<div style="text-align: justify;">Heterosis breeding is a potential tool to achieve improvement in quantity, quality and productivity in pumpkin. An investigation was carried out to study the heterosis and combining ability for earliness and yield characters of 28 hybrids of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir.) through diallel mating design excluding reciprocals. Evaluation of parents based on per se and general combining ability (gca) effects revealed that the parents Narendra Agrim, Kashi Harit, Punjab Samrat and Pusa Vishwas were identified as potential donors for improvement of earliness and yield characters. Among the 28 cross combinations of pumpkin, the crosses &lsquo;Kashi Harit x Punjab Samrat&rsquo; and &lsquo;Narendra Upcar x Suvarna&rsquo; were identified most promising based on per se values, significant sca and heterobeltiosis manifested in them. These two hybrids could be exploited at commercial level after critical testing.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Estimation of heterosis in relation to combining ability for earliness, yield and quality attributes in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir.)&nbsp;</div>

<div>Background: The popular vegetable sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata) is cultivated throughout Bangladesh. However, its yield is low owing to the severe infestation by fruit fly Bactrocera cucurbitae. This study investigated the toxicity of chemical insecticides and neem oil on fruit flies infesting sweet gourd. 
 
Methods: The repellency of adult fruit flies and larvae and the body weight and mortality of the larvae of the fruit fly were evaluated using three chemical insecticides- Karate 2.5 EC (cyhalothrin), Ripcord 10 EC (cypermethrin) and Shobicron 425 EC (profenofos Q+cypermethrin) and neem oil (azadirachtin).&nbsp; 
 
Result: The repellency rate of the fruit fly larvae varied from 20.0&plusmn;0.0 to 86.7&plusmn;6.7% and that of the adult fly from 13.3&plusmn;6.7 to 73.3&plusmn;6.7%; Shobicron 425 EC, at 2000 ppm, exhibited the best results in both the cases. The treatments negatively affected the weight of larvae compared to the control, where Shobicron 425 EC caused the lowest weight (7.8&plusmn;0.2 mg). The insecticides at 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment demonstrated toxic effects on the larvae, where the LC50 values ranged from 742.5 (550.4-1060.5) to 2476.3 (2150.6-2954.7) ppm at 72 h after treatment. On the whole, Shobicron 425 EC demonstrated better efficacy than the other insecticides against fruit flies.</div>

Toxicity of Chemical Insecticides and Neem Oil on Cucurbit Fruit Fly Bactrocera cucurbitae

The study was aimed at to investigate the anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cucurbita pepo against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep by scientifically validated in vitro and in vivo tests. In vitro anthelmintic activity was determined by egg hatch assay, larval migration inhibition assay and larval development assay against eggs and larvae of mixed gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. The extracts which were found to be effective in in vitro assays were further evaluated by in vivo faecal egg count reduction test against mixed species of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes with 3 different doses (125, 250 and 500 mg kg-1). Haematological and serum parameters were estimated before and after treatment to determine the impact of plant extracts on health of the animal. Aqueous extract of C. pepo demonstrated significant inhibition of egg hatch at 40 and 80 mg/ml. The ED50 value of egg hatch inhibition was 3.51mg/ml. In larval migration inhibition assay, both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. pepo demonstrated inhibition of larval migration and the LM50 was 1.75 and 0.32 mg/ml respectively. However, in larval development assay, both aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed only marginal inhibition of larval development at all concentrations tested. In faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), aqueous extracts of C. pepo at 500 mg/kg caused significant reduction in eggs per gram (96.61 per cent) the reduction being higher than the result obtained with albendazole, the positive control (93.25 per cent). There was a significant difference in EPG reduction between sheep treated with albendazole and C. pepo. Haematological and serum parameters were not affected in both the treated and untreated sheep indicating that the extracts did not cause toxic effects. Based on the results obtained in this study, the aqueous extract of C. pepo possesses anthelmintic activity and could offer an alternative source for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep.

Anthelmintic evaluation of Cucurbita pepo against&nbsp;gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep

<div>Background: Cucurbita maxima known as pumpkin belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae, widely used in traditional medicine. 
 
Methods: The present work evaluates the antioxidant activity of the different parts (leaves and fruit) of Cucurbita maxima. Antioxidant activity was assessed through the DPPH test and the &beta;-carotene bleaching test. 
 
Result: The results showed that the ethanolic extract of fruit and leaves are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and tannin with values, respectively (50.13&plusmn;4.49 mg EAG/g dry extract), (0.75&plusmn;3.64 mg EQ/g dry extract) and (477.05&plusmn;6.67 mg EAT/g dry extract) for the fruit, (27.37&plusmn;0.95 mg EAG/g dry extract), (1.83&plusmn;0.28 mg EQ/g dry extract) and (481.69&plusmn;5.77 mg EAT/g dry extract) for leaves. The ethanolic extract showed scavenger activity IC50 is 0.41&plusmn;1.20 &mu;g/ml fruit and 0.18&plusmn;0.06 &mu;g/ml leaf compared with 0.01&plusmn;0.01 &mu;g/ml BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene). The results obtained in the &beta;-carotene bleaching test of the ethanolic extracts of the leaves and fruit of Cucurbita maxima is of the order (70.13&plusmn;13.84%) and (67.69&plusmn;13.82%) respectively.</div>

Total Phenolic, Flavonoid Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extracts (Leaves and Fruit) of Cucurbita maxima Duch. ex Lam

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) belong to the family Cucurbitaceae and is an exotic crop grown in both open field and protected conditions. It is recently been popularized in India due to yield and health benefits and grown in various climatic and soil conditions.&nbsp; 
Methods: This crop is raised initially in polybags in Jorhat and Darrang of Assam and then transplanted in polythene mulched field conditions. It is grown from March-April in mild summers of North India and grows from September to December in lower hills or plains according to package of practice. 
Result: Various location specific spacing and fertilizers are incorporated in this crop and growth regulators like Ethrel are incorporated to promote the number of female flowers. This crop can provide huge income revenue if exported in near future.</div>

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) Cultivation in India: A Review

<div>Background: During present investigation burfi was prepared from different combinations of cow milk khoa and pumpkin pulp [viz., 100:00 (T1), 75:25 (T2), 70:30 (T3), 65:35 (T4) and 60:40 (T5)] and the samples were subjected to sensory evaluation, chemical analysis and cost was computed considering the ingredients and processing costs. The pumpkin pulp (as per treatments) and sugar (30% by weight of khoa) were mixed with khoa at different stage of khoa preparation. Then, the mixture was heated till burfi was obtained. 
 
Methods: For preparation of burfi fresh cow milk was obtained from Livestock Instructional Farm, Akola. The milk was standardized to 4.0 per cent fat and 9.0 per cent SNF for the preparation of burfi. The khoa blended with pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) pulp at different ratios, the product without using pumpkin pulp served as control. The burfi was analyzed for chemical composition (viz., fat protein, total sugars, ash and total solids). The organoleptic attributes of burfi were analyzed in terms of its flavor, body and texture and color and appearance, wherein the total score was out of 100; the judging panel comprised on 5 members. 
 
Result: The total sensory scores of burfi obtained were 87.81, 90.46, 95.46, 92.99 and 84.30 for the treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The burfi prepared from various combinations involving use of up to 70 per cent cow milk khoa in blend with pumpkin pulp was found acceptable. The fat content of burfi&rsquo;s was 19.61, 15.40, 14.38, 13.40 and 12.37 per cent, protein content was 14.89, 12.64, 12.11, 11.61 and 11.04 per cent, total sugar content was 32.78, 36.73, 37.59, 38.45 and 39.31 per cent, ash content was 2.69, 2.55, 2.53, 2.49 and 2.45 per cent, total solids content was 69.94, 67.30, 66.60, 65.94 and 65.17 per cent for the treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The fat, protein, ash and total solids of burfi tended to decrease while total sugar and moisture content tended to increase with an increase in the level of pumpkin pulp used as additive. The per kg cost of production of pumpkin based burfi decreased with increasing level of incorporation of pumpkin pulp in burfi formulation i.e. ₹ 240 (100:00 khoa), ₹ 204.51 (75:25, khoa: pulp), ₹ 199.11 (70:30 khoa: pulp), ₹ 194.33 (65:35 khoa: pulp), ₹ 189.25 (60:40, khoa : pulp) for the treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The most acceptable burfi i.e. T3 was computed to be priced at ₹ 199.11 per kg.</div>

​Effects of Addition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) Pulp on the Physico-chemical and Sensory Properties of Burfi and its Cost Structure

Background: Climate change has become a crucial factor affecting the timing and success of vegetable cultivation, especially in regions like the eastern Mediterranean where temperature and precipitation patterns are shifting. Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), typically grown in warm seasons, is an important export crop in the Mersin province of Turkey. However, few studies have examined its performance under different seasonal conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Methods: This study aimed to compare the yield and fruit quality traits of five hybrid (Alba F1, Amelthee F1, Hadra F1, H&uuml;rrem F1, Vildan F1) and five standard (Pelin, Nazlı (S), Black Squash Elite, Eskenderany, White Bush) summer squash cultivars grown in spring and autumn. The experiment was conducted under open-field conditions in Tarsus, Mersin in 2022 using a randomized plot design. Key yield parameters (fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, total yield) and quality traits (fruit flesh hardness, water-soluble dry matter, fresh and dry fruit weights) were evaluated using two-way ANOVA.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Result: Spring cultivation produced significantly higher yields (2595.12 g/plant) than autumn (635.51 g/plant), due to more favorable environmental conditions. &lsquo;Vildan F1&rsquo; had the highest yield in both seasons, while &lsquo;Hadra F1&rsquo; and &lsquo;Pelin&rsquo; were notable for fruit firmness and size. Although spring cultivation remains advantageous, autumn conditions increased dry matter content, suggesting potential benefits under future warming. These findings underline the importance of cultivar selection and seasonal planning for sustainable squash production and export continuity amid climate change.

Effect of Genotype &times; Season Interaction on Yield and Quality Traits in Hybrid and Standard Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) Cultivars

Background: Indiscriminate use of insecticides against fruit flies (Tephritidae: Diptera) has led to the development of residue and resistance and there is a need to try alternate eco-friendly management practices. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most widely used bacterium forming proteins active against insects of different orders. Thus, the present study was framed to characterize and evaluate 50 indigenous Bt isolates against cucurbit fruit fly maggots, Zeugodacus cucurbitae.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Colony morphology was observed visually, while crystal morphology was observed through a microscope. The cry gene content of the Bt isolates was screened by Polymerase Chain Reaction and the proteins harbored were assessed by SDS- PAGE analysis. Full diet contamination method was used to evaluate the toxicity of Bt isolates against cucurbit fruit fly maggots.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Uniform full white, off-white and creamy white colony colours were found except one isolate each, exhibiting full white at centre surrounded by off white and off white at centre surrounded by full white. Spherical shape crystal (45.10%) was predominant followed by cuboidal (29.41%), bipyramidal (17.65%), rectangular (3.92%) and minute crystal attached to spore (3.92%). Insecticidal proteins varied from ~15 to &gt;200kDa in size with one to four and more distinct bands per isolate. PCR screening revealed cry4Aa in 2 isolates, cry4Ba and cry11Aa in one isolate each, cyt1 in 1 isolate. The standard strain Bti 4Q2 (100% mortality of maggots) and the indigenous Bt isolates, T166 (92.59%), T184 (91.11%) and T60 (90.48%) were found to be significantly toxic.

Molecular Characterisation and Toxicity Analysis of Indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner Isolates against Cucurbit Fruit Fly Maggots, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquilett) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

<div>Background: Many studies have reported the contamination by pesticides in a variety of matrices, such as food, water and soil, which despite their use, health risk of pesticides residues on food and in drinking water for the general population has been raised. The aim of this study is to quantify the pesticides residues of Abamectin and Imidacloprid in some vegetable samples; to study the in vitro effects of the both pesticides on the lipid peroxidation and hemolytic activity and finally, based on the mathematical models we estimate the values equivalent to the concentrations of pesticide residues detected in the vegetable samples.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The extraction of pesticide residues from vegetable samples we use the FaPEx kits. Agilent Technologies 1260 infinity high performance liquid chromatography having UV/visible detector was used for the identification and quantification of pesticides residues. The results of this study proved the presence of pesticide residues in vegetable tested with higher values comparing with their corresponding MRLs.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The mean of the quantity of Abamectin detected in the vegetables samples ranged from 1.93 to 4.11 mg/kg for the green pepper (Capsicum annuum spp) and courgette (Cucurbita pepo), respectively. In addition, the Imidacloprid is just detected in the cucumber (Cucumis sativus) samples and the mean value of quantity is 24.09 mg/kg and corresponding MRL is 0.05 mg/kg. The in vitro study of the effects of the both pesticides on lipid peroxidation and hemolytic activity demonstrate significant effects of the different concentrations of the both pesticides on the both activities. The estimation by mathematical models of malondialdehyde quantity and hemolytic activity equivalent to the concentrations of the pesticides residues detected in vegetables samples proved the non-toxicity effects of these residues.</div>

The Estimation of Lipid Peroxidation and Osmotic Fragility of Human Red Blood Cell Induced by Pesticides Residues Detected in Some Vegetables Crops

Estimation of heterosis in relation to combining ability for earliness, yield and quality attributes in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir.)

Toxicity of Chemical Insecticides and Neem Oil on Cucurbit Fruit Fly Bactrocera cucurbitae

Anthelmintic evaluation of Cucurbita pepo against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep

Total Phenolic, Flavonoid Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extracts (Leaves and Fruit) of Cucurbita maxima Duch. ex Lam

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) Cultivation in India: A Review

Effects of Addition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) Pulp on the Physico-chemical and Sensory Properties of Burfi and its Cost Structure

Effect of Genotype × Season Interaction on Yield and Quality Traits in Hybrid and Standard Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) Cultivars

Molecular Characterisation and Toxicity Analysis of Indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner Isolates against Cucurbit Fruit Fly Maggots, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquilett) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Estimation of Lipid Peroxidation and Osmotic Fragility of Human Red Blood Cell Induced by Pesticides Residues Detected in Some Vegetables Crops