Open AccessPollination of Cucurbita spp. (squash and pumpkin) crops in Florida
Author(s) -
Rachel E. Mallinger,
Oscar E. Liburd
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
edis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2576-0009
DOI - 10.32473/edis-in1311-2021
Subject(s) - squash , cucurbita pepo , cucurbita , pollination , crop , biology , blowing a raspberry , horticulture , agronomy , botany , pollen
Squash and pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) are economically significant crops in Florida with over 7,900 acres in production and an estimated value of $35,412,000. Without insect pollination, however, crop yields for zucchini, crookneck, spaghetti, butternut and the rest of the large and delectable crew of squash and pumpkin species grown in Florida would be low to nonexistent. This 7-page fact sheet written by Rachel E. Mallinger and Oscar E. Liburd and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department explains the pollination biology and requirements for squash and pumpkin, describes the signs and causes of poor pollination, and provides recommendations for improving pollination of these crops in Florida.<