of the genetic basis of Cucurbita pepo resistance to Podosphaera xanthii, highlighting the transcriptional modules and variant patterns associated with resistance traits, and providing a scalable framework for future applications in crop improvement. Full article

The sustainable valorisation of agro-industrial by-products offers a promising pathway to address global protein demand while supporting circular food systems. This study explored the biotechnological potential of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and walnut (Juglans regia L.) oilseed cakes as substrates for developing vegan yoghurt-like fermented beverages. Each formulation was fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and comprehensively evaluated for composition, functionality, sensory properties, and bioactivity. The oilseed-based beverages exhibited protein levels between 3.7–4.6%, fibre content up to 1.9%, and reduced syneresis (14–18%) compared with the commercial almond-based product (21.5%). The walnut-based variant (WOCY) showed the highest total polyphenol content (1108.97 mg GAE kg⁻¹) and antioxidant activity (412.54 mg Trolox kg⁻¹ DPPH; 51.5 mg TE g⁻¹ DW ABTS), surpassing both the almond-based vegan yoghurt (238.82 mg GAE kg⁻¹) and dairy reference (96.10 mg GAE kg⁻¹). Preliminary sensory profiling through the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) method indicated that pumpkin- and walnut-based samples were most associated with “creamy texture,” “nutty aroma,” and “very pleasant” descriptors, achieving acceptance comparable to or higher than conventional yoghurts. Microbiological analyses confirmed product safety and high viable cell counts (<10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹) after 14 days of storage. Oilseed cakes serve as efficient substrates for producing nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich, and sensorially appealing plant-based fermented beverages, supporting functional food innovation and promoting circular bioeconomy through the sustainable valorisation of agro-industrial by-products. Full article

Synthetic anthelmintic drugs not only contribute to the development of pathogen resistance and environmental pollution but also to the development of pathogen resistance. Therefore, identifying the anthelmintic properties of widely used medicinal plants could be of great practical interest to veterinary and human medicine. In our experiment, we evaluated the in vitro survivability of the noninvasive and invasive (L_1–2 and L_3, respectively) larvae of Strongyloides papillosus and Haemonchus contortus subject to aqueous solutions of ethanolic tinctures of traditional medicinal plants (46 species). Most of the plant species we studied belonged to the families Asteraceae (Achillea millefolium, Arctium lappa, Artemisia absinthium, Bidens tripartita, Calendula officinalis, Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, Echinacea purpurea, Helichrysum arenarium, Inula helenium, Matricaria chamomilla, Silybum marianum, Tanacetum vulgare, Taraxacum officinale, Tragopogon porrifolius), Rosaceae (Agrimonia eupatoria, Fragaria vesca, Sanguisorba officinalis), and Lamiaceae (Leonurus cardiaca, Mentha × piperita, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Thymus vulgaris). Other plant families were represented by 1–3 species: Fabaceae (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedysarum alpinum, Trifolium pratense), Salicaceae (Populus nigra, P. tremula, Salix alba), Fagaceae (Quercus robur), Betulaceae (Betula pendula), Juglandaceae (Juglans regia), Rhamnaceae (Frangula alnus), Acoraceae (Acorus calamus), Apiaceae (Foeniculum vulgare), Caprifoliaceae (Valeriana officinalis), Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbita pepo), Equisetaceae (Equisetum arvense), Ericaceae (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), Gentianaceae (Centaurium erythraea), Hypericaceae (Hypericum perforatum), Malvaceae (Althaea officinalis), Plantaginaceae (Linaria vulgaris, Plantago major), Poaceae (Zea mays), Polygonaceae (Polygonum aviculare), and Ranunculaceae (Nigella sativa). We determined Artemisia absinthium, Inula helenium, Matricaria chamomilla, Salvia officinalis, and Populus nigra, whose aqueous solutions of alcohol tinctures demonstrated nematocidal properties. The other plants we studied did not affect the viability of parasitic nematode larvae. Full article

The study investigates whether water extracts from industrial hemp inflorescences influence the germination and early growth of hull-less oilseed pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.), with the hypothesis that industrial hemp extracts may act as a biostimulant, enhancing growth, biomass, and bioactive compound accumulation in pumpkin seedlings. Fully developed and healthy inflorescences of industrial hemp were harvested, dried, ground into powder, filtered, and diluted to concentrations of control (water), 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% for the seed germination bioassay. Morphological, growth parameters, and bioactive compounds of the hull-less oilseed pumpkin sprouts were determined. Total germination rate was not affected with industrial hemp inflorescent water extracts, while sprout vigor index and biomass increased at 2.5 and 5.0% of the extract applied. The average root length of hull-less oilseed pumpkin sprouts was 14.19 cm, the stem length was 5.45 cm, and the fresh mass of the sprouts was 14.10 g per plant. Water extracts of 2.5 and 5.0% significantly (p ≤ 0.001) increased stem length by more than double, and the sprouts’ fresh mass by about 35% compared to the control. The average Chl a (chlorophyll), Chl b, Chl a + b, and Car (carotenoids) content was on average 0.161, 0.115, 0.268, and 0.136 mg g⁻¹ FW, respectively, and were significantly affected compared to the control. The highest total phenol (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) were determined for hull-less oilseed pumpkin sprouts at 1.0% of water extract (100.21 µg QC/1 g tissue and 0.02 µg GA/1 g tissue, respectively). Low absolute values are consistent with the early seedling stage, where secondary metabolism is underdeveloped. The antioxidant activity was determined with the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) method and a significant influence (p ≤ 0.05) of industrial hemp inflorescence water extracts on antioxidant activity of pumpkin sprouts was observed, which significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased on all treatments compared to the control, by 36% on average, with no significant differences among different concentrations of water extracts. Overall, industrial hemp inflorescence water extracts have a positive influence on the observed parameters, supporting the potential use of industrial hemp inflorescence water extracts as a biostimulant for hull-less oilseed pumpkin. Full article

The contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids were determined using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods, alongside antioxidant activity: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC), and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays). Additionally, the levels of antinutritional compounds (tannins, phytates, oxalates, alkaloids, and saponins) were assessed in the flowers of five pumpkin species: giant pumpkin, summer squash, butternut squash, fig-leaf gourd, and cushaw squash (Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, C. ficifolia, and C. argyrosperma). The results revealed significant interspecific variation in both bioactive and antinutritional compounds. Giant pumpkin flowers exhibited the highest content of polyphenols and phenolic acids, fig-leaf gourd flowers were the richest in carotenoids, whereas butternut squash flowers had the highest anthocyanin levels. The strongest antioxidant activity was observed in giant pumpkin flowers, which can be attributed to their high phenolic and flavonoid content. Despite the presence of moderate amounts of antinutritional compounds, pumpkin flowers can be considered a valuable edible raw material with nutraceutical potential. Full article

This study examined the cosmetic potential of extracts from the peel and pulp of fermented pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.). Fermentation was carried out using Lactobacillus strains (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum, and L. paracasei) and kombucha (SCOBY). Fermentation was carried out for 3 days (for lactic acid bacteria) and 10 and 20 days (for kombucha). The obtained products were analyzed by LC-MS for phytochemical composition and assessed for their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and ROS reduction in keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (HDF). The obtained ferments demonstrated cytoprotective effects (using Alamar Blue and Neutral Red assays). Both kombucha ferments and certain strains of Lactobacillus ferments demonstrated anti-aging effects (by inhibiting collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase) and anti-inflammatory effects (by significantly affecting IL-6 and IL-1β cytokine levels). A moisturizing skin toner containing the extracts and ferments was developed and tested for cytoprotective effects on HaCaT keratinocytes. The results confirm that fermented pumpkin peel and pulp extracts can be used as multifunctional cosmetic ingredients with the potential to provide antioxidant protection, anti-aging, and skin regeneration. Full article

Soil amendments can enhance soil and plant health; however, limited research has addressed their effects on soil health and crop productivity in alkaline soil. This study investigated the effects of various soil amendments and biostimulants by the Haney Soil Health Test, plant sap analysis, and Cucurbita pepo cv. ‘Dunja’ yield and quality. Treatments included unamended soil (T1) and applications of Humisoil® (T2), Humisoil with biochar (T3), wood vinegar (T4), Ensoil algae^TM (T5), and Humisoil with biochar and basaltic rock dust (T6). Compared to T1, T6, T5, T2, and T3 increased yield by 107%, 87%, 86%, and 52%, respectively. Regarding total fruit number per plant, T2, T6, and T5 outperformed T1 by 42%, 37%, and 37%, respectively. Additionally, T6 decreased Na concentration by 59% in the sap of young leaves and 50% in old leaves compared to T1. Compared to T1, T2 also reduced Na concentration in the sap of old leaves by 63%. For Cl, decreases of 30%, 16%, and 24% in old leaves were observed in T2, T4, and T6 treatments, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of biostimulants and soil amendments to improve zucchini yield and quality while improving soil health in alkaline soils. Full article

Hydroethanolic Cucurbita pepo seed extracts are traditionally used for alleviating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), yet their mechanisms remain unclear. Adenosine, a purine nucleoside involved in neuromodulation and smooth muscle relaxation, was recently identified in C. pepo seeds. Since A₁ adenosine receptors (A₁AR) suppress parasympathetic bladder overactivity by inhibiting acetylcholine (ACh) release, we investigated to which extent purines from pumpkin seed extracts contribute to A₁AR activation. Complementary antioxidant capacity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Three hydrophilic seed extracts containing different adenosine levels (0.60–1.18 mg/g dw) were evaluated for agonist activity using a cAMP inhibition assay. The most active extract showed an EC₅₀ of 40.22 µg/mL. Selective removal of adenosine shifted the dose–response curve rightward, while further elimination of an adenosine derivative increased the EC₅₀ to 212.10 µg/mL, confirming adenosine as the principal active compound. Guanosine and inosine did not exhibit A₁AR agonist or allosteric effects. All samples exhibited measurable but weak antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 1.02–4.19 mg/mL), consistent with their low total phenolic content. These findings underscore the importance of accounting for naturally occurring agonists in plant extracts to avoid overestimating receptor-mediated effects in vitro which are not translatable in vivo. Full article

The present work investigated how cube size (10 × 10 × 10 mm and 20 × 20 × 20 mm) and culinary technique (stir-frying, steaming, with raw zucchini as control) influence the nutritional profile, bioactive components, texture, and sensory properties of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.). Parameters assessed included moisture, dry matter, ash, protein, fat, antioxidant capacity (AC), total phenolic content (TPC), texture profile, and consumer acceptance. Cutting size significantly affected dry matter and ash contents, with larger cubes showing higher values. While TPC remained stable across sizes and methods, AC varied with both factors, reflecting contributions from non-phenolic antioxidants and retention differences. Hardness was unaffected by cutting size, but raw larger cubes had higher adhesiveness; cooking markedly reduced both parameters. Stir-frying increased dry matter, ash, protein, fat, and AC, partly due to incorporation of oil-derived antioxidants, whereas steaming preserved visual attributes and produced the highest sensory scores for appearance, colour, and texture. Smaller cubes were generally preferred in sensory evaluation. In summary, the culinary technique exerted a stronger effect than cube size: stir-frying boosted specific nutritional parameters, whereas steaming was more effective at maintaining sensory quality. Full article