PERFORMANCE OF SEVENTEEN PUMPKIN VARIETIES GROWN IN NORTHERN UTAH
Agronomy & Pest Management
Taun Beddes
Horticulture Agent
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
Orem
Abstract
We trialed 15 hybrid (Camaro, Challenger, Charisma, Connecticut Field, Corvette, Cougar, Gladiator, Magic Lantern, Magic Wand, Magician, Mustang, New Moon, Orange Rave, Racer, Sorcerer, Summit, and two open-pollinated pumpkin varieties (Connecticut Field and Howden). We measured marketable yield, color, stem strength, size and shape. Seeds were planted in a randomized, complete block design with ten plants representing an experimental unit (n=3). All marketable fruit was evaluated. The highest yielding varieties of marketable fruit were Challenger, Cougar, Summit and Magic Lantern (32.4 tons/acre [t/a] 29.5 t/a, 25.9 t/a and 25.7 t/a respectively). Over 70% of marketable fruit from Magic wand, Corvette and Magician met retail market specifications: weight from 15 to 25 pounds and dimensions of 10 to 15 inches in both height and width. However, Corvette and Magician bore 3 tons less per acre. Conversely, Camaro, Connecticut Field, Cougar, Howden and Summit showed a more variable size range, which was desired by u-pick style operations. Over 75% of fruit from Challenger and Mustang weighed over 25 lbs. Lowest producing varieties included Charisma, Gladiator, Magic Wand, Orange Rave and Sorcerer. Marketable fruit from all varieties had acceptable stem strength (except New Moon) and color.
Authors: Caron, M., Beddes, T., Read, N., Miner, D.
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Caron, M. Horticulture Agent, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84606
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Beddes, T. Horticulture Agent, Utah State University, Utah, 84606
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Read, N. 4-H Agent, Utah State University Extension,
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Miner, D. Agricultural Economist, Utah State University Extension,