NUTRIENT CONSTITUENTS FROM 8 LINES OF NAKED SEED SQUASH (CUCURBITA-PEPO L)

Seeds from eight lines of naked seed squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) were e valuated for their proximate analysis, amino acid and fatty acid compo sitions, and mineral content. Moisture content was not significantly d ifferent (P < 0.05) among seed types. Protein values were significantl y different among seed types and ranged from 37.1 +/- 0.45% to 44.4 +/ - 0.45%. Oil content was high in all seeds and varied from 34.5 +/- 0. 42% to 43.6 +/- 0.06%. Carbohydrates, calculated by difference, varied significantly among seeds. Ash values ranged between 5.1 +/- 0.04% an d 6.3 +/- 0.10%. Energy levels were from 549 +/- 3 to 598 +/- 1 kcal/1 00 g. Amino acid patterns were similar among the seed lines. Cysteine and methionine contents were low. Fatty acid composition varied signif icantly (P < 0.05) among the seeds of selected lines. Oleic acid was s ignificantly the most concentrated (46.6 +/- 0.15% to 60.4 +/- 0.19%) followed by linoleic (9.6 +/- 0.16% to 27.9 +/- 0.15%) and palmitic ac id (12.8 +/- 0.17% to 15.8 +/- 0.56%). With the exception of magnesium and manganese, all other endogenous mineral contents varied significa ntly among seed samples. Potassium, magnesium, and calcium were the mo st prevalent minerals, respectively.