Fruit and seed characteristics of chihua squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma) accessions from the Yucatan Peninsula

Abstract

Introduction. The genus Cucurbita presents a wide diversity in Mexico, within the species that compose the genus have been selected for different purposes. This crop is an important part of the milpa complex in the Yucatan Peninsula. Objective. Evaluate some fruit and seed characteristics of six squash genotypes obtained in the Yucatan Peninsula from chihua squash. Materials and methods.  Six collections of Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber, obtained in the Yucatan Peninsula, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design for two years. The number of fruits per plot, fruit weight and size, seed weight and number of total, empty and full-filled seeds per fruit and brix degrees of pulp were quantified. Results. Differences in fruit production were found between collections but not for years. The dominant fruit size was medium, fruits between 500 and 999 g, with the Chetumal collection standing out, while the variables of seed weight and number of seeds were affected between collections and between years, as a result of low rainfall during the production cycle of the second year, all collections recorded a reduction in weight and an increase in the number of empty seeds, with Yucatan rebounding. Slight variations were identified in the concentration of brix degrees in the pulp, with the Chetumal collection standing out above the rest. Conclusions.  The evaluated collections present variability within them, which can be useful to select materials for different purposes and to obtain more benefits from this crop.