the cliff of the rocks local to the southwestern United States confirming its origin in
America (Orzolek et al. 2017).
Columbus noted them on his first expedition, while Jacques Cartier accounted
that the crop was grown in Canada in the 1530s. Cabeza de Vaca and Hernando de
Soto mentioned about the cultivation of the crop in Florida during 1540s–1550s.
Also, numerous historical evidences emphasize cucurbit production for fruits and
seeds in 1697 in Styria though it may have an earlier origin. However, the production
of seed for oil extraction became popular during the 1700s and 1800s. Comprehensive statistical data pertaining to harvest has been available from the year 1874
onwards. In the late 1800s hot water was used to soak the pumpkin seeds before
peeling and pressing whereas, in the North-east area of Styria and some nearby areas
seeds were pounded with their seed coat. The earliest appearance of thin-coated seed
was evidenced during 1870–1880. Naked or hull-less cultivar of pumpkin suitable
for oil production was grown locally in Styria since 1915 (Teppner 2004) and natural
chance mutations which produced hull-less pumpkin seeds were apparent during the
1880s. But scientific documentation of the same happened around 1925. These
mutations have not affected the quality of oil in the seeds and the growth of vining
form. Systematic breeding activities and genetic studies were initiated in the 1930s
based on local plant material. After this, pumpkins are cultivated extensively for
making seed oil in Europe. While breeding to enhance the oil concentration of naked
seeds of the Styrian vining was reported to be initiated in 1940 at the breeding station
located at the Lamberg in east Styria. Latest breeding programs focus on disease
resistance and enhancement of seed yield, decrease in the length of vines, increase of
the seed oil content, and more recently to increase its tocopherols content (Winkler
2000).
19.2 Production
As there is limited data on exclusive pumpkin plantation for seed production it is
difficult to state the exact worldwide pumpkin seed production. Seeds are sold in the
market as a by-product of pumpkin pulp production and hence, data gets lost in the
major vegetable category. The pumpkin seeds are generally categorized as “seed
general” or “oilseed” in import/export data which gets lost further in trade. Moreover, when broader statistics are applied this data becomes insignificant (Baxter et al.
2012).
China is the leading country in the production of pumpkin with 7,241,409 tons
(2014), accounting for 40% of total world production followed by India (4,987,123
tons, 27%, Fig. 19.1). The statistical database was endorsed by the Food and
Agriculture Organization Corporate (FAOSTAT 2017).
With sufficient crop and pollinator management procedures 3–4 quintal seed
production can be achieved from 1-ha area (Choudhary 2017). In Central Europe
area where “oil pumpkin” is grown, the estimated production is around 500–800 kg
dry seeds/ha area which may increase up to a maximum of 1200 kg/ha area (Bavec
474
S. Adsul and V. Madkaikar
America (Orzolek et al. 2017).
Columbus noted them on his first expedition, while Jacques Cartier accounted
that the crop was grown in Canada in the 1530s. Cabeza de Vaca and Hernando de
Soto mentioned about the cultivation of the crop in Florida during 1540s–1550s.
Also, numerous historical evidences emphasize cucurbit production for fruits and
seeds in 1697 in Styria though it may have an earlier origin. However, the production
of seed for oil extraction became popular during the 1700s and 1800s. Comprehensive statistical data pertaining to harvest has been available from the year 1874
onwards. In the late 1800s hot water was used to soak the pumpkin seeds before
peeling and pressing whereas, in the North-east area of Styria and some nearby areas
seeds were pounded with their seed coat. The earliest appearance of thin-coated seed
was evidenced during 1870–1880. Naked or hull-less cultivar of pumpkin suitable
for oil production was grown locally in Styria since 1915 (Teppner 2004) and natural
chance mutations which produced hull-less pumpkin seeds were apparent during the
1880s. But scientific documentation of the same happened around 1925. These
mutations have not affected the quality of oil in the seeds and the growth of vining
form. Systematic breeding activities and genetic studies were initiated in the 1930s
based on local plant material. After this, pumpkins are cultivated extensively for
making seed oil in Europe. While breeding to enhance the oil concentration of naked
seeds of the Styrian vining was reported to be initiated in 1940 at the breeding station
located at the Lamberg in east Styria. Latest breeding programs focus on disease
resistance and enhancement of seed yield, decrease in the length of vines, increase of
the seed oil content, and more recently to increase its tocopherols content (Winkler
2000).
19.2 Production
As there is limited data on exclusive pumpkin plantation for seed production it is
difficult to state the exact worldwide pumpkin seed production. Seeds are sold in the
market as a by-product of pumpkin pulp production and hence, data gets lost in the
major vegetable category. The pumpkin seeds are generally categorized as “seed
general” or “oilseed” in import/export data which gets lost further in trade. Moreover, when broader statistics are applied this data becomes insignificant (Baxter et al.
2012).
China is the leading country in the production of pumpkin with 7,241,409 tons
(2014), accounting for 40% of total world production followed by India (4,987,123
tons, 27%, Fig. 19.1). The statistical database was endorsed by the Food and
Agriculture Organization Corporate (FAOSTAT 2017).
With sufficient crop and pollinator management procedures 3–4 quintal seed
production can be achieved from 1-ha area (Choudhary 2017). In Central Europe
area where “oil pumpkin” is grown, the estimated production is around 500–800 kg
dry seeds/ha area which may increase up to a maximum of 1200 kg/ha area (Bavec
474
S. Adsul and V. Madkaikar