Key to the identification of species of squash (Cucurbita, Cucurbitaceae), grown in Brazil

The pumpkin s are among the main vegetables produced on small farms and have multiple applications in food, animal feed and fodder, and even as an ornamental. Moreover, they are easily stored and have long-lasting post-harvest and therefore a versatile and important feature in family farming. The lack of taxonomic keys in Portuguese for the identification of cultivated species of pumpkin s hard to determine the species and, consequently, may hinder the proper management and obtaining relevant information on these species. Correct identification is essential for routine activities in genebanks and breeding programs. Although Brazil has a tradition of agricultural research, still resents the availability of basic literature to support the applied sciences. The preparation and provision of a key for species identification pumpkin s Cucurbita, Cucurbitaceae grown in Brazil fills a gap in basic bibliography on cucurbits in the country.

Key to the identification of species of squash (Cucurbita, Cucurbitaceae), grown in Brazil.