 January 2000
Research sponsored by
Harris Moran Seed Company revealed that close
in-row spacing results in a high number of fruit per acre without measurable reduction in pumpkin quality (size and appearance).
Dr. Ron Morse, research specialist at
Virginia Polytechnic Institute,
conducted the effects of spacing on a semi-vining type pumpkin cultivar,
Magic Lantern.
Six different spacing arrangements were set up to achieve different
plant populations.
Four replications were established: two at Glade
Spring and two at Hillsville, Virginia.
Spacings were
as
follows:
|
. |
Plant/row
spacings |
Plant
populations |
| Arrangement |
in-row |
between
row |
sqare
ft/plant |
plants/acre |
| A.
Single row |
36 |
96 |
24 |
1815 |
| B.
Single row |
48 |
48 |
16 |
2722 |
| C.
Single row |
24 |
96 |
16 |
2722 |
D.
Twin row
(48 inch apart) |
32 |
144 |
16 |
2722 |
E.
Twin row
(48 inch apart) |
24 |
144 |
12 |
3630 |
| F.
Single row |
24 |
72 |
12 |
3630 |
In
1999, all five high plants per acre spacings (treatments B through
F) out-yielded the low plant per acre spacings by and average of
17%.
Dr. Morse also points
out that the more equidistant spacings (B
and D) out-yielded a regular spacing of 8 x 2 by an average of 117%
even though there were other treatments that had equal of higher
plant populations.
 The data indicates that
both plant population and arrangement of plants can affect pumpkin
yield.
In
another study, Dr. Morse's research focused on nitrogen
applications.
Studies revealed that
there was no significant difference in yield between the 201 lbs. and
401 lbs. rates.
However sidedressing
of N did increase marketable pumpkin yield by 30% as
opposed to no N applied.
Excessive rates of N can
result in decreased marketable pumpkins produced per acre, principally
due to decreased fruit set and enhanced fruit rot.
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