Morphological and molecular characterization of pumpkin genotypes with potential as ornamental plants

Ornamental squashes are botanically classified within the Cucurbitaceae family under the species Cucurbita pepo subsp. ovifera and subsp. pepo. In Turkey, although varieties such as zucchini, honey, and chestnut squashes are commonly cultivated, these squashes have gained great popularity among hobby gardeners due to their diversity and aesthetic appeal, and ornamental squashes can be grown in also small spaces. While not yet included in official Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) data, there has been a noticeable increase in the cultivation of this species in recent years. The genotypes of ornamental squashes used in this study were collected from the Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, and Central Anatolia regions. The purpose of this study is to conduct morphological and molecular characterization of ornamental squash genetic materials collected from different regions according to UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants) criteria and to determine the genetic relationships among these genotypes. In this context, single selections based on ornamental plant characteristics were initiated, and inbreeding generations were started with properly cultivated ornamental gourd genotypes. The study examined and measured traits, including 20 qualitative, 11 pseudo-qualitative, and 37 quantitative characteristics related to seedling, plant, fruit, and seed sections as outlined in the UPOV characteristic test guidelines. The study involved both the morphological characterization of local ornamental squash genotypes according to UPOV criteria and their molecular characterization using retrotransposons (LTR-RT). The findings were analyzed to determine the genetic relationships among the genotypes. This study provides an essential resource for further detailed research on the morphological and molecular characteristics of ornamental squashes. The results of this study will pave the way for research aimed at increasing the aesthetic and commercial value of ornamental squashes and will encourage research on the nutritional contents such as enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in promising variety candidates.