Abstract:
The ubiquitous Salmonellae are one of the most important causes of human foodborne infection.
Squash (Cucurbita maxima Duchense) is an important crop that is used as human food and
animal feed. The main objective of the present study was to characterize morphological and
biochemical properties of a Tunisian squash collection. Morphological analyses were performed
using UPOV and IPGRI descriptors. While biochemical analysis included total soluble sugars,
starches and carotenoid contents in the squash fruits. The morphological analysis showed that the
squash accessions have significant differences in morphology. Clustering showed that accessions
from the same region were grouped together. Data about their biochemical characteristics
showed large variability. Also, high content of carotenoids (between 35.95 and 52.82 mg / g) and
total sugars (1.89 %) were observed in squash. |
