한작지(Korean J. Crop Sci.), 55(1): 47~57(2010)

Agronomic Characteristics of Squash Germplasm with a low viability in National Agrobiodiversity Center, Korea

Jeong-Soon Kim*, Young-Wang Na*, Woo-Moon Lee**, Jae-Gyun Gwag*, Chung-Kon Kim*, and Chang-Ki Shim*† *National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon 441-100, Republic of Korea. **Vegetable Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon 441-100, Republic of Korea.

ABSTRACT More than 2,500 accessions of squash germplasm and C. ficifolia (Andres, 1990; Boyette et al., 1984; Nee, are preserved in the National Agrobidiversity Center of RDA, 1990; Zeven and Zhukovsky, 1975). Korea. We investigated the ecological and morphological The increased seeds would be available for genetic diversity characteristics on 100 accessions of the squash germplasms analysis. Currently, the Agrobidiversity Center of RDA possesses with a low viability. Two typical types of oriental squash 2,500 accessions of Squash germplasm in five specieis, C. (Cucurbita moschata) and western squash (Cucurbita maxima) are possessed 89 and 11 accessions, respectively. The origin maxima, C. maxima spp. maxima, C. mixta, C. moschata, of 100 accessions was divided into three groups, group I C. pepo, and C. pepo spp. pepo. (Korea landraces with 81 accessions), group II (Nepal with Many old world C. pepo have been reported as feral species 15 accessions) and group III (Russia, Uzbekistan, Laos, and in the US and Mexico, particularly in the coastal plain Mexico with each one accession). Seventy eight accessions from Florida to Texas and into northern Mexico. Worldwide, germinated at 27℃ in growth chamber. Days to first flowering there may be more squashes grown in home gardens than of the female and male flower ranged from 32 days to 67 days and 24 days to 55 days after planting, respectively. are grown commercially for sale in local or distant markets Vine length showed the largest variation ranging from 357.8 (Cowan and Smith, 1993; FAO, 1992, 2006; Grumet and cm to 1,465 cm, also the average length of ten stem node Gifford, 1998; Peirce, 1987; Smith et al., 1992). range has a variable ranges from 92 cm to 217.5 cm. All Diversity in C. pepo is rooted in the ancient widespread regenerated squash accessions have an only collided tendril distribution of free-living populations. Different morphological and have three to seven lateral shoots. The flattened globe- and physiological traits have evolved, including early fruit shaped squash is the most predominant and exhibited ordinarily abscission from the peduncle in response to riverine dispersal round shaped, ball shaped, long oblong-shaped, elongated shape, and pear shape. The average weight of fruit ranged (Decker and Wilson, 1986a, 1986b, 1987; Decker et al. 1993; from 1.33 kg to 7.95 kg. Sugar contents showed 5.4~12.6 Wilson, 1990; Wilson et al., 1992). Brix° without ripening period. At first, Cucurbita was domesticated; it was for their edible seed because the fruit was bitter and poisonous. Efforts Keywords : squash germplasm, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita are being made to breed C. pepo for “naked” seed coats maxima, morphological traits so the seed will be more palatable, and to domesticate C. foetidissima and other xerophytic species so they can be About 27 species of Cucurtbitaceae, Cucurbita spp. are grown in arid lands for their oil and protein-rich seed in distributed in the world, and of these species, only economically Mexico (Kirkpatrick and Wilson, 1988; Oris et al., 2002; important five species have been cultivated commercialy Thomas, 2000; Robinson and Whitaker, 1997). species, Cucurbita moschata, C. maxima, C. mixta, C. pepo, Squashes are generally divided into two groups. One group is the Summer Squash, which have soft skins and †Corresponding author: (Phone) +82-31-299-1878 (E-mail) [email protected] are eaten when young. The other group is the Winter

47 48 한작지(KOREAN J. CROP SCI.), 55(1), 2010

Squash; these can be stored in the winter because they To be hardened off, the seedlings were exposed to outside have hard, protective shells. These are all warm-weather, temperatures and sunlight before planting. annual vines with large, lobed foliage and yellow blossoms. And Summer squash is Cucurbita pepo, but winter squash Transplanting may be C. pepo, C. moschata, C. mixta, or C. maxima Twenty-two days old and hardening off seedlings of 78 (Correll and Johnston, 1970; Wilson, 1990; Zhou, 1987). accessions were grown on black mulch with 4 replications Cucurbita is sometimes grown for ornamental purposes, each accession in the open-field of Chungnam Province at such as pumpkins and the ornamental gourd, C. pepo var. May 28, 2009. The soil was a loamy sand type. The chemical ovifera, or for the enormous fruit of C. maxima (Giant soil composions were checked before transplanting the pumpkin) grown for display purposes. In Latin American seedlings. countries, flowers, leaves and vine tips of Cucurbita are consumed, and mature fruit are used for livestock fodder Evaluation of agronomic traits or as containers (Decker and Wilson, 1986b; Paris and We carried out the regeneration and evaluation of agronomic Brown. 2005). traits according to the descriptors of RDA Genebank in The present study is based on comparative morphological Korea (RDA, 2004). And the morphological characteristics and anatomical investigation. It is intended that the result refer to the previous report by Chung et al. (1998) and the will provide the information about preserved Squash germplasm manual for Cucurbit seed production (McCormack, 2005). and variable genetic resources of squashes for the breeder To hand-pollinate the male and female flowers were tired and famer to breed a functional Squashes such as high up before flowering. Alternatively, we used a fine paintbrush sugar content, plant disease resistant and insect pest resistant to transfer the pollen from the stamens of male flower to Squash in Korea. the stigma of the female (McCormack, 2005). Observations on morphological characteristics, vegetative Materials and Methods and floral, were made on mature living plants grown in the open-field. Also, photographs were taken of relevant morphological Plant materials feature (Goldman, 2004). We selected and investigated to regenerate 100 accessions After transplanting, we observed the agronomic traits, from National Agrobiodiversity Center of Korea with Genebank days to first flowering of female and male flower (days), Management Program in 2009. One hundred accessions of color of flower, average length of vine (cm), number of lateral squash germplasms showed a lower viability and germination branch, average length of internodes per 10 nodes (cm), leaf rate in passport data. These accessions must be regenerated shape (angle, middle-angle, and round), average weight of without delay. We analyzed the profiles of tested squash ripen fruit (kg), fruit size, fruit shape, and sugar content germplasms about the origin, introduced countries, and (Brix°), every week from May 5 to Oct. 9. species. Results Germination All of tested seeds were in punched polyvinyl pack, and Genetic and Geographical Diversity of squash disinfected with 2% NaOCl for 2 hrs and washed with We analyzed one hundred accessions of squash germplsm distilled water three times, and placed on the moisture in two squash species, C. moschata and C. maxima according filter paper in the 11 × 2 cm of petri-dish at 27℃ for to the passport data of RDA genebank. One type is the 89 one-week. The germination rate of tested squash seeds accessions of oriental squash, C. moschata, and the other were checked at 7 days after sowing. Germinated seeds were type is the 11 accessions of western squash, C. maxima placed in 48 cell trays filled with artificial soil media in a (Table 1). The origins of 89 accessions were grouped in three: greenhouse, and then checked the emergence rate of seedling. group I (Korea landrace with 81 accessions), group II (Nepal Agronomic Characteristics of Squash Germplasms 49 with 15 accessions) and group III ( Russia, Uzbekistan, Laos, male were 47.9 (±11.1) days and 39.5 (±8.4) days, respectively and Mexico with each one accession) (Table 1). (Table 3). The average length of main vine was estimated from Seedlings Culture root crown to tip of plant at 110 days after squash seedling For germination, they were placed on wet filter paper in transplanting. The average length of main vine was 807.1 Petri dishes at 27℃ after disinfection of microbes. Only (±7.2) cm. And the average length of minimum and maximum fifteen (15%) of 100 accessions showed germination rate of main vine were 357.8 (±6.9) cm and 1465.0 (±12.9) cm, higher than 85% and also sixty-eight accessions have a respectively (Table 3). low germination rate lower than 55% after 7 days (Fig. 1). The average number of lateral branch of each plant distributed Among one hundred accessions, seedlings of seventy eight from 3 to 7. The number of lateral branch is 3 in forty- accession emerged at 22 days after sowing in the greenhouse. nine accessions. All of the accessions have a tendril with The field soil conditions were good for regeneration of same shape. And the average length of internodes per 10 squash germplasm in Chungnam Province (Table 2). nodes was estimated at 115 days after seedling transplanting. The average length of internodes per 10 nodes ranged from Quantitative traits of squash growth 92.0 (±2.5) cm to 217.5 (±6.5) cm (Table 3). Twenty-two days old seedlings of seventy-eight accessions We estimated the characteristics of matured fruit, fruit were transplanted with 4 replications at May 28, 2009. height (H), fruit diameter (D), fruit shape (H/D), fruit weight, The first plant of female flower opened at 32 days and and thickness of flesh. The height of fruit ranged from the last at 67 days. Days to flowering were counted twelve 21.3 (cm) accessions of male flower and five accessions of female to 46.8 (cm). The fruit diameter was distributed from 19.5 flower were counted over 55 days and 67 days, respectively. (cm) to 50.4 (cm). The average fruit height and fruit diameter Also, the first plant of male flowered at 24 days and the were 32.5 (cm) and 32.3 (cm), respectively. Fruit shape last at 55 days. Mean time to the first flower of female and was analyzed using the height (H) and diameter (D) ratio

Table 1. Distribution of 100 accessions of Squash germplasms for origin and species in this study.

Country Cucurbita maxima Cucurbita moschata Korea 8 73 Nepal 2 13 Russia 1 0 Uzbekistan 1 0 Laos 0 1 Mexico 0 1 Fig. 1. The average germination rate of one hundred accessions Total 12 88 of Squash germplasm at 7 days after sowing.

Table 2. Chemical analysis of field soil composion in Chungnam Province in 2009.

Soil Depth Oargnic Ava. P Exchangeable (cmol/g) Texture pH(1:5) T-N (%) (cm) Matter (%) (ppm) Ca Mg Na 5 Sandy loam 5.32 0.25 9.3 24.9 2.65 1.18 0.01 30 Sandy loam 5.54 0.24 7.9 18.0 3.25 1.08 0.02 T-N: total nitrates, Ava. P: Average phosphate 50 한작지(KOREAN J. CROP SCI.), 55(1), 2010

Table 3. Characterization of flowering date and growth of main vine and laternal vine.

†† Days to flowering Average length (cm) Presence of No. of IT Sepcies † Female Male Main vine Internode Tendril laternal 101358 Cucurbita maxima 35 32 725 197 1 3 104271 Cucurbita moschata 35 32 860 217 1 3 104664 Cucurbita moschata 35 32 730 189 1 3 105475 Cucurbita moschata 35 32 706 186 1 3 136692 Cucurbita moschata 39 32 1245 173 1 3 105829 Cucurbita moschata 39 32 440 173 1 3 108747 Cucurbita moschata 39 32 900 153 1 3 109045 Cucurbita moschata 43 32 980 150 1 5 195046 Cucurbita moschata 39 32 790 174 1 3 200654 Cucurbita moschata 39 32 1120 180 1 5 111081 Cucurbita moschata 35 24 880 190 1 5 113576 Cucurbita maxima 32 24 1110 180 1 3 136690 Cucurbita maxima 35 26 1370 153 1 5 136688 Cucurbita moschata 39 32 580 190 1 5 136693 Cucurbita moschata 43 35 1470 216 1 7 111097 Cucurbita moschata 54 43 480 157 1 3 136694 Cucurbita maxima 43 55 780 163 1 5 209299 Cucurbita moschata 54 39 360 147 1 3 103876 Cucurbita moschata 54 35 670 140 1 3 136695 Cucurbita moschata 43 35 1360 160 1 5 136696 Cucurbita moschata 35 43 780 215 1 5 136697 Cucurbita moschata 60 43 970 170 1 7 136698 Cucurbita moschata 32 43 870 220 1 5 136699 Cucurbita moschata 60 43 880 158 1 7 136700 Cucurbita moschata 60 43 1080 185 1 7 156575 Cucurbita moschata 60 43 830 192 1 3 103894 Cucurbita moschata 67 50 860 160 1 3 137931 Cucurbita moschata 67 55 1113 157 1 5 137947 Cucurbita moschata 32 35 980 177 1 5 137955 Cucurbita moschata 35 43 570 130 1 5 137958 Cucurbita moschata 39 43 970 160 1 3 137959 Cucurbita moschata 39 43 1040 140 1 3 137963 Cucurbita moschata 55 35 820 210 1 3 137964 Cucurbita moschata 55 35 720 175 1 5 156579 Cucurbita maxima 35 32 510 147 1 3 156580 Cucurbita moschata 39 32 710 155 1 3 170515 Cucurbita moschata 55 43 710 134 1 5 194586 Cucurbita moschata 55 43 710 205 1 3 156585 Cucurbita moschata 43 35 595 145 1 3 Agronomic Characteristics of Squash Germplasms 51

Table 3. Continued.

†† Days to flowering Average length (cm) Presence of No. of IT Sepcies † Female Male Main vine Internode Tendril laternal 156585 Cucurbita moschata 43 35 595 145 1 3 162803 Cucurbita moschata 55 39 890 159 1 5 170502 Cucurbita moschata 55 35 540 140 1 3 170503 Cucurbita moschata 67 35 840 152 1 3 175892 Cucurbita moschata 55 43 530 93 1 3 180450 Cucurbita moschata 60 55 520 105 1 3 173630 Cucurbita moschata 55 43 642 162 1 3 195044 Cucurbita moschata 35 32 727 142 1 5 170509 Cucurbita moschata 43 32 530 160 1 3 186361 Cucurbita moschata 43 32 635 135 1 3 186362 Cucurbita moschata 43 32 1017 142 1 3 170504 Cucurbita moschata 43 32 1052 212 1 3 170507 Cucurbita moschata 43 35 840 136 1 3 170508 Cucurbita moschata 43 35 720 120 1 5 194582 Cucurbita moschata 43 35 720 163 1 3 194583 Cucurbita moschata 43 35 660 177 1 5 178767 Cucurbita moschata 60 55 640 175 1 3 180449 Cucurbita moschata 32 43 970 212 1 3 180451 Cucurbita moschata 32 35 632 220 1 5 180528 Cucurbita moschata 39 43 980 160 1 3 180534 Cucurbita moschata 60 55 490 145 1 3 180569 Cucurbita moschata 67 43 830 150 1 3 180658 Cucurbita moschata 60 43 390 133 1 3 181020 Cucurbita moschata 60 43 760 190 1 5 181022 Cucurbita moschata 60 43 410 190 1 3 186343 Cucurbita moschata 60 39 785 193 1 3 186354 Cucurbita moschata 35 32 690 184 1 3 186355 Cucurbita moschata 55 32 1293 116 1 3 186356 Cucurbita moschata 55 32 820 196 1 3 186365 Cucurbita moschata 60 55 870 200 1 5 186370 Cucurbita moschata 60 55 520 117 1 5 188211 Cucurbita maxima 60 55 770 205 1 3 188216 Cucurbita moschata 60 55 1117 157 1 5 188334 Cucurbita moschata 60 55 1010 178 1 3 188215 Cucurbita moschata 67 55 620 120 1 5 189654 Cucurbita moschata 60 55 820 155 1 5 189658 Cucurbita moschata 55 43 390 130 1 3 191186 Cucurbita moschata 55 43 890 180 1 5 194584 Cucurbita moschata 55 43 980 178 1 3 † : 1 and 0 was scored as the presence and absence of Tendril, respectively. †† : Korean Genebank's Identity Number. 52 한작지(KOREAN J. CROP SCI.), 55(1), 2010 of fruit. The height and diameter ratio of fruit showed a range from 0.8 to 2.1 (Table 4). Qualitative traits of squash growth The average weight of ripen fruit ranged from 1.3 kg to Colors variations of female and male flower ranged from 8.0 kg. Fifty eight accessions of the small-middle sized light creamy-yellow to deep orange-yellow in all accessions fruits were ranged from 1.0 kg to 5.0 kg. Two accessions (Fig. 2). with larger fruits weights of were showed the average The leaf shape of 78 accessions of squash was characterized weight of ripen fruit with 7.4 kg and 8.0 kg (Table 4). with the angle formed when the two sides of the leaf come Average sugar content of 71 accessions of matured squash together at the tip at 90 days after seedling transplanting. fruit ranged from 5.4 to 12.6 Brix° and forty one accessions The leaf shape was divided into at least three types, angle, showed the sugar content from 9.1 to 12.6 Brix° (Table 4). middle-angle, and round. Thirty eight (49%) accessions of

Table 4. Characterizations of fruit shape, fruit size, fruit weight, and thickness of flesh.

Fruit (cm) Flesh Fruit † IT Fruit Shape Height (H) Diameter (D) Thickness (cm) Weight (kg) (H/D) ±SD ±SD ±SD ±SD 101358 Teardrop Shaped 25.3±5.0 25.6±1.5 1.0 2.5±0.3 1.7±0.6 104271 Globe Shaped 37.3±0.6 38.2±1.0 1.0 3.2±0.1 4.7±0.6 104664 Globe Shaped 34.0±5.8 35.9±0.9 0.9 3.1±0.1 3.5±1.2 105475 Flattened Globe Shaped 33.5±1.0 40.1±0.8 0.8 2.0±0.1 4.8±0.6 195046 Flattened Globe Shaped 27.3±0.5 28.4±1.0 1.0 2.3±0.4 2.1±0.1 105829 Elongated Shaped 38.3±2.4 24.5±1.6 1.6 2.4±0.3 3.8±1.9 108747 Globe Shaped 34.5±2.1 38.1±0.9 0.9 3.5±0.2 4.0±0.3 109045 Cylindrical-Shaped 36.5±1.7 29.3±1.2 1.2 4.7±0.6 3.6±0.7 111081 Flattened Globe Shaped 29.3±3.6 35.0±0.8 0.8 2.7±0.1 2.8±0.5 113576 Crookneck-Shaped 45.0±3.6 21.0±2.1 2.1 2.4±0.3 2.5±0.1 136690 Cylindrical-Shaped 31.2±1.3 23.7±1.3 1.3 1.8±0.1 2.2±0.1 136688 Elongated Shaped 38.3±2.4 31.0±1.2 1.2 2.7±0.7 4.2±0.9 136693 Pear-Shaped 39.5±1.0 31.0±1.3 1.3 3.0±0.5 5.3±0.3 156580 Elongated Shaped 39.8±3.9 23.9±1.7 1.7 3.2±0.3 2.5±0.5 136694 Globe Shaped 31.5±1.0 32.0±2.4 1.0 3.0±0.1 4.0±0.5 209299 Globe Shaped 32.8±5.1 22.3±1.5 1.5 2.2±0.1 2.1±0.2 103876 Pear-Shaped 21.3±1.0 23.6±0.9 0.9 2.5±0.3 1.3±0.1 136695 Globe Shaped 29.0±2.6 31.7±0.9 0.9 3.9±0.8 4.3±0.6 136696 Flattened Globe Shaped 31.1±2.0 38.2±0.8 0.8 3.0±0.5 3.6±0.6 136698 Pear-Shaped 31.5±1.3 32.3±1.0 1.0 3.3±0.2 3.5±0.3 136699 Elongated Shaped 37.8±4.2 28.8±1.3 1.3 2.6±0.2 4.0±0.3 136700 Flattened Globe Shaped 31.3±1.5 36.1±0.9 0.9 3.9±0.5 4.0±0.3 156575 Flattened Globe Shaped 22.5±1.0 26.3±0.9 0.9 2.5±0.1 1.9±0.1 137947 Elongated Shaped 44.5±0.6 25.3±1.8 1.8 2.1±0.1 3.6±0.7 137955 Flattened Globe Shaped 27.8±2.2 31.0±0.9 0.9 2.6±0.6 3.0±0.9 137958 Flattened Globe Shaped 26.8±1.7 32.1±0.8 0.8 2.2±0.2 2.9±0.3 137959 Flattened Globe Shaped 33.2±0.7 37.8±0.9 0.9 2.9±0.2 3.4±0.2 137963 Flattened Globe Shaped 32.5±1.0 34.3±0.9 0.9 2.8±0.1 3.2±0.3 137964 Elongated Shaped 43.8±1.7 26.6±1.6 1.6 3.2±0.1 4.2±0.2 156579 Pear-Shaped 28.5±1.9 26.9±1.1 1.1 2.8±0.4 2.5±0.2 156580 Flattened Globe Shaped 34.0±3.7 32.3±1.1 1.1 3.4±0.4 3.0±0.2 170515 Flattened Globe Shaped 36.3±1.0 42.9±0.8 0.8 2.4±0.2 4.9±0.1 Agronomic Characteristics of Squash Germplasms 53

Table 4. Continued.

Fruit (cm) Flesh Fruit † IT Fruit Shape Height (H) Diameter (D) Thickness (cm) Weight (kg) (H/D) ±SD ±SD ±SD ±SD 194586 Flattened Globe Shaped 30.8±1.5 36.0±0.9 0.9 2.8±0.5 3.2±0.1 156585 Flattened Globe Shaped 34.0±2.6 42.2±0.8 0.8 3.4±0.3 6.0±0.4 162803 Globe Shaped 36.8±1.7 32.9±1.1 1.1 2.7±0.5 3.5±0.2 170502 Crookneck-Shaped 46.8±2.2 22.1±2.5 2.1 2.2±0.1 2.6±0.3 175892 Globe Shaped 30.3±0.9 27.0±0.9 1.1 2.0±0.2 2.1±0.1 180450 Flattened Globe Shaped 26.2±1.0 34.3±1.4 0.8 2.7±0.3 3.1±0.2 173630 Flattened Globe Shaped 41.6±1.3 50.4±4.0 0.8 2.3±0.2 7.4±0.2 195044 Crookneck-Shaped 43.5±2.6 22.0±1.4 2.0 2.4±0.3 2.1±0.1 170509 Flattened Globe Shaped 22.3±0.6 26.3±0.6 0.8 1.8±0.2 1.4±0.1 186361 Flattened Globe Shaped 27.2±5.0 37.4±2.5 0.7 2.7±0.2 5.2±0.2 186362 Flattened Globe Shaped 34.0±1.8 40.8±7.0 0.8 2.6±0.2 5.1±0.8 170504 Elongated Shaped 38.5±3.1 19.5±3.5 2.0 2.3±0.1 3.1±0.5 170507 Flattened Globe Shaped 23.6±1.8 25.4±1.3 0.9 1.9±0.1 1.5±0.2 170508 Flattened Globe Shaped 26.1±1.0 28.5±1.6 0.9 2.3±0.2 2.7±0.2 194582 Globe Shaped 33.4±1.7 46.6±2.4 0.7 2.8±0.4 5.0±0.2 194583 Pear-Shaped 35.3±3.3 34.3±5.1 1.0 3.5±0.7 4.2±0.4 178767 Pear-Shaped 32.0±2.8 32.1±5.2 1.0 3.9±0.5 4.1±1.0 180449 Globe Shaped 31.3±1.9 30.8±5.7 1.0 2.3±0.1 4.7±0.2 180451 Flattened Globe Shaped 34.7±1.2 42.9±2.1 0.8 2.1±0.2 6.3±0.3 180528 Globe Shaped 27.8±2.5 34.0±8.5 0.8 2.0±0.1 6.9±0.2 180534 Globe Shaped 33.8±0.5 43.4±1.5 0.8 3.6±0.8 7.1±0.2 180658 Globe Shaped 28.0±1.7 32.5±3.6 0.9 2.7±0.3 2.7±0.6 181020 Flattened Globe Shaped 27.3±1.0 35.9±2.6 0.8 2.6±0.1 3.1±0.5 181022 Globe Shaped 29.0±2.6 33.7±4.7 0.9 2.6±0.1 3.3±0.6 186343 Cylindrical-Shaped 31.5±1.2 28.1±0.8 1.1 2.4±0.3 2.2±0.2 186354 Flattened Globe Shaped 33.2±1.0 40.6±2.8 0.8 2.6±0.4 6.2±0.3 186355 Cylindrical-Shaped 43.1±2.9 34.4±2.4 1.3 4.2±0.3 7.0±0.3 186356 Flattened Globe Shaped 32.0±5.1 36.0±7.1 0.9 3.6±0.1 3.6±0.3 186365 Flattened Globe Shaped 32.4±3.1 37.5±0.0 0.9 2.9±0.3 5.8±0.8 186370 Flattened Globe Shaped 29.3±2.3 37.3±4.2 0.8 2.7±0.3 3.4±0.1 188211 Flattened Globe Shaped 31.6±1.3 37.7±1.5 0.8 2..8±0.1 3.7±0.2 188216 Crookneck-Shaped 38.0±3.5 19.5±1.0 1.9 2.0±0.2 1.7±0.2 188334 Flattened Globe Shaped 38.7±1.4 48.8±6.1 0.8 3.1±0.3 8.1±0.7 189654 Elongated Shaped 39.0±1.4 25.3±2.1 1.5 2.5±0.3 4.9±0.2 189658 Globe Shaped 29.8±1.0 32.6±2.9 0.9 2.7±0.2 3.0±0.4 191186 Flattened Globe Shaped 36.9±3.7 43.9±3.5 0.8 2.7±0.3 6.5±0.3 194584 Globe Shaped 39.8±1.3 44.4±1.3 0.9 2.7±0.1 7.3±0.3 195045 Globe Shaped 23.3±1.0 23.5±1.4 1.0 3.0±0.6 1.7±0.1 195045 Globe Shaped 21.5±2.1 24.1±5.7 0.9 2.7±0.1 2.0±0.7 SD : Standard deviation H/D: 1, round; 1<, flat; 1>, ellips or fusiform † : Korean Genebank's Identity Number. 54 한작지(KOREAN J. CROP SCI.), 55(1), 2010

Fig. 2. Variation of flower color, leaf shape, and fruit shpe, for the 78 accessions of squash germplasm in 2009. CR: Crookneck-Shaped, CY: Cylindrical-Shaped, EL: Elongated Shaped, FL: Flattened Globe Shaped, GL: Globe Shaped, PE: Pear-Shaped, and TE: Teardrop Shaped.

Fig. 3. Morphological diversity of fruit shapes and fresh colors. the emerged squash showed the round type of leaf shape. elongated shaped, cylindrical-shaped, and crookneck-shaped. And seventeen and twenty four accessions showed the angled The most predominant fruit shape is the flattened globe- and middle-angled type of leaf shape (Fig. 2), respectively. shaped shared by 30 accessions. And the globe-shaped and The fruit shape of squash exhibited seven types, pear- pear-shaped equally scored as 15 accessions (Fig. 2 and shaped, teardrop shaped, globe shaped, flattened globe shaped, Fig. 3). Agronomic Characteristics of Squash Germplasms 55

Discussion carried out the analysis of the soil chemical and physical conditions in this study. No damage of frost was observed The word, Squash, comes from the Massachusetts Indian on early growth stage. Almost all of the squash varieties word, askutasquash, meaning “eaten raw or uncooked.” And responded well to fertile soil and as much warmth and squashes are generally divided into two groups. One group sunshine as they can get. But the field soil conditions were is the Summer Squash, which have soft skins and are eaten good for regeneration of squash germplasm. when young. The other group is the Winter Squash; these The ecological and morphological researches of squash can be stored in the winter because they have hard, protective are very rarely reported in Korea. Luckily, there are a shells (Hurd et al., 1971; Jeffrey, 1990; Smith et al., 1992; number of the studies for the ecological and morphological Wilson, 1990; Zhou, 1987). Worldwide, summer squash ranks characteristics of the Korean landrace Squash (Chung et high economically among other vegetables crops (Kemble al., 1998) and the characterization of 63 accessions of et al., 2005; Kovatch, 2003). landrace squash, C. mosachata, at central districts in Korea The previous breeders attempted to breed the interspecific (An et al., 1994). hybrid between C. moschta and C. pepo showed the characteristics Summer squash requires 50 to 60 days to mature, while of stand type with short vine and the higher yield in Korea winter squash takes 90 to 120 days, depending upon the (Kim and Seo, 1976; Kwack and Fujieda, 1988). variety and growing conditions. Squash are usually best Gemplasm conservation facilities require an accurate under- direct sown in late May or early June when the soil standing of the patterns of genetic diversity within and among warmed to at least 16℃ (Kovatch, 2003; McCormack, accessions that comprise germplasm collections and the 2005). Chung et al. (1998) reported that days to flowering ecogeographical patterns (FAO, 2006; FAO/IPGRI, 1994; the first female flowers the 24 Korea landrace squashes IBPGR, 1982). were mostly 82 days after sowing. And the earliest days to Among the tested 100 accessions of squash germplasm, flowering of the first female flowers were 57 days in one the species were divided into two groups, C. moschata and variety after sowing. C. maxima, according to the passport data in this study. Although, the latest flowering days of male and female Generally the world Genebank management systems alarmed flower were counted over 77 days and 89 days after the viability of germplasm when the germination rate falls sowing, respectively in our study. But, the first plant of below 85% of the initial value, and the number of seeds male and female flowers rapidly flowered at 46 days and in base collection falls below the number required for at 54 days after sowing, respectively. Also, the mean time to least three cycles of regenerations (FAO/IPGRI, 1994; the first flower of female and male were scored at 47.9 McCreight, 1998; Rao et al., 2006). (±11.1) days and 39.5 (±8.4) days, respectively. Especially, In our results, sixty-eight (68%) accessions of the tested all regenerated squashes are monoecious, bearing separate squash germplasm significantly scored below 55% of germination male and female flowers on the same plant. rate. These accessions were so quite worrying about the Theoretically, almost all squash are have indeterminate safety in the germplasms conservation and must be regenerated type with an endless elongation of vine, but sometimes the without delay. determinate type occurred in the field (Jeffrey, 1990; Paris, All of the domesticated cucurbits are frost-sensitive, and 2001). In our results, the average length of minimum and will grow well on almost any soil. Most cultivars require maximum of main vine were 357.8 (±6.9) cm and 1465.0 a period of warm weather, but not extreme in the fall, good (±12.9) cm, respectively. Jang et al. (1998) reported that air drainage, and planting on the high end of a slope is there are three type of vine growth, dwarf type, semi-vine recommended so that plants avoid frost pockets (Kemble et type, and vine type, in the morphological analysis of 15 al., 2005). accessions of squash germplasm in 1997. To avoid the damage of frost and sunlight, we have a We analyzed the fruit shape of squash germplasm with period for the harding off seedling plant for 7 days, and the height (H) and diameter (D) ratio. The range of H/D 56 한작지(KOREAN J. CROP SCI.), 55(1), 2010 ratio of fruit ranged from 0.8 to 2.1. According to the H/D References ratio, group one has the value below 1, group two has the value near 1, and group three has the value above 1. Group An, K. B., J. W. Lim, M. W. Seo, H. C. Rhee, C. J. Yu, K. one showed the flattened globe shaped. And, group two C. Kwon, and H. Y. Park. 1994. Research on characteristic factors of 63 native accessions Cucurbita moschata Duch. possessed three types, the pear-shaped, teardrop shaped, at central districts in Korea. Kyung-gi Agri. Research and globe shaped. Also, group three have three phenotypes, (KGARR) 7:107-113. elongated shaped, cylindrical shaped, and crookneck-shaped. Andres, T. C. In: Biology and Utilization of the Cucurbitaceae. In our results, the small-middle sized fruit ranged from Bates DM, Robinson RW, Jeffrey C, editors. Ithaca, NY: 1.0 kg to 5.0 kg. The larger fruit weight of fourteen accessions Cornell Univ. Press; 1990. pp. 102–119. Boyette, G., E. Templeton, and L. R. Oliver. 1984. Texas gourd showed the range from 5.1 kg to 8.1 kg. The average sugar (Cucurbita texana) control. Weed Science 32:649-655. contents ranged from 5.4 to 12.6 Brix° without ripening Chung, H. D., S. J. Youn, and Y. J. Choi. 1998. Ecological period after matured fruits harvesting. and morphological characteristics of Korean native Squash Winter squash comes in shape round and elongated, scalloped (Cucurbit mosachata). J. Kor. Soc. Hort. Sci. 39:377-384. and pear-shaped with flesh that ranges from golden-yellow Correll, D. S. and M. C. Johnston. 1970. Manual of the vascular plants of Texas. Texas Research Foundation, to brilliant orange. Most winter squashes are vine-type Renner. plants whose fruits are harvested when fully mature. They Cowan, C. W. and B. D. Smith 1993. New perspectives on a take 3 months or more longer to mature than summer squash, wild gourd in eastern North America. Journal of Ethnobiology or more and are best harvested once the cool weather of 13:17-54. fall sets in (Decker and Walters, 2000; McCormack, 2005; Decker, D. S., T. W. Walters, C. W. Cowan. and B. D. Smith. 1993. Isozymic characterization of wild populations of Paris, 2001). Cucurbita pepo. Journal of Ethnobiology 13:55-72. Summer squash is a warm-season crop and most varieties Decker, D. S. and T. W. Walters. 2000. Squash. In: F. y Kiple, require 40 to 50 days from sowing to reach market maturity. K. C. Ornelas, (eds.). The Cambridge world history of The fruits are quite variable in size, shape, and color. There food. Cambridge University Press 1:335-351. Decker, D. S. and H. D.Wilson. 1987. Allozyme variation in are four groups of summer squash, cylindrical or bottle the Cucurbita pepo complex: C. pepo var. ovifera vs. C. shaped fruit with a straight neck, yellow elongated fruit texana. Systematic Botany 12:263-273. with a narrow and long curved neck, green or striped Decker, D. S. and H. D. Wilson. 1986a. Numerical analysis flattened fruit with scalloped or ridged edges, and green or of seed morphology in Cucurbita pepo. Syst. Bot. 11:595-607. yellow cylindrical fruit, referred to as vegetable marrows Decker, D. S. and H. D. Wilson. 1986b. Allozyme variation in the Cucurbita pepo complex: C. pepo var. ovifera vs. C. (Decker and Walters, 2000; McCormack, 2005; Paris, 2001). texana. Syst. Bot. 12:263-273. The data from these studies has provided information for FAO. 1992. FAO Yearbook: Production. vol. 45. Rome. quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the preserved FAO. 2006. FAOSTAT data. http://faostat.fao.org/faostat/ Squash germplasm. It is hoped that field officer, breeder collections?subset=agriculture. 31 Jan. 2006. and famer will find these information helpful in using FAO/IPGRI. 1994. Genebank Standards. FAO/IPGRI, Rome, Italy. variable genetic resources of squashes Goldman, A. 2004. The complete squash: a passionate grower’s guide to pumpkins, squashes, and gourds. New York. Acknowledgements Artisan Press. Grumet, R. and F. Gifford 1998. Plant biotechnology in the This research was supported by a grant program United States: Issues and challenges in route to commercial production. HortScience 33:187-192. 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