Determination of Total Carotenoids and β-Carotene in Germplasm of Pumpkin Caboclo (Cucurbita maxima)

The genus Cucurbita has been mentioned as a good source of carotenoids, including β-carotene, which is precursor vitamin A. However, the variability observed for denotes individual need to invest in species. An experiment was carried out with aim evaluating content total carotenoids and β-carotene C. maxima germplasm. Treatments consisted 23 accessions two commercial cultivars maxima. pulp color were evaluated. Clustering performed, components genotypic variance, mean heritability, accuracy calculated. grouping led formation four groups where carotenoid influenced most. There no difference parameters. High studied genotypes (22.28 µg/g 49.58 µg/g) (7.81 13.75 µg/g). Accessions CMAX-09, CMAX-10, CMAX-12, CMAX-13, CMAX-14 showed highest levels β-carotene.