2018 North Carolina and Tennessee Pumpkin Cultigen Evaluation Study
2018 North Carolina and Tennessee Pumpkin Cultigen Evaluation Study
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Hort. Series # 225
Principal Investigators: Travis Birdsell County Extension Director & Extension Agent, Agriculture, Ashe County Center, Jefferson, NC; Jenny C. Moore, Research Specialist II, Department of Plant Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN; Jonathan R. Schultheis, Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University, Raleigh, NC; Keith D. Starke, Research Associate, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University, Raleigh, NC; and Annette L. Wxzelaki, UT Vegetable Extension Specialist, Department of Plant Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Tracy Taylor (Superintendent), John Council, (Horticultural Crops Supervisor) and other supporting personnel at the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Upper Mountain Research Station, Laurel Springs, NC, for their help in establishing, maintaining, and harvesting the pumpkin cultigen evaluation study. Additionally, we would like to thank the University of Tennessee and North Carolina State University student workers and support staff for assisting with planting and harvesting of the study. We also want to acknowledge the following seed companies for their cooperation and support: DP Seed; Enza Zaden USA; HM Clause Seed Company; Hollar Seeds; Hybrid; Johnny’s Seeds; Rupp Seeds, Inc.; Sakata Seed Company; T&M Nursery and Seeds By Design. We also want to acknowledge Joy Smith for conducting the statistical analysis on the data collected in this study. Finally, we want to acknowledge, support for this study was provided by the US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, for the CucCAP Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant under award number 2015-51181-24285.
Disclaimer: This publication presents data from the cultigen evaluation study conducted during 2018. Information contained in this report is believed to be reliable but should not be relied upon as a sole source of information. Limited accompanying detail is included but excludes some pertinent information, which may aid interpretation.
Introduction
In 2017, North Carolina ranked 4th in pumpkin production in the US behind Illinois, Texas and California. This makes North Carolina the largest pumpkin producing state on the eastern seaboard. The economic value of the pumpkin crop in North Carolina was reported to be more than 15 million dollars in 2016. There was estimated to be 4,500 acres of pumpkins grown in NC, with 3,000 of these acres being located in the mountains of Western North Carolina in 2018 (Travis Birdsell, personal communication). The USDA – National Agricultural Statistics Service reported pumpkin acreage in Tennessee at 1,600 acres in 2017. The crop carries a significant value to producers in both states and it appears as though production of this commodity is increasing in North Carolina. In the western part of North Carolina and in pockets of Tennessee, pumpkin production is extensive due to the climate and soils of the region. Collaborative pumpkin cultigen evaluation studies have been conducted by North Carolina State University and the University of Tennessee for over a decade. Growing conditions in the higher elevations of these states seems to translate in less disease pressure. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, consumer demand for specialty pumpkins has been increasing in recent years. The pumpkin cultigens included in this study were mainly evaluated for yield and size. However, each entry was also rated for shape, color, suturing, vine habit, handle characteristics, fruit size measurements and powdery mildew symptoms. The fruit obtained from each replicated entry are also identified in a photograph. Several other cultigens were also included in the study as observation plots (non-replicated) and most of these cultigens are identified in a photograph where available.
General Cultural Practices
The pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study was grown on black plastic mulch and fertigated through drip tape. Pesticides used on all plots were chemicals labeled for that crop, (North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual, 2018; North Carolina Vegetable Production Guide, 2018).
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted at the NCDA&CS Upper Mountain Research Station, Laurel Springs, NC, and was a collaboration between North Carolina State University and the University of Tennessee. Seeds were planted on 12 June 2018. A total of 54 entries were evaluated, with 23 being un-replicated and for observational purposes only. The remaining 31 entries were evaluated in a randomized complete block (RCB) study with 4 replications. Each plot measured 18 feet long with 6 plants spaced 3 feet apart (in-row) and distance between-row spacing was 10 feet. The exceptions were the mini-sized category where plants were spaced 1.5 feet apart and 12 plants were planted in each plot. Plant bed preparation included pre-plant fertilizer (290 lbs/acre of 18-46-0) broadcast applied and incorporated into the beds on 21 May before laying plastic mulch, providing 52 lbs N, 133 lbs P and 0 lbs K per acre. Fertigation with either 20-20-20 or 2-0-25 was applied through drip irrigation on 13, 20 and 27 July 2018; 6, 10, 24 and 31 August 2018. A total of 110 lbs/acre N, 183 lbs/acre P and 160 lbs/acre K was applied to the study site throughout the entire growing season. Insecticides were only applied when needed and were applied at labeled rates for pumpkin production in North Carolina. Admire Pro was applied through drip irrigation on 27 June 2018 and applied at the labeled rate that can be referenced in the North Carolina Agricultural Chemical Manual or the North Carolina Vegetable Production Guide, 2018. The fungicide program implemented included protectant products of Initiate (chlorothalonil) or Roper (mancozeb) and the following products which were alternated to reduce potential for development of disease resistance: Previcur Flex, Aprovia Top, Ranman, Torino, Microthiol, Champion WP. These products are registered for use in this crop and were applied according to labeled rates that can be referenced in the North Carolina Agriculture Chemical Manual or the North Carolina Vegetable Production Guide, 2018. Fungicides were applied every 7 to 14 days throughout the growing season beginning 14 July 2018 and repeated on the following dates: 20, 27 July; 4, 12, 19, 25 August; and 7 September 2018. Herbicides, Command (1 pt/ac), Dual Magnum (1 pt/ac) and Sandea (0.75 oz/ac), were sprayed for weed control on 13 June 2018. Row middles were sprayed with Roundup Power Max (40 oz/ac) 29 June 2018. Pumpkins were harvested on 12 September (92 days after planting). Yield per acre was calculated by extrapolating total yield from the 180 ft2 area of each plot. Five representative fruit from each plot were measured to find the average length and width of each cultigen. Pumpkin color, shape, and suturing; and handle length, thickness and attachment were rated subjectively for each plot.
Results
Pumpkin entries are discussed by size class and are organized in tables in alphabetical order. Results mentioned in the paragraphs below only correspond to the replicated entries.
Pie Pumpkin
Four entries were evaluated in the ‘mini’ size class (≤ 5.0 lbs). This year there were no entries that ranged between 5.1 to 10 lbs, with the exception of cultigens Brisbee Gold and EX 5, which are considered large pie pumpkins. As large pie pumpkins, they were evaluated with the other smaller pie pumpkins. Average fruit size ranged from 2.5 lbs for Jack Sprat to 6.7 lbs for EX 5 (Table 1). The smallest fruit were produced by Jack Sprat, while the fruit size of Mini Warts were very similar. EX 5 produced the largest fruit in the pie pumpkin size category. Mini Warts produced the least total yield at 12.5 tons/acre and EX 5 was the highest yielding cultigen in the Pie Pumpkin category at 23.6 tons/acre. Jack Sprat produced the greatest fruit number per acre of all of the replicated entries, at 11,979 fruit per acre (Table 1). Fruit of these entries were all orange and fruit shapes were mostly round (Table 2).
Small
Five entries were evaluated in the ‘small’ size class (10.1 – 15.0 lbs). Fruit size averaged between 11.0 to 14.7 lbs with JPN 62009 being the smallest followed by Scream II (Table 1). These entries ranged between 3,691 (Snow White) and 6,111 (Scream II) fruit number per acre. Scream II had the greatest yield in the small size category (Table 1). The fruit of these entries were all orange with the exception of Snow White, which had white skin color. The fruit of Snow White was mostly flat while all of the other entries in this category were round (Table 2).
Medium
Ten entries were evaluated in the ‘medium’ size class (15.1 – 20.0 lbs). Average fruit size in this category ranged between 15.2 to 18.9 lbs per fruit (Table 1). Orange Sunrise produced the highest fruit yield and fruit number in this size category. Fruit yields ranged from 34.2 tons/acre (Eros) to 55.1 tons/acre (Orange Sunrise). Gladiator produced the least fruit number per acre (4,235) and Orange Sunrise produced the greatest number of fruit per acre at 5,808. All fruit in this size category are orange with the exception of Snow White and Specter, which were white and white-buff in color (Table 2, see photo, page 13-14). Fruit shapes were mostly round to tall.
Large
Five varieties were evaluated in the ‘large’ size class (20.1 – 25.0 lbs). Average fruit size in this category ranged from 21.7 to 23.8 lbs (Table 1). Kratos produced the highest fruit weight per acre (56.3 tons/acre) while PMK-17-50 had the lowest total fruit weight per acre (41.4 tons per acre) for this size category. Thor produced the greatest number of fruit per acre, whereas, Solid Gold produced the least amount of fruit per acre (Table 1). Fruit shapes were mostly round in this size class with the exception Ares that produced a taller pumpkin (Table 2).
Extra Large
Seven entries were evaluated in the ‘large’ size class (≥ 25.1 lbs). Average fruit size in this category ranged from 37.1 to 52.1 lbs (Table 1). Zombie produced the highest fruit weight per acre (52.1 tons/acre) while Tallon had the lowest total fruit weight per acre (38.3 tons per acre). Zombie also produced the greatest number of fruit per acre, whereas, SPU 13118 produced the least amount of fruit per acre. Fruit shapes were mostly round in this size class with the exception of Hulk, Tallon and HMX 53L6790 that produced taller pumpkins and Ritz that produced a flatter pumpkin (Table 2). Ritz was also more orange-red in color (Figure 2, page 12), while the rest of the entries in this category were orange to burnt orange (Table 2).
Table 1. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Cumulative yield (tons) / acre, fruit number per acre, number of bins per acre and average fruit weight. Laurel Springs, NC, 2018.
Size Class = Pie Pumpkin (≤ 5.0 lb)
Cultigen
Seed Company
Yield (tons) / Acre
Number of Fruit / Acre
Number of Bins¹ / Acre
Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Bisbee Gold*
Rupp Seeds Inc.
26.2
8107
–
6.5
Jack Sprat (Control)
Sakata
15.2
11979
–
2.5
Mini Warts
HM Clause
12.5
9983
–
2.6
EX 5* Enza
Zaden
23.6
7079
–
6.7
Average
19.4
9287
–
4.6
LSD (0.05)
6.2
3795
–
0.6
Size Class = Small (10.1-15.0 lb)
Cultigen
Seed Company
Yield (tons) / Acre
Number of Fruit / Acre
Number of Bins¹ / Acre
Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Cracker Jack (Control)
Sakata
31.0
4235
84.7
14.7
Scream II
DP Seed
38.9
6111
122.2
12.7
Skidoo Gold
Rupp Seeds Inc.
39.4
5990
119.8
13.1
Snow White
Clifton Seed
25.5
3691
73.8
13.9
JPN 62009
Johnny’s Selected Seed
29.8
5324
106.5
11.0
Average
32.9
5070
101.4
13.1
LSD (0.05)
13.1
1715
34.3
2.1
Size Class = Medium (15.1 – 20.0 lb)
Cultigen
Seed Company
Yield (tons) / Acre
Number of Fruit / Acre
Number of Bins¹ / Acre
Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Bayhorse Gold
Rupp Seeds Inc.
48.0
5203
130.1
18.5
Early Prince
Syngenta
38.3
5022
125.5
15.2
Eros
Hybrid
34.2
4477
111.9
15.4
Gladiator (Control)
HM Clause
37.5
4235
105.9
17.7
Jason
Hybrid
42.3
4719
118.0
17.9
Magic Wand (Control)
HM Clause
45.9
5627
140.7
16.3
Orange Sunrise
HM Clause
55.1
5808
145.2
18.9
Specter
HM Clause
39.0
4659
116.5
16.8
EX 16 Enza
Zaden
44.2
4780
119.5
18.5
RPX 5588
Rupp Seeds Inc.
37.6
4477
111.9
16.9
Average
42.2
4901
122.5
17.2
LSD (0.05)
9.8
1291
32.3
1.5
Size Class = Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb)
Cultigen
Seed Company
Yield (tons) / Acre
Number of Fruit / Acre
Number of Bins¹ / Acre
Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Ares
HM Clause
43.6
3872
129.1
22.5
Kratos
HM Clause
56.3
4840
161.3
23.3
Solid Gold
Rupp Seeds Inc.
42.3
3570
119.0
23.8
Thor
Sakata
52.5
4901
163.4
22.2
PMK-17-50
DP Seed
41.4
3812
127.1
21.7
Average
47.2
4198.7
140.0
22.7
LSD (0.05)
11.1
973
32.4
5.7
Size Class = Extra Large (≥ 25.1 lb)
Cultigen
Seed Company
Yield (tons) / Acre
Number of Fruit / Acre
Number of Bins¹ / Acre
Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Cronus
HM Clause (Control)
37.1
2662
–
28.5
Hulk
Sakata
44.5
2904
–
30.7
Ritz
DP Seed
49.7
3812
–
26.0
Tallon
HM Clause
38.3
2904
–
26.2
Zombie
DP Seed
52.1
4114
–
25.1
HMX 53L6790
HM Clause
40.1
2723
–
29.4
SPU13118
Sakata
46.7
2178
–
43.8
Average
44.1
3042
–
30.0
LSD (0.05)
14.5
1136
–
4.2
¹ Number of bins per acre were calculated for three fruit size categories; Small (10.1 to 15.0 lb) = 50 count bin +/- 5 fruit; Medium (15.1 to 20.0 lb)= 40 count bin +/- 5 fruit; Large (20.1 to 25.0 lb) = 30 count bin +/- 5 fruit. *Although average fruit size is greater than 5.0 lbs the industry accepts these varieties as ‘large’ pie pumpkins.
Table 2.1. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Fruit and quality measurements for replicated cultigens. Laurel Springs, NC, 2018.
Table 2.2. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Fruit and quality measurements for replicated cultigens. Laurel Springs, NC, 2018.
Cultigen
Handle6
Thickness
Handle6
Length
Handle6
Attachment
Fruit7 Length
Fruit7 Width
Fruit7 L/W
Ares
8.1
7.0
7.4
15.0
11.7
1.3
Bayhorse Gold
6.6
6.9
6.6
11.2
11.1
1.0
Bisbee Gold
7.8
7.5
5.6
7.2
7.8
0.9
Cracker Jack
5.8
4.9
7.1
9.8
11.1
0.9
Cronus
9.0
8.4
8.8
12.8
14.6
0.9
Early Prince
6.5
3.9
6.3
10.9
11.1
1.0
Eros
6.0
5.4
7.6
9.9
10.9
0.9
Gladiator
7.3
6.1
7.3
10.8
12.2
0.9
Hulk
8.5
6.1
8.3
16.4
12.3
1.3
Jack Sprat
6.5
6.4
5.8
5.6
6.4
0.9
Jason
6.1
6.5
7.0
11.5
11.3
1.0
Kratos
8.3
5.1
8.4
12.7
13.4
1.0
Magic Wand
6.8
5.1
8.4
10.6
12.0
0.9
Mini Warts
6.3
7.1
6.0
5.2
5.7
0.9
Orange Sunrise
7.6
6.0
7.8
11.6
12.3
0.9
Ritz Orange-red
6.8
3.1
2.5
9.9
14.0
0.7
Scream II
6.1
5.9
5.9
9.5
10.1
0.9
Average
7.1
6.0
6.9
10.6
11.1
1.0
LSD (0.05)
1.5
0.6
0.1
0.9
2.0
0.8
Table 2.2.(continued)
Cultigen
Handle6
Thickness
Handle6
Length
Handle6
Attachment
Fruit7
Length
Fruit7
Width
Fruit7
L/W
Skidoo Gold
6.8
5.8
5.8
9.1
10.3
0.9
Snow White
5.6
3.1
2.3
5.9
11.5
0.5
Solid Gold
7.5
6.1
6.1
12.0
13.3
0.9
Specter
6.8
7.9
6.0
10.2
10.7
1.0
Tallon
8.9
8.5
7.8
14.7
13.8
1.1
Thor
6.6
5.0
7.6
10.9
11.3
1.0
Zombie
6.4
5.6
8.8
13.2
13.1
1.0
EX 5
7.8
7.5
6.0
7.1
7.7
0.9
EX 16
6.6
5.5
7.0
10.7
11.3
0.9
HMX 53L6790
9.0
8.5
6.1
15.8
13.3
1.2
JPN 62009
6.9
7.0
6.8
8.9
9.7
0.9
PMK-17-50
7.5
7.0
8.8
12.6
11.6
1.1
RPX 5588
6.6
6.5
7.3
11.1
11.3
1.0
SPU13118
9.0
3.9
8.5
15.9
15.1
1.1
Average
7.3
6.3
6.8
11.3
11.7
1.0
LSD (0.05)8
1.5
0.6
0.1
0.9
2.0
0.8
6 Handle Rating: Thickness: 1 = thin, 5 = medium, 9 = thick. Length: 1 = short, 5 = medium, 9 =long. Attachment: 1 = poor, 5 = average, 9 = excellent. 7 Fruit Measurements = Individual length and width values (inches) were taken from 5 fruit per replication, (20 total), The LD ratio was determined by dividing fruit length by fruit width.
Table 3. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Selected observations (non-replicated cultivars). Cumulative yield (tons) per acre, number fruit per acre and average fruit weight. Laurel Springs, NC, 2018.
Size Class=Mini ( ≤ 5.0 lb)
Cultivar
Seed Company
(Tons) / Acre
Fruit / Acre
Weight (lbs)
Flame
Hollar Seeds
9.1
16698
1.1
Orangita
DP Seed
13.6
20570
1.3
Sirius Star
Rupp
30.7
26620
2.3
Spark
Hollar Seeds
15.9
49852
0.6
Average
17.3
28435
1.3
Size Class = Small (5.1 – 10.0 lb)
Cultivar
Seed Company
(Tons) / Acre
Fruit / Acre
Weight (lbs)
Lunch Lady
Johnny’s Selected Seed
36.0
8470
8.5
Moonshine
Johnny’s Selected Seed
45.9
9196
10.0
Speckled Swan
Johnny’s Selected Seed
36.6
10406
7.0
Sunshine
Johnny’s Selected Seed
23.7
9438
5.0
Red October
Johnny’s Selected Seed
20.3
6292
6.4
Average
32.5
8760
7.4
Medium (10.1 – 20.0 lb)
Cultivar
Seed Company
(Tons) / Acre
Fruit / Acre
Weight (lbs)
Blue Doll
DP Seed
36.6
4840
15.0
Blue Hubbard
Johnny’s Selected Seed
21.2
3630
12.0
Country Bumpkin
T & M Nursery
37.3
4114
18.0
Indian Doll
DP Seed
47.9
6050
16.0
Knuckle Head
Johnny’s Selected Seed
40.7
4840
17.0
Magic Lantern
HM Clause
56.8
6292
18.0
New Racer Plus
Johnny’s Selected Seed
51.6
7260
14.0
Rouge Vif D’Etampes
Johnny’s Selected Seed
38.7
4840
16.0
Average
41.4
3953
15.8
Large (20.1 – 25.0 lb)
Cultivar
Seed Company
(Tons) / Acre
Fruit / Acre
Weight (lbs)
Bellatrix
Rupp
45.6
4114
22.0
One Too Many
Rupp
35.2
3146
22.0
Rhea
HM Clause
54.4
4598
24.0
Average
45.1
3953
22.7
Extra Large (≥ 25.1 lb)
Cultivar
Seed Company
(Tons) / Acre
Fruit / Acre
Weight (lbs)
Autumn Buckskin
Seeds By Design
62.3
4840
26.0
New Moon
Hollar Seeds
44.9
1936
46.0
Average
53.6
3388
36.0
Table 4. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Fruit and quality measurements for selected observation (non-replicated) cultivars. Laurel Springs, NC, 2018.
Table 4. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Fruit and quality measurements for selected observation (non-replicated) cultivars. Laurel Springs, NC, 2018.
Cultivar
Handle6 Thickness
Handle6 Length
Handle6 Attachment
Fruit7L/D
Autumn Buckskin
3.0
6.0
3.0
0.9
Bellatrix
8.0
7.0
7.5
0.9
Blue Doll
6.5
3.0
4.5
0.8
Blue Hubbard
8.0
2.0
4.0
1.4
Country Bumpkin
3.0
8.0
6.5
0.5
Flame
5.0
6.0
7.0
0.7
Indian Doll
6.5
2.0
4.0
0.5
Knuckle Head
6.0
7.0
7.0
1.1
Lunch Lady
4.0
6.0
4.5
2.2
Magic Lantern
6.5
7.0
5.5
1.0
Moonshine
6.0
5.0
6.5
0.9
New Moon
7.0
3.0
2.0
0.8
New Racer Plus
6.5
6.0
4.5
0.8
One Too Many
6.5
4.0
2.5
0.7
Orangita
4.0
6.0
7.0
0.6
Red October
8.0
1.0
3.0
1.4
Rhea
7.5
8.0
7.0
0.8
Rouge Vif D’Etampes
6.0
3.0
2.5
0.9
Sirius Star
5.5
6.0
5.5
0.9
Spark
5.0
6.0
6.5
0.6
Sunshine
8.5
3.0
2.5
0.6
Average
6.0
5.0
4.9
0.9
6 Handle Rating: Thickness: 1 = thin, 5 = medium, 9 = thick. Length: 1 = short, 5 = medium, 9 = long. Attachment: 1 = poor, 5 = average, 9 = excellent. 7 Fruit Measurements = Individual length and width values (inches) were taken from 5 fruit per replication, (20 total), The LD ratio was determined by dividing fruit length by fruit width. * a pale brownish yellow color.
