The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic variability for the synthesis of bioactive compounds and minerals in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) landraces. Total phenolic compounds, carotenoids, antioxidant activity and minerals were evaluated in 10 accessions of Cucurbita moschata landraces from the Genebank of Embrapa Temperate Agriculture (Pelotas -RS, Brazil). Twenty plants of each accession were cultivated in the field during the spring/summer of 2013/2014. After harvesting of mature fruits, the seeds were discarded and opposite longitudinal portions of the pulp were manually prepared for analysis of the bioactive compounds. For the determination of minerals, pumpkin samples were frozen in plastic bags, and after freeze-dried and milled. All analysis were performed in triplicate. The data obtained showed high genetic variability for the synthesis of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, antioxidant activity and minerals. The accessions C52, C81, C267 e C389 showed high levels of antioxidants and minerals, being recommended for use in pumpkin breeding programs. The accessions C52 and C389 are promising, especially because they present the highest levels of total carotenoids.Keywords: pumpkin; cucurbitaceae; ex situ conservation; genetic resources; characterization.Practical Application: Pumpkins (Cucurbita moschata) are important to the human diet due to its functional properties and benefits for the human health. Identify genetic variability for the synthesis of bioactive compounds and minerals can be useful for breeding programs, to develop cultivars with improved benefits to the consumers.

Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) is one of the main pests of cucurbits in the countries of Central and South America. Besides direct damage caused to fruits, A. grandis occurrence in producing regions can lead to export embargos. Despite its economic importance, little is known of the effects of temperature on its biology. This study investigated the development of A. grandis under different temperatures to estimate thermal requirements and then validated the model developed in the field. Development time was inversely proportional to temperature and greater fecundity and fertility were observed at 25 C. Greater egg and pupa viabilities as well as a greater number of insects per fruit were also observed at 25 C. The thermal threshold and the thermal constant for egg and pupal stages were 8.3 C for both stages and 132.3 degree-days (DD) for the egg stage and 347.0 DD for the pupal stage. For the egg-to-adult period the values were 5.2 C and 858.7 DD. Data collected in the field showed DD (937.9) and duration (79.7 d) values of the egg-to-adult period similar to those estimated in the laboratory. This information could support management of A. grandis, since the model for temperature requirements can be used to predict pest occurrence in crops and estimate the number of generations per year.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability for synthesis of bioactive compounds in pepper (Capsicum annuum, Solanaceae). Total phenolics, anthocyanins, carotenoids and antioxidant activity were evaluated in 14 accessions of Capsicum annuum from the Capsicum Genebank of Embrapa Temperate Agriculture (Pelotas -RS, Brazil). Thirty plants of each accession were cultivated in the field during spring and summer. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with 14 treatments (accessions) and three replications. The laboratory evaluations followed the same experimental design to field, but with two repetitions more. Seeds were discarded and opposite longitudinal portions of fruits were manually prepared for chemical analyzes. The data obtained showed high genetic variability for phenolics, anthocyanins, carotenoids and antioxidant activity. The P39, P77, P119, P143 and P302 accessions exhibited the highest levels of antioxidants, which are strongly indicated to be used in breeding programs of Capsicum peppers.Keywords: Solanaceae; genetic resources; ex situ conservation; characterization.Practical Application: Capsicum accessions can be introduced into human diet due to their functional properties and health benefits.

Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brè thes) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is an important fruit ßy parasitoid native to the Neotropics. We investigated the biology and constructed a fertility life table for A. pelleranoi reared on larvae of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Parasitoid development was investigated in larvae of the two fruit ßy species by recording the duration of the eggÐadult period, number of offspring, sex ratio, adult weight, adult hind tibia length, and male and female longevity, and constructing a fertility life table. Parasitoids reared on An. fraterculus larvae produced more offspring, had shorter eggÐadult periods, greater proportion of females and longer survival, and higher percent emergence than parasitoids reared on C. capitata larvae. Moreover, A. pelleranoi individuals reared on An. fraterculus larvae were heavier and had longer hind tibia than those reared on C. capitata. Based on life table statistics, the time required to double the population (T d) was Ϸ3.4 times shorter for parasitoids reared on An. fraterculus larvae. Our results show that A. pelleranoi develops better on larvae from An. fraterculus than C. capitata, indicating that this species could be used for the mass production of this parasitoid intended for augmentative biological control of fruit ßies.

Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the main pests of cucurbits in Brazil. Losses occur due to the damage caused to the fruits and the embargo on exports, as A. grandis is considered a quarantine pest in countries that import Brazilian cucurbits. This study aimed to evaluate the development of A. grandis in hosts of the Cucurbitaceae family. The hosts used were stem squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne), chayote [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz], mini watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai], Spanish melon (Cucumis melo L.), hybrid squash "Tetsukabuto" (C. moschata×Cucurbita maxima Duchesne), and salad cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). We evaluated the viability and duration of egg-to-pupa period, pupal weight, sex ratio, and average number of pupae per fruit under controlled conditions of temperature, relative humidity, and photophase. The preoviposition and oviposition periods, fecundity, fertility, and longevity of females were determined for adults. Hosts of the genus Cucurbita provided a better development of A. grandis in comparison with other hosts, and presented a greater number of insects on fruit as well as higher infestation rate. Fecundity and longevity were also higher for females that developed in hosts of the genus Cucurbita, although values of these biological parameters varied between stem squash, squash, hybrid squash "Tetsukabuto."