Cultivation of Pumpkin
Basic Information
Particulars | Details |
Botanical Name | Cucurbita moschata |
Family | Cucurbitaceae |
Chromosome No. | 2n = 40 (Amphidiploid) |
Origin | Mexico |
Pollination | Cross-pollinated (entomophilous) |
Chief Pollinator | Honey bees (Apis spp.) |
Flower Type | Monoecious (separate male & female flowers on same plant) |
Fruit Type | Pepo |
Edible Part | Mesocarp and pericarp |
Special Note | Flowers are more nutritious than fruits |
Area and Production
- India: Grown widely across the country
- Major State: Odisha (Orissa)
- 85% of area and 90% of production
Cultivation Practices
Practice | Details |
Sowing Season | Summer: Jan–March, Rainy: June–July, Winter: Sept–Oct |
Seed Rate | 3.5 to 5 kg/ha |
Spacing | 2.5 m × 1.0 m (row × plant) |
Soil Type | Well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter |
pH Range | 6.0 – 6.7 |
Irrigation | Light irrigation at 7–10 days interval |
Training System | Channel and Hill system – highly efficient |
Manure & Fertilizer | 20–25 tons FYM/ha + 60:40:40 NPK kg/ha |
Pollination Ratio | Male:Female = 1:3 for hybrid seed production |
Harvesting Stage | 90–120 days after sowing |
Special Uses
- Yerusseri: Local preparation made from immature fruits
- Pumpkin flowers: Rich in nutrients, traditionally used in cuisine
Varieties
Type | Variety | Special Features |
IARI | Pusa Vikas | Early and high-yielding |
Pusa Viswas | High yield, good fruit quality | |
IIHR | Arka Chandan | Pleasant aroma, excellent taste |
Arka SuryaMukhi | Resistant to fruit fly | |
Others | Ambili | Local variety |
Wild spp. | Cucurbita ficifolia | Fig Leaf Gourd / Malabar Gourd – used as rootstock |
Important Notes for Competitive Exams
- Pumpkin is Amphidiploid (2n=40)
- Cross-pollination promoted by insects (especially bees).
- Channel and Hill system is most effective for yield.
- Flowers are more nutritious than fruits — rich in vitamins.
- Cucurbita ficifolia used in breeding and as rootstock.
- For hybrid seed production: maintain a 1:3 (M:F) ratio.
- Pumpkin is day-neutral crop – not sensitive to photoperiod.
- Contains carotenoids – important for Vitamin A.
