Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Cucurbita pepo L. landraces by some Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh

2 Department of Horticulture, Uniersity of Maragheh

3 West Azerbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Urmia, Iran

4 Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz

Abstract

Background and Objective: The present research aims to systematically evaluate and identify Iranian landraces of Cucurbita spp. that exhibit substantial genetic and phenotypic diversity, with the ultimate goal of selecting superior genotypes as potential candidates for future breeding programs. By assessing a broad range of agro-morphological, physiological, and possibly molecular traits, this study seeks to uncover valuable genetic resources that can be utilized to enhance desirable agronomic characteristics, such as yield potential, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and fruit quality, within cultivated Cucurbita varieties.
 
Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out in three repetitions based on RCBD in Oshnavieh City, Western Azerbaijan province, Iran. Some critical qualitative and quantitative traits of the collected cucurbit genotypes, based on the relevant descriptor, include Growth habit, branch presence, fruit shape, fruit surface spot, Peduncle length, ripe fruit, seed length, width, seed shape, 1000 seed weight, and kernel to shell ratio, which were measured and recorded.
 
Results: Based on the results, the landraces showed a high difference in yield and yield components of fruit and seed. In this study, the highest fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, number of seeds per fruit, and seed yield were obtained in the Qarahziyaaddin landraces. In contrast, the highest seed length was obtained in the Hamadani landraces, and the highest fruit width and thousand-seed weight were obtained in the Bal Qabaghi cultivar. The highest flesh-to-shell ratio was related to the Mashhad 10 landrace. In this study, fruit yield significantly correlated with fruit weight and fruit number. The highest kernel-to-shell ratio was also associated with the Mashhadhi 10 cultivar. In this research, fruit production exhibited a substantial and positive association with fruit weight and fruit quantity. The longest grain length was discovered in the Ghalami 30 cultivar, and the shortest in Mashhadhi 22. The maximum grain width was reported in Balgabaghi, and the weakest in Mashhadhi 40 and 22.  The most significant thousand-grain weight was observed in Balgabaghi (333.6 g), and the lowest in Mashhadhi 40 (111.2 g). The most excellent kernel-to-shell ratio was reported in Mashhadhi 10. The features of grain production, fruit, and quantity of grains demonstrated a favorable and substantial association with each other. Also, noticeable variations were noticed in growth habit, presence of branches and degree of branching, and leaf cutting shape among the cultivars.
 
Conclusion: In general, based on the needs of researchers and consumers, there is a considerable and acceptable variety of cucurbit genotypes in Iran.
 

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production
Volume 35, Issue 2
July 2025
Pages 269-293

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