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NC State Extension

2019 North Carolina and Tennessee Pumpkin Cultigen Evaluations

Find this page at:
go.ncsu.edu/readext?652393

Horticulture Series # 232

Principal Investigators: Jonathan R. Schultheis, Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University, Raleigh, NC; Annette L. Wszelaki, UT Vegetable Extension Specialist, Department of Plant Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN; Keith D. Starke, Research Associate, Department of Horticultural Science, Raleigh, NC; Maxton D. Collins, Research Technician, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University; Travis Birdsell, County Extension Director & Extension Agriculture Agent, Ashe County Center, Jefferson, NC.

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 (NCDA&CS) 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 ii 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; HM Clause Seed Company; Johnny’s Seeds; Rupp Seeds, Inc.; Sakata Seed Company; T&M Nursery and Seeds By Design. Finally, we also want to acknowledge Joy Smith for conducting the statistical analysis on the data collected in this study. We also 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 2019. 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.

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, (2019 North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual & Southeastern US Vegetable Crop Handbook).

Introduction

In 2017, North Carolina ranked 4th in pumpkin production in the Eastern United States. 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 favorable 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 to 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 photographs where available.

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 13 June 2019. A total of 54 entries were evaluated, with 20 being un-replicated and for observational purposes only. The remaining 34 entries were evaluated in a randomized complete block (RCB) study with 4 replications. Three replications were used to make yield comparisons and four replications were used to make quality comparisons. 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 (265 lbs/acre of 19-24-10) broadcast applied and incorporated into the beds on 7 June before laying plastic mulch, providing 50 lbs N, 64 lbs P and 27 lbs K per acre. Fertigation with 20-20-20 was applied through drip irrigation on 2, 9, 17, 22, and 30 July 2019; 2, 6, 12, 16, 19, and 26 August 2019. Fertigation with LoKomotive (2-0-25 potassium acetate) was applied through drip irrigation on 22 and 30 July 2019; 6, 12, 19, and 26 August 2019. A total of 119 lbs/acre N, 146 lbs/acre P and 75 lbs/acre Kwas applied tothe 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 21 June 2019 and applied at the labeled rate that can be referenced in the North Carolina Agricultural Chemical Manual or the North Carolina Vegetable Production Guide, 2019. The fungicide program implemented included protectant products of Initiate 720 (chlorothalonil) or Roper (mancozeb) and the following products which were alternated to reduce potential for development of disease resistance: Microthiol, Presidio, Previcur Flex, Ranman, Sivanto 200 SL, Torino. 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, 2019. Fungicides were applied every 7 to 14 days throughout the growing season beginning 19 July 2019 and repeated on the following dates: 3 and 10 August; 1 and 8 September 2019. Herbicides, Command (24oz/ac), Dual Magnum (24oz/ac) and Sandea (0.5oz/ac), were sprayed for weed control on 26 and 27 June 2019. Row middles were sprayed with Roundup Power Max (1qt/ac) 3 May 2019. Pumpkins were harvested on 10 September (96 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). Average fruit size ranged from 0.5 lb for HMX 53D6821 to 3.4 lb for Warty Gnome (Table 1). HMX 53D6821 produced the least total yield at 5.2 tons/acre and Miniwarts was the highest yielding cultigen in the Pie Pumpkin category at 21.6 tons/acre. HMX 53D6821 produced the greatest fruit number per acre of all of the replicated entries, at 20,651 fruit per acre (Table 1). Fruit of these entries ranged in color. HMX 53D6821 and Miniwarts produced orange fruit, Casperita produced white fruit, and Warty Gnome fruit produced yellow fruit. Shapes were slightly flat to round (Table 2).

Small

Six entries were evaluated in the ‘small’ size class (5.1 – 10.0 lbs). Fruit size averaged between 5.3 to 8.6 with Pipsqueak being the smallest and Hijinks being the largest (Table 1). These entries ranged between 2,581 (Stella Luna) and 9,035 (Hijinks) fruit (number) per acre. Hijinks had the greatest yield in the small size category with 38.9 tons/acre (Table 1). The fruit of these entries were all orange with the exception of Stella Luna, which had blueish-white skin color. Fruit shapes were mostly round.

Medium

Seven entries were evaluated in the ‘medium’ size class (10.1 – 15.0 lbs). Average fruit size in this category ranged between 11.4 to 14.4 lbs per fruit (Table 1). RPX-6229 produced the highest fruit yield and fruit number in this size category. Fruit yields ranged from 21.2 tons/acre (Hermes) to 44 tons/acre (RPX-6229). Hermes produced the least number of fruit per acre (3,146) and RPX-6229 produced the greatest number of fruit per acre (6,615). All fruit in this size category are orange with the exception of Silver Moon, which was blueish-white, and Renegade, which was buff (Table 2). Fruit shapes were mostly round with the exception of Silver Moon, which was slightly flatter.

Large

Seven varieties were evaluated in the ‘large’ size class (15.1 – 20.0 lbs). Average fruit size in this category ranged from 15.8 to 19.7 lbs (Table 1).Warty Goblin produced the highest fruit weight per acre (41.5 tons/acre) while Gladiator produced the lowest fruit weight per acre (18.4 tons/acre) for this size category. Warty Goblin produced the greatest fruit number per acre while Gladiator produced the lowest fruit number per acre (Table 1). All fruit in this category were orange with the exception of Specter, which was off-white, and fruit shapes were mostly round (Table 2).

Extra Large

Seven entries were evaluated in the ‘extra large’ size class (20.1 – 25.0 lbs). Average fruit size in this category ranged from 21 to 25.0 lbs (Table 1). SPU-3269 produced the highest fruit weight per acre (51.6 tons/acre) while RPX-6883 produced the lowest fruit weight per acre (28.3 tons/acre). SPU-3269 also produced the greatest number of fruit per acre while RPX-6883 produced lowest number of fruit per acre (4,114 and 2,420 fruit per acre, respectively). All fruit in this category were orange and mostly round with the exception of flat stacker, which produced fruit that were white and flat (Table 2).

Jumbo

Three entries were evaluated in the ‘Jumbo’ size class (≥ 25.1 lbs). Average fruit size ranged from 25.5 to 31 lbs with Kratos being the smallest and Egor being the largest (Table 1). Kratos produced the highest fruit weight per acre (34.8 tons/acre) and Egor produced the lowest fruit weight per acre (27 tons/acre). Egor produced the lowest number of fruit per acre (1,775) while Kratos produced the greatest number of fruit per acre (2,743) for this size category (Table 1). All fruit in this category were orange and mostly round with the exception of Egor, which was more tall.

Figure 1. Photographs of 34 cultigens of pumpkins from replicated entries. Laurel Springs, NC, 2019 (pages 4 – 20 in the PDF booklet).

2019 pumpkin cultigen entries

Size Class

Cultigen

Seed Company
Pie Pumpkin (≤ 5.0 lb) Casperita DP Seeds
Pie Pumpkin (≤ 5.0 lb) HMX 53D6821 HM Clause
Pie Pumpkin (≤ 5.0 lb) Miniwarts HM Clause
Pie Pumpkin (≤ 5.0 lb) Warty Gnome HM Clause
Small (5.1-10.0 lb) Bisbee Gold Rupp Seeds Inc.
Small (5.1-10.0 lb) Hijinks Sakata
Small (5.1-10.0 lb) Pipsqueak Johnny’s
Small (5.1-10.0 lb) RPX-6875 Rupp Seeds Inc.
Small (5.1-10.0 lb) RPX-6880 Rupp Seeds Inc.
Small (5.1-10.0 lb) Stella Luna DP Seeds
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) Gumdrop Johnny’s
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) Hermes HM Clause
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) RPX-6209 Rupp Seeds Inc.
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) RPX-6229 Rupp Seeds Inc.
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) Renegade Johnny’s
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) Silver Moon DP Seeds
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) Skidoo Gold Rupp Seeds Inc.
Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb) Carbonado Gold (RPX-5598) Rupp Seeds Inc.
Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb) Gladiator HM Clause
Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb) Orange Sunrise HM Clause
Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb) Specter HM Clause
Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb) Thor Sakata
Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb) Warty Goblin HM Clause
Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb) Zeus HM Clause
Extra Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb) Bayhorse Gold Rupp Seeds Inc.
Extra Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb) Flat Stacker DP Seeds
Extra Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb) Mrs. Wrinkles Sakata
Extra Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb) RPX-6208 Rupp Seeds Inc.
Extra Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb) RPX-6879 Rupp Seeds Inc.
Extra Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb) RPX-6883 Rupp Seeds Inc.
Extra Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb) SPU-3269 Sakata
Jumbo (≥ 25.1 lb) Egor Johnny’s
Jumbo (≥ 25.1 lb) Kratos HM Clause
Jumbo (≥ 25.1 lb) Salem DP Seeds

Table 1. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Cumulative yield (tons) / acre, fruit number per acre, number of bins¹ per acre and average fruit weight. Laurel Springs, NC, 2019.

Size Class: Pie Pumpkin (≤ 5.0 lb)

Cultigen

Cumulative Yield (tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

Cumulative Number of Bins1 / Acre

Cumulative Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Casperita 9.2 16698.0 – 1.1
HMX 53D6821 5.2 20650.7 – 0.5
Miniwarts 21.6 15004.0 – 2.9
Warty Gnome 16.9 10002.7 – 3.4
Average 13.2 15588.8 – 2.0
LSD (0.05) 11.1 8235.9 – 0.1

Size Class: Small (5.1-10.0 lb)

Cultigen

Cumulative Yield (tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

Cumulative Number of Bins1 / Acre

Cumulative Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Bisbee Gold 24.9 7663.3 153.3 6.5
Hijinks 38.9 9034.7 180.7 8.6
Pipsqueak 18.9 7260.0 145.2 5.3
RPX-6875 20.6 6292.0 125.8 6.7
RPX-6880 19.8 5566.0 111.3 7.1
Stella Luna 9.8 2581.3 51.6 7.8
Average 22.2 6399.6 128.0 7.0
LSD (0.05) 5.7 2141.8 42.8 1.3

Size Class: Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb)

Cultigen

Cumulative Yield (tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

Cumulative Number of Bins1 / Acre

Cumulative Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Gumdrop 22.8 4033.3 100.8 11.4
Hermes 21.2 3146.0 78.7 13.5
RPX-6209 26.2 3952.7 98.8 13.4
RPX-6229 44.0 6614.7 165.4 13.1
Renegade 28.8 4033.3 100.8 14.4
Silver Moon 31.7 5404.7 135.1 11.8
Skidoo Gold 23.9 3630.0 90.8 13.1
Average 28.4 4402.1 110.1 12.9
LSD (0.05) 12.0 1424.8 35.6 2.5

Size Class: Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb)

Cultigen

Cumulative Yield (tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

Cumulative Number of Bins1 / Acre

Cumulative Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Carbonado Gold (RPX-5598) 28.0 3549.3 118.3 15.8
Gladiator 18.4 1936.0 64.5 18.0
Orange Sunrise 37.6 4356.0 145.2 17.5
Specter 33.8 3952.7 131.8 17.2
Thor 24.2 2500.7 83.4 19.7
Warty Goblin 41.5 5243.3 174.8 15.9
Zeus 31.8 3952.7 131.8 16.3
Average 30.8 3641.5 121.4 17.2
LSD (0.05) 13.2 1330.8 44.4 3.9

Size Class: Extra Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb)

Cultigen

Cumulative Yield (tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

Cumulative Number of Bins1 / Acre

Cumulative Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Bayhorse Gold 37.3 3549.3 – 21.1
Flat Stacker 40.5 3468.7 – 23.3
Mrs. Wrinkles 39.5 3791.3 – 21.4
RPX-6208 37.1 3630.0 – 21.0
RPX-6879 29.7 2823.3 – 21.3
RPX-6883 28.3 2420.0 – 24.5
SPU-3269 51.6 4114.0 – 25.0
Average 37.7 3399.5 – 22.5
LSD (0.05) 14.5 1631.3 – 4.0

Size Class: Jumbo (≥ 25.1 lb)

Cultigen

Cumulative Yield (tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

Cumulative Number of Bins1 / Acre

Cumulative Average Fruit Weight (lbs)
Egor 27.0 1774.7 – 31.0
Kratos 34.8 2742.7 – 25.5
Salem 33.3 2500.7 – 26.5
Average 31.7 2339.3 – 27.7
LSD (0.05) 12.0 923.4 – 5.3

¹Number 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. 

Table 2.1. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Fruit and quality measurements for replicated cultigens. Laurel Springs, NC, 2019.

Cultigen

Fruit Color1

Fruit Shape2

Fruit Suturing3

Fruit Texture4

Vine Health Rating5
Bayhorse Gold 6.8 5.9 5.0 3.8 6.3
Bisbee Gold 6.0 5.0 4.4 5.3 4.8
Carbonado Gold 7.3 5.1 5.5 6.0 4.1
Casperita White 3.8 7.7 3.8 6.5
Egor 5.5 7.3 6.9 5.5 6.0
Flat Stacker White 1.0 7.7 3.3 3.5
Gladiator 6.3 4.8 4.5 5.1 4.3
Gumpdrop 7.0 5.0 5.7 5.3 4.5
HMX 53D6821 4.9 3.0 6.2 4.4 6.8
Hermes 6.0 4.9 4.9 4.9 5.0
Hijinks 4.9 4.8 4.2 3.3 5.5
Kratos 7.0 5.5 5.2 4.8 5.5
Miniwarts 5.0 5.0 1.7 4.5 6.8
Mrs. Wrinkles 7.5 4.3 8.5 6.5 6.3
Orange Sunrise 5.0 5.0 4.7 3.8 4.9
Pipsqueak 5.8 5.8 3.9 4.0 4.5
RPX-6208 6.8 6.8 5.6 5.0 4.0
RPX-6209 7.0 5.0 7.2 5.5 4.5
RPX-6229 Buff 6.9 4.0 4.3 4.0
RPX-6875 7.0 4.9 5.7 6.0 3.3
RPX-6879 5.8 6.3 2.9 5.6 3.5
RPX-6880 7.5 5.6 3.9 4.5 5.5
RPX-6883 5.6 5.1 4.9 4.3 3.3
Renegade 6.8 4.9 6.2 5.3 3.0
SPU-3269 6.0 4.3 5.7 5.0 4.0
Salem 7.0 5.9 6.1 5.3 7.8
Silver Moon Blueish-white 2.5 5.5 3.0 5.3
Skidoo Gold 6.3 4.4 4.1 4.3 3.5
Specter Off-white 5.5 4.7 3.0 6.3
Stella Luna Blueish-white 4.0 4.5 2.8 6.5
Thor 6.1 5.1 4.6 3.8 7.3
Warty Gnome 1.0 2.3 5.6 6.0 5.3
Warty Goblin 6.1 5.4 4.6 3.0 6.5
Zeus 5.6 4.9 4.2 4.5 4.2
Average 6.0 4.8 5.2 4.6 5.0
LSD (0.05) 1.2 0.5 1.4 1.8 1.9

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 can be attributed primarily to powdery mildew: 1 = excellent,   9 = poor

Table 2.2. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Fruit and quality measurements for replicated cultigens. Laurel Springs, NC, 2019.

Handle6

Fruit7

Cultigen

Thickness

Length

Attachment

Length

Width

L/W
Bayhorse Gold 5.8 6.0 6.5 12.0 11.8 1.0
Bisbee Gold 7.0 6.8 4.3 7.1 7.9 0.9
Carbonado Gold 4.5 6.0 6.6 10.5 10.8 1.0
Casperita 4.8 7.3 5.0 3.1 4.5 0.7
Egor 5.0 5.9 6.5 15.8 13.8 1.2
Flat Stacker 3.0 4.0 1.5 5.8 15.0 0.4
Gladiator 4.5 5.5 7.5 11.0 12.1 0.9
Gumpdrop 7.3 7.4 7.1 8.6 9.3 0.9
HMX 53D6821 5.3 6.8 5.3 2.2 3.6 0.6
Hermes 6.5 6.3 6.6 9.4 10.6 0.9
Hijinks 3.3 6.6 6.0 8.1 9.6 0.8
Kratos 7.5 6.3 9.0 12.7 13.9 0.9
Miniwarts 4.5 6.5 4.8 5.4 6.0 0.9
Mrs. Wrinkles 5.3 5.0 8.0 10.2 13.0 0.8
Orange Sunrise 6.3 5.9 8.3 11.1 12.1 0.9
Pipsqueak 5.8 7.0 5.0 7.5 7.2 1.1
RPX-6208 6.0 6.8 6.0 13.4 11.9 1.1
RPX-6209 4.9 5.3 6.0 10.3 11.2 0.9
RPX-6229 3.5 4.1 5.9 10.6 9.9 1.1
RPX-6875 7.6 8.3 4.8 7.7 8.1 1.0
RPX-6879 5.6 6.5 7.3 12.9 12.8 1.0
RPX-6880 6.3 8.0 6.0 7.8 7.6 1.0
RPX-6883 6.5 3.8 7.1 13.1 13.7 1.0
Renegade 5.8 5.4 6.0 10.3 11.1 0.9
SPU-3269 8.8 3.5 6.8 10.8 13.3 0.8
Salem 5.8 5.8 7.4 12.1 11.8 1.0
Silver Moon 4.3 3.8 1.5 6.5 10.7 0.6
Skidoo Gold 6.5 5.0 4.9 9.0 10.8 0.8
Specter 4.3 6.8 5.4 10.2 11.2 0.9
Stella Luna 3.5 2.3 1.8 7.2 9.0 0.8
Thor 4.4 4.0 7.5 11.2 12.3 0.9
Warty Gnome 4.0 6.8 4.9 4.0 7.0 0.6
Warty Goblin 4.8 6.4 5.8 10.6 11.9 0.9
Zeus 4.9 5.5 7.1 10.8 12.1 0.9
Average 5.5 5.7 5.9 9.4 10.6 0.9
LSD (0.05) 1.2 1.2 0.9 0.6 0.7 0.1

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.

Figure 2. Photographs of 20 pumpkin and gourd cultivars from selected observation entries. Laurel Springs, NC, 2019 (pages 24-33 in the PDF booklet).

2019 pumpkin and gourd cultivar entries

Size Class

Cultigen

Seed Company
Mini ( ≤ 5.0 lb) Autumn Wings Large Swan Rupp Seeds Inc.
Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb) Blue Doll Rupp Seeds Inc.
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) Flat White Boer Ford Rupp Seeds Inc.
Mini ( ≤ 5.0 lb) Gizmo Rupp Seeds Inc.
Mini ( ≤ 5.0 lb) Goblin Eggs Rupp Seeds Inc.
Small (5.1 – 10.0 lb) Goose Bumps II Rupp Seeds Inc.
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) Jarrahdale Rupp Seeds Inc.
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) Knuckle Head Rupp Seeds Inc.
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) Lunch Lady Rupp Seeds Inc.
Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb) New England Cheddar Rupp Seeds Inc.
Mini ( ≤ 5.0 lb) Pear Bi-Color Rupp Seeds Inc.
Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb) Porcelain Doll Rupp Seeds Inc.
Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb) Red Eye Rupp Seeds Inc.
Extra Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb) Red Warty Thing Rupp Seeds Inc.
Mini ( ≤ 5.0 lb) Rupp Fancy Warted Rupp Seeds Inc.

Table 3. Pumpkin and gourd cultivar evaluation study. Selected observations (non-replicated cultivars). Cumulative yield (tons) per acre, number fruit per acre and average fruit weight. Laurel Springs, NC, 2019.

Size Class: Mini ( ≤ 5.0 lb)

Cultivar

Cumulative Yield  (Tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

 Cumulative Average Fruit   Weight (lbs)
Autumn Wings Large Swan 13.9 36300 0.8
Gizmo 12.5 14036 1.8
Goblin Eggs 2.2 36300 0.1
Pear Bi-Color 4.8 36300 0.3
Rupp Fancy Warted 10.2 36300 0.6
Average 8.7 31847 0.7

Size Class: Small (5.1 – 10.0 lb)

Cultivar

Cumulative Yield  (Tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

 Cumulative Average Fruit   Weight (lbs)
Goose Bumps II 31.0 7502 8.3
Average 31.0 7502 8.3

Size Class: Medium (10.1 – 15.0 lb)

Cultivar

Cumulative Yield  (Tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

 Cumulative Average Fruit   Weight (lbs)
Flat White Boer Ford 22.2 3630 12.0
Jarrahdale 30.3 4356 14.0
Knuckle Head 19.5 2662 15.0
Lunch Lady 32.8 6292 10.0
Red Eye 14.7 2178 14.0
Average 23.9 3824 13.0

Size Class: Large ( 15.1-20.0 lb)

Cultivar

Cumulative Yield  (Tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

 Cumulative Average Fruit   Weight (lbs)
Blue Doll 29.9 3146 19.0
New England Cheddar 45.1 5566 16.0
Porcelain Doll 52.6 6534 16.0
Average 42.6 5082 17.0

Size Class: Extra Large ( 20.1-25.0 lb)

Cultivar

Cumulative Yield  (Tons) / Acre

Cumulative Number of Fruit / Acre

 Cumulative Average Fruit   Weight (lbs)
Red Warty Thing 28.6 2662 21.0
Average 28.6 2662 21.0

Table 4.1. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Fruit and quality measurements for selected observation (non-replicated) cultivars. Laurel Springs, NC, 2019.

Cultivar

Fruit  Color

Warts Present

Fruit  Shape1

Fruit  Suturing2

Fruit Texture3

Vine Health Rating4
Autumn Wings Large
Swan		 Green-orange No – – – 8.0
Blue Doll Blue No 2.5 9.0 1.0 3.0
Casperita White No 4.0 7.0 5.0 7.0
Country Bumpkin Green Yes 2.0 9.0 . 3.0
Flat White Boer Ford White No 1.0 7.0 2.0 5.0
Galaxy of the Stars Green-orange No – – – 8.0
Gizmo Green-yellow Yes – – – 7.0
Goblin Eggs Green-orange No Egg 0.0 1.0 8.0
Goose Bumps II Orange Yes 4.0 2.0 2.0 7.0
Jarrahdale Blue No 1.0 9.0 1.0 2.0
Knuckle Head Orange Yes 7.0 2.0 2.0 8.0
Koshare Green-yellow No – – – 7.0
Lunch Lady Green-orange Yes – – – 7.0
New England Cheddar Buff No 3.0 5.0 1.0 6.0
Pear Bi-Color Green-yellow No Pear – – 8.0
Porcelain Doll Salmon-blue No 2.5 9.0 3.0 5.0
Red Eye Red No 3.0 3.0 7.0 3.5
Red Warty Thing Red Yes 7.0 4.0 9.0 5.0
Rougue Vif d’Etampes Red No 2.0 7.0 5.0 6.0
Rupp Fancy Warted Green-yellow Yes – – – 8.0
Average 3.3 5.6 3.3 6.1

1Fruit Shape Rating: 1 = flat, 5 = round, 9 = tall.
2Fruit Suturing: 1 = none, 5 = medium, 9 = deep.
3 Texture Rating: 1 = smooth, 5 = semi-rough, 9= rough.
4 Vine Health Rating can be attributed primarily to powdery mildew: 1 = excellent,   9 = poor

Table 4.2. Pumpkin and gourd cultigen evaluation study. Fruit and quality measurements for selected observation (non-replicated) cultivars. Laurel Springs, NC, 2019.

Handle5

Fruit6

Cultivar

 Thickness

Length

Attachment

L/D
Autumn Wings Large
Swan		 – – – 0.9
Blue Doll 4.0 5.0 1.0 0.7
Casperita 5.0 7.0 5.0 0.7
Country Bumpkin 2.0 7.0 9.0 0.5
Flat White Boer Ford 3.0 2.0 2.0 0.4
Galaxy of the Stars – – – 0.7
Gizmo – – – –
Goblin Eggs 5.0 7.0 5.0 1.2
Goose Bumps II 6.0 4.0 6.0 0.8
Jarrahdale 2.0 3.0 1.0 0.6
Knuckle Head 4.0 6.0 8.0 1.1
Koshare – – – 2.4
Lunch Lady – – – 1.4
New England Cheddar 1.0 4.0 5.0 0.7
Pear Bi-Color – – – 1.6
Porcelain Doll 5.0 6.0 1.0 0.6
Red Eye 8.0 5.0 1.0 0.6
Red Warty Thing 6.0 4.5 1.0 1.0
Rougue Vif d’Etampes 3.0 5.0 2.0 0.5
Rupp Fancy Warted – – – –
Average 4.2 5.0 3.6 0.9

5 Handle Rating:  Thickness: 1 = thin, 5 = medium, 9 = thick. Length: 1 = short, 5 = medium, 9 = long. Attachment: 1 = poor, 5 = average, 9 = excellent.
6 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.

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