Ensuring the emergence of oil pumpkin seedlings and optimised juvenile development under difficult conditions caused by climate change. Research into causes and measures for emergence difficulties and yield stabilisation

The seeds of the Styrian oil pumpkin (Curcurbita pepo var. styriaca) are used for the production of pumpkin seed oil. The seed reacts very sensitively to rainfall and excessively cool soil temperatures during the emergence phase. In addition, the hull-less seed provides a good attack surface for soil-borne diseases such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium and other plant pathogens. It is not fully known which soil-borne diseases have severely impaired seed germination in recent years. A research project therefore aims to investigate various ways of ensuring the emergence and juvenile development of oil pumpkin seedlings in order to help stabilise yields. As part of a research project led by the Steirisches Kürbiskernöl g.g.A. association, the Institute of Plant Protection at BOKU will analyse soil and plant samples to determine which pathogens are responsible for poor emergence in oil pumpkin cultivation.