Steemchurch Wednesday: Pumpkin Production

Background Information

Pumpkin is a name given to a group of plant species belonging to the genus Cucurbita, and includes Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita moschata. The name Pumpkin originated from the word pepon which is the greek word for large melon. Pumpkins are warm temperature crop species which are members of the Cucurbitaceae family-which also comprise other members such as cucumber, squash, watermelons, gourds, and cantaloupes. Pumpkins are known to have originated in Northern America. It is also recorded that fragments of seeds, fruits, and stems of C. moschata and C. pepo were identified and recovered from the cliff dweller ruins of the SouthWestern parts of United States of America. However, It is believed that the C. moschata originated in the Mexican-Central American region, and that C. maxima also originated in NorthWestern part of America. Pumpkins and Squashes cultivation are as old as maize. Pumpkins are cultivated primarily for their medicinal and nutritious benefits. Examples of commercial varieties of Pumpkin include Suvaarna, Sooraj, Ambili, etc.

Pumpkins are also sold directly to consumers for ornamental and recreational purposes -for instance the celebration of Autumn and Halloween. Pumpkins can be grown all around the world with the exception of Antartica. The largest pumpkins producers are US, Canada, Mexico, India, and China. As at now, pumpkin prouction alone in the United States is over one billion pounds per year, and generates more than $100 million.

PUMPKIN PRODUCTION

Plant material source
Obtain seeds from healthy pumpkin fruits or better yet, purchase certified and healthy pumpkin seeds from a recognized company.

Site Selection
Pick a site with easy access to full sun, and possess lots of space for sprawing vines, a garden for instance. Pumpkins require consistent supplies of moisture during the growing season. Hence, pumpkins ought to be grown in soils with good water-holding capacities and high infiltration rates. However, pumpkins' access to irrigation must be vital to the farmer should they grow the crops in sandy soil in order to obtain optimum growth and development of the crop. Water deficiency may result in fruit drop, small sized fruits, and low yields.

The pH(acidic content) of the soil should be within the range of 5.8-6.6 with little soil compaction. Pumpkins are cold-sensitive, and will show injury even from a slight frost. The optimum temperature range for the production of pumpkin is 65 -95°F-temperatures higher than 95°F or lower than 50°F can evoke delayed or slow maturity and growth.

Planting and Fertilization
Generally, Pumpkins are seeded in various fields during the first couple weeks in the month of July, and since pumpkins are warm-season crops, they are usually not seeded until the temperature of the soil reaches 60°F three inches below the soil surface. Seed corn maggot injury can evoke when the pumpkins are seeded in cool soils. No-till pumpkins can be planted with a no-till planter or can also be transplanted in a prepared bed with secondary tillage such as an s-tine cultivator which saves both labor and time. Pumpkins are usually planted in single rows with the distance of 30-40 inches between plants and 8-12 feet between rows.

source: garden.eco

The seeds should be planted 1 inch deep into the soil. Fertilizer recommendations are N-P-K application at rates: 80-150-150 broadcast or 40-75-75. Soil calcium levels of the soil should be checked-if the result shows low contents of calcium, any calcitic (calcium-based) lime applications or application of gypsum should be done to the field (Gypsum will supply calcium to the soil without changing soil pH). The plant should germinate in less than a week with the right conditions. Poorly formed ones should be removed to prevent overcrowding.

Pest Control
Cucumber beetles, squash vine borer, squash bug, aphids, seed corn
maggot,red pumpkin bettles, and spider mites are examples of pest that cause severe damages to the pumpkin crop. Crop rotation, good soil and air drainage, the use of resistant varieties, and the application of herbicides can help minimize the attack of pests and diseases. Also, scheduled application of fungicide can aid in optimum crop yields, and color of the fruit.

source: forestryimages.org

Harvest and Storage
Pumpkins are hand-harvested when they are mature- color (orange or white),and huge size. To harvest a riped pumpkin, carefully cut the fruit off it vines with a sharp object like knife: do not tear. It is essential that farmers grade the sizes, maturity, and pest damage of pumpkins before they send them out to the market. This ensures high quality. It is essential to maintain the pumpkin fruit in a dry and cool environment to aid it extend its shelf's life. It is also advisable to place pumpkins in a well-ventilated storage area. Pumpkins are able retain their qualities for about 2-3 months if stored under the appropriate conditions -relative humidity (50-70%) and temperature (50-55°F).

source: potato-bin.com

Sample Budget for Potential large-scale producers

source: Pennsylvanian State University Website

Economical importance

• Pumpkins contain potassium which can have a positive effect on blood pressure.
• The antioxidants found in pumpkins aid in the prevention of degenerative eye damage.
• Pumpkin puree are often used as replacements for butter or oil in baking recipes.
• Pumpkin aid in diabetes control- the compounds found in pumpkin seeds and pulp. absorb glucose into the tissues and intestines, and also balances glucose levels in the liver.
• Pumpkins are also incorporated into soups,desserts,salads, and preserves.
• Pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene which aids in the reduction of cancer developing risks. It also offers protection against heart diseases and asthma.
• Pumpkins are also sources of fiber.
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I certainly hope this post was very helpful for you as a guide to the production of pumpkins. Feel free to share your thought below.

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