Yield of different pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duch.) populations in an organic production system

Abstract

The yield components of pumpkin seeds and fruits were examined in Stara Pazova in period 2016-2017. Different pumpkin populations were enrolled in the study, grown at following locations in Serbia: Šabac, Šumadija and Negotin. Pumpkin originating in Šumadija was found to produce highest seed yield (0.738 t ha־¹) and possess greatest average seed mass per fruit (110.7 g). Highest fruit yield (95.1 t ha־¹) and greatest fruit mass (14.5 kg) were recorded in population from Šabac. A significant correlation (p ≤ 0.001) was found between fruit yield and fruit mass, as well as between seed yield and seed mass per fruit. Based on two-year experiment, following conclusions can be drawn: origin of population greatly affects all components of seed and fruit yield; high yields of seeds in Northern Serbia can be produced by cultivating population from Šumadija, whereas high yields of fruits can be produced by cultivating population from Šabac.