Pectin substances in Cucurbita maxima fruits in the conditions of the north-west of Russia

Currently, pectins are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical industry, medicine and other industries due to the ability to form gels of various strengths, to show therapeutic and preventive properties. Cucurbita maxima pumpkin is considered as a source of natural and inexpensive pectin, as well as a functional food product for use in food and pharmaceutical preparations. The aim of the study was to identify the features of the accumulation of pectin substances in the most economically significant species of pumpkin C. maxima from the VIR collection. It was found that the studied varieties differ significantly in the amount of pectin substances. The content of pectins in the conditions of the North-West of Russia varied in the range from 0.59 to 4.24% (for absolutely dry matter). The content of soluble pectins was in the range of 0.24-1.36%. The level of protopectin accumulation, depending on the genotype and conditions of the growing season, was 0.35-3.37%. Sources of high content of soluble pectin and protopectin in pumpkin fruits have been identified for their further use in breeding, food and pharmaceutical industries.