Chemosystematic survey of cultivated Cucurbita species (original) (raw)

1990, Journal of Horticultural Science

Results of flavonoid, total protein and peroxidase analyses in different organs from cultivars belonging to four Cucurbita species: C. ficifolia, C. moschata, C. maxima, and C. pepo are presented. Special attention is given to 'zapallo criollo' and 'zapallo macre', names of the strongly variable local races from the coastal valleys in northern Peru. A multivariate analysis produced a dendrogram relating the biotypes studied. A marked similarity was obtained for total proteins in most cases, while different patterns occurred for flavonoids and peroxidases. Relationships between the studied cultivars are discussed. AccoRDING to Whitaker (1947), 'The archeological and botanical records lead inescapably to the conclusion that the four cultivated Cucurbita, C. pepo, C. moschata, C. maxima and C. ficifolia, are New World in origin'. Secondary diversity centres for this genus exist ~