Cultivation of Pumpkin

Variety

Characteristics

Arka Suryamukhi

High yielding variety released from the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore. Small-sized, flat-round fruits with orange color. Resistant to fruit fly attack. Suitable for growing in Kerala condition during September-January. 

Arka Chandan

A pure line selection released from the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore. Fruits are round with pressed blossom end. Rind colour green with white patches when immature which turns to light brown upon maturity. Fruits are with thick orange flesh and rich in carotene and have a solid cavity. Fruit weight is 2-3 kg. The average yield is 33 t/ha. Crop duration is 115-120 days. 

Ambili

High yielding variety released from the Kerala Agricultural University. The average fruit weight is 4-6 kg. Medium sized flat round fruits

Saras

A medium-sized pumpkin variety with attractive flesh color and more flesh content, released from Kerala Agricultural University. The average yield is 39 t/ha. 

Suvarna

High yielding variety released from KAU. Small-sized flat round fruit with thick orange flesh. The average weight of fruit is about 3- 4 kgs

Pest

Symptoms

Control

Fruit flies

The fruit fly is the most destructive insect pest of pumpkin. Fruit fly maggots feed on the internal tissues of the fruit causing premature fruit drop and also yellowing and rotting of the affected fruits. This fly is difficult to control because its maggots feed inside the fruits, protected from direct contact with insecticides.

Bury any infested fruits to prevent the buildup of fruit fly population. In homestead gardens, covering the fruits in polythene/paper covers help to prevent flies from laying eggs inside the fruits. Breaking of soil to expose pupae, and burning the soil in pit by dried leaves are also effective. It can also be effectively controlled by the use of banana fruit traps.

Epilachna beetle

The yellowish coloured grubs and adults of the beetle feed voraciously on leaves and tender plant parts, and the leaves are completely skeletonized leaving only a network of veins. When in large number, the pest causes serious defoliation and reduces yield.

 Remove and destroy egg masses, grubs and adults occurring on leaves. Spray carbaryl 0.2%.

Pumpkin beetle

Adult beetles eat the leaves, makes the hole on foliage and causes damage on roots and leaves. Grubs cause damage by feeding on the root. It also feeds on flowers and bores into developing fruits that touch the soil.

Incorporate carbaryl 10% DP in pits before sowing the seeds to destroy grubs and pupae.

Aphids

Aphids in large numbers congregate on tender parts of the plant and suck sap resulting in curling and crinkling of leaves. Ants carry aphids from one plant to another.

First, dissolve soap in hot water and then make up the volume. Alternatively, apply dimethoate 0.05%.

Disease

Symptoms

Control

Downy mildew

Cottony white mycelial growth is seen on the leaf surface. Chlorotic specks can be seen on the upper surface of the leaves. It is severe during rainy season.

Complete removal and destruction of the affected leaves. Spraying 10 % solution of neem or kiriyath preparation. If the disease incidence is severe spraying mancozeb 0.2% will be useful.

Powdery mildew

The disease appears as small, round, whitish spots on leaves and stems. The spots enlarge and coalesce rapidly and white powdery mass appears on the upper leaf surface. Heavily infected leaves become yellow, and later become dry and brown. Extensive premature defoliation of the older leaves resulting in yield reduction.

Control the disease by spraying Dinocap 0.05%.

Mosaic(Cucumber Mosaic Virus)

Mosaic disease is characterized by vein clearing and chlorosis of leaves. The yellow network of veins is very conspicuous and veins and veinlets are thickened. Growths of plants infected in the early stages remain stunted and yield of the plant get severely reduced. White fly (Bemisia tabaci) is the natural vector of this virus.

 Control the vectors by spraying dimethoate 0.05%. Uprooting and destruction of affected plants and collateral hosts should be done.