Caracterização agronômica de linhagens de abóbora (Cucurbita moschata)

Abstract

The Cucurbitaceae family encompasses a wide diversity of genera and species adapted to tropical and subtropical climates, whose variability is valuable for genetic improvement through the description of their characteristics. This study aimed to agronomically characterize pumpkin lines (Cucurbita moschata) with the intention of developing new varieties of tetsukabuto hybrids. The experiment was conducted in the field from April to August 2019, using a randomized block design with 4 replications and 6 treatments: 10590 RL, 10595 RC, 10596 RC, 10598 RC, 10601 RC, and 10604 RC. Quantitative traits evaluated included fruit height, length, weight, BRIX index, flesh thickness, and seed quantity, as well as qualitative traits such as presence of ribs, fruit color, flesh color, and stem length. The line 10596 RC exhibited the highest BRIX index (18.92), indicating the greatest sweetness, while the line 10604 RC stood out for having the highest fruit weight (2219 g), potentially coupled with greater flesh thickness. In qualitative terms, the line 10595 RC was the only one not to present ribbed fruits in 100% of the samples, facilitating peeling, while the line 10590 RL was notable for having long stems in 100% of the plants, which may hinder plant density. These results contribute to the development of new varieties and provide the germplasm bank with options that meet market demands and promote the genetic evolution of the lines.