THE STUDY OF THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PUMPKIN SEEDS (CUCURBITA MAXIMA DUCH.) CULTIVATED IN THE SOUTH OF OLTENIA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide information on the physico-chemical characteristics of the seeds of pumpkin varieties and genotypes, grown on the sandy soils of southern Oltenia. Different physico-chemical characteristics of whole pumpkin seeds were analyzed. So, the length, width and thickness recorded, in the two years of the study, average values between 17.26 -20.58 mm; 11.06 - 11.74 mm; and 4.11 - 4.55 mm in 2021, respectively 17.64 - 22.10 mm; 10.67 -12.80 mm and 3.77 - 4.93 mm, in the year 2022. Seed weight, another characteristic determined, varied in the two years of the study between 0.26 – 0.32g (2021) and 0.25 – 0.46g (2022). Based on the measurements, sphericity and shape indices were calculated. Regarding the chemical composition of pumpkin seeds, in 2022 the content of moisture, protein and oil was determined.