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.
Acknowledgments
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 |
|
| 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.
Cultigen
|
Fruit
Color¹
|
Fruit
Shape²
|
Fruit
Suturing³
|
Fruit
Texture4
|
Vine Health
Rating5
|
| Ares |
6.3 |
8.4 |
2.8 |
1.6 |
5.3 |
| Bayhorse Gold |
6.6 |
5.8 |
6.0 |
1.0 |
5.5 |
| Bisbee Gold |
7.8 |
5.1 |
4.1 |
2.5 |
4.8 |
| Cracker Jack |
7.1 |
5.0 |
4.9 |
2.0 |
5.5 |
| Cronus |
6.5 |
5.1 |
5.4 |
3.3 |
6.5 |
| Early Prince |
6.8 |
5.4 |
3.9 |
1.1 |
4.0 |
| Eros |
7.0 |
4.9 |
2.8 |
1.4 |
4.8 |
| Gladiator |
7.0 |
5.0 |
3.9 |
2.6 |
6.5 |
| Hulk |
6.5 |
8.3 |
6.1 |
1.6 |
5.5 |
| Jack Sprat |
6.3 |
4.8 |
3.5 |
1.3 |
4.5 |
| Jason |
6.5 |
5.5 |
3.8 |
1.9 |
3.8 |
| Kratos |
7.0 |
5.3 |
5.1 |
2.0 |
6.3 |
| Magic Wand |
6.9 |
4.5 |
4.9 |
2.8 |
5.0 |
| Mini Warts |
5.9 |
5.0 |
1.0 |
1.3 |
5.5 |
| Orange Sunrise |
6.4 |
5.3 |
4.4 |
1.8 |
6.5 |
| Ritz |
Orange-red |
3.3 |
5.1 |
5.6 |
7.8 |
| Scream II |
5.9 |
5.3 |
2.8 |
1.8 |
4.3 |
| Average |
6.6 |
5.4 |
4.1 |
2.1 |
5.4 |
| LSD (0.05) |
0.8 |
0.6 |
1.3 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
Table 2.1. (continued)
Cultigen
|
Fruit
Color¹
|
Fruit
Shape²
|
Fruit
Suturing³
|
Fruit
Texture4
|
Vine Health
Rating5
|
| Skidoo Gold |
6.9 |
4.6 |
2.8 |
1.6 |
4.8 |
| Snow White |
White |
2.0 |
2.8 |
1.0 |
7.3 |
| Solid Gold |
6.0 |
4.8 |
3.4 |
1.3 |
4.5 |
| Specter |
White-buff |
5.3 |
4.4 |
1.3 |
6.0 |
| Tallon |
6.1 |
8.0 |
4.0 |
2.4 |
5.8 |
| Thor |
7.1 |
4.6 |
4.0 |
1.9 |
5.8 |
| Zombie |
6.8 |
5.6 |
2.8 |
1.5 |
4.3 |
| EX 5 |
7.3 |
5.0 |
6.5 |
3.4 |
4.8 |
| EX 16 |
6.9 |
5.3 |
3.9 |
1.8 |
5.0 |
| HMX 53L6790 |
6.4 |
8.5 |
6.4 |
2.3 |
5.5 |
| JPN 62009 |
7.1 |
4.8 |
4.4 |
2.0 |
5.0 |
| PMK-17-50 |
7.1 |
6.4 |
6.1 |
2.3 |
4.3 |
| RPX 5588 |
7.1 |
5.1 |
5.8 |
2.8 |
4.8 |
| SPU13118 |
5.9 |
6.9 |
3.4 |
1.5 |
4.5 |
| Average |
6.7 |
5.5 |
4.3 |
1.9 |
5.1 |
| LSD (0.05)8 |
0.8 |
0.6 |
1.3 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
1 Color Scale: 1 = yellow, 5 = orange, 9 = burnt orange.
2 Fruit Shape Rating: 1 = flat, 5 = round, 9 = tall.
3 Fruit Suturing: 1 = none, 5 = medium, 9 = deep.
4 Texture Rating: 1 = smooth, 5 = semi-rough, 9= rough.
5 Vine Health Rating: 1 = poor, 9 = excellent
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.
Cultivar
|
Fruit Color1
|
Fruit Shape2
|
Fruit Suturing3
|
Fruit Texture4
|
Vine Health Rating5
|
| Autumn Buckskin |
buff-pinkish |
3.5 |
4.0 |
1.0 |
7.0 |
| Bellatrix |
6.5 |
5.0 |
5.5 |
1.5 |
5.0 |
| Blue Doll |
blue-grey |
4.0 |
9.0 |
4.0 |
6.0 |
| Blue Hubbard |
blue-grey |
pear |
3.0 |
5.0 |
6.0 |
| Country Bumpkin |
green-tan |
2.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
7.0 |
| Flame |
white-yellow with orange stripe |
3.5 |
5.5 |
2.0 |
3.0 |
| Indian Doll |
pink / variegated |
2.0 |
6.0 |
4.0 |
8.0 |
| Knuckle Head |
7.5 |
6.0 |
3.0 |
2.0 |
3.0 |
| Lunch Lady |
yellow ocher |
9.0 |
5.0 |
2.0 |
5.0 |
| Magic Lantern |
7.0 |
5.5 |
4.0 |
1.0 |
4.0 |
| Moonshine |
white with orange netting |
5.0 |
5.0 |
1.0 |
4.0 |
| New Moon |
white |
4.0 |
5.0 |
1.0 |
8.0 |
| New Racer Plus |
7.0 |
4.5 |
6.0 |
2.0 |
5.0 |
| One Too Many |
white with orange netting |
4.5 |
3.0 |
3.0 |
8.0 |
| Orangita |
5.5 |
3.0 |
7.0 |
1.0 |
7.0 |
| Red October |
red |
bulb |
2.0 |
3.0 |
7.0 |
| Rhea |
6.5 |
4.0 |
7.0 |
2.0 |
8.0 |
| Rouge Vif D’Etampes |
pink-red |
2.0 |
4.5 |
4.0 |
7.0 |
| Sirius Star |
white |
6.0 |
2.0 |
1.0 |
6.0 |
| Spark |
white-yellow w/ orange stripes |
3.0 |
5.0 |
2.0 |
8.0 |
| Sunshine |
red |
2.0 |
2.5 |
2.0 |
8.0 |
| Average |
|
4.1 |
4.9 |
2.5 |
6.2 |
1 Color Scale: 1 = yellow, 5 = orange, 9 = burnt orange.
2 Fruit Shape Rating: 1 = flat, 5 = round, 9 = tall.
3 Fruit Suturing: 1 = none, 5 = medium, 9 = deep.
4 Texture Rating: 1 = smooth, 5 = semi-rough, 9= rough.
5 Vine Health Rating: 1 = poor, 9 = excellent.
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.
