TY - JOUR AU - Wessel-Beaver, Linda AU - Román-Hernández, Obed AU - Flores-López, Luisa E. PY - 2006/10/01 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Performance of new tropical pumpkin genotypes under varying cultural practices JF - The Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico JA - JAUPR VL - 90 IS - 3-4 SE - Articles DO - 10.46429/jaupr.v90i3-4.1007 UR - https://revistas.upr.edu/index.php/jaupr/article/view/1007 SP - 193-206 AB - <p>New tropical pumpkin (<em>Cucurbita moschata</em> Duchesne) genotypes were evaluated for yield, flesh (mesocarp) color, pest resistance and seed production as compared with the standard cultivar Soler in six field trials at three Puerto Rico locations during a two-year period (2003-2005). Genotypes included an open-pollinated population (PRShortvine-1) and four lines (E0305-1, E0305-2, E0305-3 and E0305-4) with a semi-bush growth habit, as well as a new long-vine open-pollinated population (PRLongvineSLR). Various within-row (0.9- and 1.9-m) and between-row (1.9- and 3.8-m) planting distances were tested. Not all genotypes nor planting distances were included in each trial. PRLongvineSLR was partially resistant to the melonworm (<em>Diaphania hyalinata</em>), whereas lines E0305-1 and E0305-2 were very susceptible. These same lines, as well as PRShortvine-1, were also susceptible to downy mildew, <em>Pseudoperonospora cubensis</em>. All genotypes produced similar yields. Within-row planting distance generally had no effect on fruit weight, fruit number and yield. All new genotypes had good flesh thickness (&gt;4 cm) and small fruit cavities. Flesh color of PRShortvine-1 and PRLongvineSLR tended to be more orange than that of Soler. Lines E0305-3 and E0305-4 had poor seed production, whereas seed production in fruits of PRShortvine-1 and PRLongvineSLR was similar to that of Soler. Despite some shortcomings, PRShortvine-1 and PRLongvineSLR are two advanced open-pollinated populations that should be considered for formal release on the basis of their field performance, good fruit quality and ability to produce profitable amounts of seed in a seed production program.</p><p> </p> ER -