A large number of cucurbit species are cultivated. The rich climatic diversity of our country, which is the center of origin or within the borders of some cucurbit species, allows most of the cucurbit species to be grown in our country without any problem. In addition to fresh consumption, pumpkin grown in our country is used in canned food and ready-to-eat food industries, and the seeds grown as nuts are widely consumed as nuts in our country and in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. The pumpkins grown in our country are divided into three groups as summer, winter and ornamental pumpkins. In addition to being consumed as nuts, pumpkin seeds, which are popularly known as an effective food for eliminating intestinal parasites, are rich in oil, protein, mineral substances and amino acids. Soil Preparation Before sowing and planting, the soil is cultivated once or twice and the field is leveled by raking. One seed is sown into the growing containers. One day before planting, the growing containers should be watered so that the seedlings can be planted with soil. When they have 4-5 leaves, they are planted in their original places. Hoeing and thinning: When the plants reach 3-4 leaves, hoeing is done to break the cream layer and remove weeds. If planted by hand, thinning is done with the first hoe so that 1 healthy plant remains in each hearth. 3-4 weeks after the first hoe, the second hoe is done if necessary. Afterwards, hoeing is not necessary as the plant covers the soil surface. Irrigation: Sprinkler irrigation for pumpkin is a suitable irrigation method for this plant. If the rainfall is sufficient, the first irrigation is done approximately 40-45 days after planting when the first pumpkin fruits appear. Along with irrigation, 10-15 kg/da ammonium nitrate fertilizer is given. 2nd irrigation is done 2-3 weeks after the first irrigation. Since the pumpkins will be harvested after they form seeds, they do not need irrigation after the fruits reach the seed fruit size. However, irrigation is a factor affecting seed yield and size in seed squash cultivation. For this reason, it should be kept in mind that it will need irrigation during the fruit set and size process.
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