Abstract:
A novel pumpkin variety, designated RS1294, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of pumpkin variety RS1294, to the plants of pumpkin variety RS1294 and to methods for producing a pumpkin plant produced by crossing the variety RS1294 with itself or another pumpkin line. The invention further relates to hybrid pumpkin seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety RS1294 with another pumpkin line.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a new and distinctive pumpkin variety, designated RS1294. It is anticipated that the pumpkin plant `RS1294` will be domestically marketed under the synonym `Gold Rush`. There are numerous steps in the development of any novel, desirable plant germplasm. Plant breeding begins with the analysis and definition of problems and weaknesses of the current germplasm, the establishment of program goals, and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next step is selection of germplasm that possess the traits to meet the program goals. The goal is to combine in a single variety or hybrid an improved combination of desirable traits from the parental germplasm. These important traits may include higher yield, resistance to diseases and insects, tolerance to drought and heat, and better quality. 
     Choice of breeding or selection methods depends on the mode of plant reproduction, the heritability of the trait(s) being improved, and the type of cultivar used commercially (e.g., F 1  hybrid, variety, etc.). For highly heritable traits, a choice of superior individual plants evaluated at a single location may be effective, whereas for traits with low heritability, selection should be based on mean values obtained from replicated evaluations of families of related plants. Popular selection methods commonly include pedigree selection, modified pedigree selection, mass selection, and recurrent selection. 
     The complexity of inheritance influences choice of the breeding method. Backcross breeding is used to transfer one or a few favorable genes for a highly heritable trait into a desirable cultivar. This approach has been used extensively for breeding disease-resistant cultivars. Various recurrent selection techniques are used to improve quantitatively inherited traits controlled by numerous genes. The use of recurrent selection in self-pollinating crops depends on the ease of pollination, the frequency of successful hybrids from each pollination, and the number of hybrid offspring from each successful cross. 
     Each breeding program should include a periodic, objective evaluation of the efficiency of the breeding procedure. Evaluation criteria vary depending on the goal and objectives, but should include gain from selection per year based on comparisons to an appropriate standard, overall value of the advanced breeding lines, and number of successful cultivars produced per unit of input (e.g., per year, per dollar expended, etc.). 
     Promising advanced breeding lines are thoroughly tested and compared to appropriate standards in environments representative of the commercial target area(s). The best lines are candidates for new commercial cultivars; those still deficient in a few traits are used as parents to produce new populations for further selection. 
     These processes, which lead to the final step of marketing and distribution, usually take from ten to 30 years from the time the first cross is made. Therefore, development of new cultivars is a time-consuming process that requires precise forward planning, efficient use of resources, and a minimum of changes in direction. 
     A most difficult task is the identification of individuals that are genetically superior, because for most traits the true genotypic value is masked by other confounding plant traits or environmental factors. One method of identifying a superior plant is to observe its performance relative to other experimental plants and to a widely grown standard cultivar. If a single observation is inconclusive, replicated observations provide a better estimate of its genetic worth. 
     The goal of plant breeding is to develop new, unique and superior pumpkin varieties and hybrids. The breeder initially selects and crosses two or more parental lines, followed by repeated selection, producing many new genetic combinations. The breeder can theoretically generate billions of different genetic combinations via crossing, selfing and mutations. The breeder has no direct control at the cellular level. Therefore, two breeders will never develop the same line, or even very similar lines, having the same corn traits. 
     Each year, the plant breeder selects the germplasm to advance to the next generation. This germplasm is grown under unique and different geographical, climatic and soil conditions, and further selections are then made, during and at the end of the growing season. The varieties which are developed are unpredictable. This unpredictability is because the breeder&#39;s selection occurs in unique environments, with no control at the DNA level (using conventional breeding procedures), and with millions of different possible genetic combinations being generated. A breeder of ordinary skill in the art cannot predict the final resulting lines he develops, except possibly in a very gross and general fashion. The same breeder cannot produce the same variety twice by using the exact same original parents and the same selection techniques. This unpredictability results in the expenditure of large research monies to develop superior new pumpkin varieties. 
     The development of commercial pumpkin hybrids requires the development of varieties, the crossing of these varieties, and the evaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection breeding methods are used to develop varieties from breeding populations. Breeding programs combine desirable traits from two or more varieties or various broad-based sources into breeding pools from which varieties are developed by crossing and selection of desired phenotypes. The new varieties are crossed with other varieties and the hybrids from these crosses are evaluated to determine which have commercial potential. 
     Pedigree breeding is used commonly for the improvement of both self-pollinating and cross-pollinating crops. Two parents which possess favorable, complementary traits are crossed to produce an F 1 . An F 2  population is produced by selfing one or several F 1  &#39;s or by intercrossing two F 1  &#39;s (sib mating). Selection of the best individuals is usually begun in the F 2  population; then, beginning in the F 3 , the best individuals in the best families are selected. At an advanced stage of inbreeding (i.e., F 6  and F 7 ), the best lines or mixtures of phenotypically similar lines are tested for potential release as new cultivars. 
     Mass and recurrent selections can be used to improve populations of either self- or cross-pollinating crops. A genetically variable population of heterozygous individuals is either identified or created by intercrossing several different parents. The best plants are selected based on individual superiority, outstanding progeny, or excellent combining ability. The selected plants are intercrossed to produce a new population in which further cycles of selection are continued. 
     Backcross breeding has been used to transfer genes for a simply inherited, highly heritable trait into a desirable homozygous cultivar or inbred line which is the recurrent parent. The source of the trait to be transferred is called the donor parent. The resulting plant is expected to have the attributes of the recurrent parent (e.g., cultivar) and the desirable trait transferred from the donor parent. After the initial cross, individuals possessing the phenotype of the donor parent are selected and repeatedly crossed (backcrossed) to the recurrent parent. The resulting plant is expected to have the attributes of the recurrent parent (e.g., cultivar) and the desirable trait transferred from the donor parent. 
     Descriptions of other breeding methods that are commonly used for different traits and crops can be found in one of several reference books (e.g., Allard, 1960; Simmonds, 1979; Sneep et al., 1979; Fehr, 1987, Basset, 1986). 
     Proper testing should detect any major faults and establish the level of superiority or improvement over current cultivars. In addition to showing superior performance, there must be a demand for a new cultivar that is compatible with industry standards or which creates a new market. The introduction of a new cultivar will incur additional costs to the seed producer, the grower, processor and consumer; for special advertising and marketing, altered seed and commercial production practices, and new product utilization. The testing preceding release of a new cultivar should take into consideration research and development costs as well as technical superiority of the final cultivar. For seed-propagated cultivars, it must be feasible to produce seed easily and economically. 
     Once the varieties that give the best hybrid performance have been identified, the hybrid seed can be reproduced indefinitely as long as the homogeneity of the parent is maintained. A single-cross hybrid is produced when two varieties are crossed to produce the F 1  progeny. A double-cross hybrid is produced from four varieties crossed in pairs (A×B and C×D) and then the two F 1  hybrids are crossed again (A×B)×(C×D). Much of the hybrid vigor exhibited by F 1  hybrids is lost in the next generation (F 2 ). 
     Pumpkin is an important and valuable crop. Thus, a continuing goal of plant breeders is to develop stable, high yielding pumpkins that are agronomically sound. The reasons for this goal are obviously to maximize the total yield and quality produced on the land used. To accomplish this goal, the pumpkin breeder must select and develop pumpkin plants that have the traits that result in superior varieties and hybrids. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the invention, there is provided a novel pumpkin variety, designated RS1294. This invention thus relates to the seeds of pumpkin variety RS1294, to the plants of pumpkin variety RS1294 and to methods for producing a pumpkin plant produced by crossing the variety RS1294 with itself or another pumpkin variety. This invention further relates to hybrid pumpkin seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety RS1294 with another pumpkin variety. 
     DEFINITIONS 
     In the description and tables which follow, a number of terms are used. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, including the scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided: 
     Fruit--The total number of fruit harvested for a specific size category. 
     Average Fruit Wt.--The average weight in pounds of pumpkin fruit. 
     Total Wt.--The total weight in pounds of all fruit for a given size category. 
     Adjusted Yield per Acre--Total yield of pumpkin fruits in pounds adjusted to a per acre basis. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Pumpkin variety RS1294 is a winter pumpkin of the species pepo with superior characteristics. Pumpkin variety RS1294 was developed by mass selection from the variety Connecticut Field and selected for thick stems. These selections were then crossed with a large gourd of unknown origin and then further selected using mass selection. Bees randomly cross pollinated these new varieties with the mass selected lines. The best fruit were selected and harvested and seed from these selected fruit were used for planting and for further selection the following year. RS1294 plants and fruits have been selected for uniformity and have been found to breed true to type and are as uniform as other pumpkin varieties of its class. 
     VARIETY DESCRIPTION INFORMATION 
     Winter Pumpkin 
     Genus: Cucurbita 
     Species: pepo 
     A. Cotyledon: 
     Length (mm): 85 
     Width (mm): 45 
     Apex: Rounded 
     Veining: Plainly visible 
     Color: Medium Green 
     B. Plant: Long vines prickly 
     C. Main Stem: Angled 
     Average length (cm): 530 
     Diameter at midpoint of first internode (mm): 32 
     Average number of internodes: 70 
     D. Leaves: 
     Shape: Reniform; deep lobed 
     Margin: Denticulate, flat 
     Width (cm): 45 
     Length (cm): 35 
     Surface: smooth 
     Dorsal surface: bristled 
     Ventral surface: bristled 
     Color: Medium green, not blotched 
     Petiole length (cm): 35 
     E. Flower--Pistillate 
     Diameter (cm): 17 
     Ovary: Fusiform 
     Pedicel length (cm): 2 
     Margin: curved, plain 
     Sepals width (mm): 55 Length (mm): 10 
     Color: deep yellow 
     F. Flower--staminate: 
     Sepals: width (mm): 70 Length (mm): 95 
     Pedicil length (cm): 20 
     Color: deep yellow 
     G. Fruit: 
     Length (cm): 36 
     Width (cm) stem end: 28 
     Width (cm) blossom end: 30 
     Average weight (gm): 11,300 
     Shape according to variety type: Connecticut Field 
     Apex: depressed 
     Base: depressed 
     Ribs: prominant 
     Rib furrows: shallow, narrow 
     Fruit surface: shallowly wavy 
     Warts: none 
     Blossom scar button: depressed 
     H. Rind: 
     Thickness at medial (mm): 2 
     Rind: hard 
     Color pattern: regular, grayish-buff 
     I. Flesh: 
     Thickness: Blossom end (mm): 40 
     Medial (mm): 50 
     Stem end (mm): 45 
     Texture: granular, brittle, moist 
     Flavor: slightly sweet 
     Quality: good 
     Color: yellow-orange 
     J. Seed Cavity (sectioned apex to base) 
     Length (cm): 19 
     Width (cm): 24 
     Location: conforms to fruit shape 
     Placental Tissue: moderately abundant 
     Center core: inconspicuous 
     K. Fruit Stalks: irregular, twisted, tapered, slightly curved 
     Length (cm): 20 
     Diameter (cm): 9 
     Texture: hard 
     Farrows: deep 
     Surface: spiny 
     Attachment end: expanded 
     Detaches: with difficulty 
     Color: dark green 
     L. Seeds 
     Length (mm): 19 
     Width (mm): 10 
     Thickness (mm): 3 
     Face Surface: smooth 
     Color: cream 
     Luster: glossy 
     Margin: curved, rounded 
     Separation from pulp: moderately easy 
     Grams per 100 seeds: 17 
     No. seeds per fruit: 550 
     This invention is also directed to methods for producing a pumpkin variety by crossing a first parent pumpkin variety with a second parent pumpkin variety, wherein the first or second pumpkin variety is the pumpkin plant from the variety RS1294. Further, both first and second parent pumpkin plants may be from the variety RS1294. Therefore, any methods using the pumpkin variety RS1294 are part of this invention; including selfing, backcrosses, hybrid breeding, and crosses to populations. Any plants produced using pumpkin variety RS1294 as a parent are within the scope of this invention. Advantageously, the pumpkin variety is used in crosses with other pumpkin varieties to produce first generation (F 1 ) hybrid seed and plants with superior characteristics. 
     As used herein, the term &#34;plant&#34; includes plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell of tissue culture from which pumpkin plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, and plant cells that are intact in plants or parts of plants, such as pollen, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, leaves, husks, stalks, and the like. 
     The closest prior variety to RS1294 is the pumpkin variety Connecticut Field. 
     RS1294 is a &#34;medium maturation date&#34; of approximately 110-120 growing days. The most unique character of RS1294 is the greatly enlarged stem, which is hard and angular. The basal attachment ranges from 8 to 14 cm across. The angular ridges of the stem flare out into the flesh, creating distinct raised ridges 10 to 20 cm long, across the top and down the sides of the pumpkin. This unique attachment is very strong and resists breakage or snapping off at the base during handling. This stem structure was acquired through crossing with gourd type C. pepo during variety development. 
     The rind or outer shell texture of RS1294 is exceptionally hard and resists scratching and scaring during handling. RS1294 has a consistently thick flesh (40-50 mm) which resists crushing and bruising, and fruit shape, firmness and integrity is maintained during the rigors of bulk packing and transport. The flesh of RS1294 is very granular with high moisture levels. Weight to size ratio is high. The seed set in RS1294 is moderate, with a range of 500-600 seeds per fruit and the seeds range in weight from 13-21 grams/100 sseeds. For pumpkin preparation purposes, seeds and placenta are very compact, &#34;clean&#34;, and easily removed. 
     TABLES 
     In the tables that follow, the traits and characteristics of pumpkin variety RS1294 are presented. The data collected on pumpkin variety RS1294 is presented for the key characteristics and traits. Information about RS1294, as compared to several check varieties, is presented. 
     In Table 1 RS1294 is compared to other pumpkin varieties at a variety trial conducted at the University of Tennessee. In Table 2, RS1294 is comparaed to other pumpkin varieties at Oregon, Ohio. Information for the different varieties includes: 
     1. Variety Name--which is the name given various pumpkin varieties in the industry. 
     2. Number of Pumpkins--Number of Pumpkins grown in a particular plot. 
     3. Total Weight--Total weight (Total Wt.) of all fruit in that variety&#39;s particular plot. 
     4. Tons per Acre--Weight of pumpkin fruit calculated per acre. 
     5. Average Fruit Weight--An average weight in pounds of the number of pumpkins grown in that variety&#39;s particular plot. 
     6. Number Discarded--This was determined by immature or poorly shaped fruit that is not marketable. 
     7. Number Immature--This was determined by immature green fruit. 
     
                       TABLE 1______________________________________1996 Pumpkin Variety TrialUniversity of Tennessee, Bledsoe County     No. of   Total   Average                            No.    No.Variety   Pumpkins Weight  Weight                            Discarded                                   Immature______________________________________Pro Gold #300     36       580     16.1  7      1RS1090 Jumpin     27       590     21.9  3      2Jack ®Rogers 90s523     42       965     22.9  6      1Peek-a-Boo     86       325     3.8   0      0ProGold #510     29       925     31.9  10     5Aspen     55       975     17.7  3      2Jack of all Trades     42       630     15.0  2      6ProGold #520     26       600     23.1  3      1Fat Boy   22       350     15.9  2      5Gold Rush 13       375     28.8  1      0RS1294Oz        73       235     3.2   0      0Rogers 92p159     31       340     10.9  2      5Spookie   82       255     3.1   0      0Appalachian     34       545     16.0  0      5Rupp 94P497     10       115     11.5  0      0Howden    25       480     19.2  2      2Ichabod   22       425     19.3  0      3Appalachian     42       680     16.2  1      8Rupp 3PH20     41       825     20.1  0      0Rupp 3PH18     37       750     20.3  1      0Mother Lode F1     32       625     19.5  3      3Rupp 94p502     11       185     16.8  0      3Gold Strike     13       310     23.8  4      1F1 Rupp 94p510Rupp 3PH25     27       395     14.6  4      0______________________________________ 
    
     
                       TABLE 2______________________________________1996 PUMPKIN VARIETY TRIALClay High School, Oregon, Ohio      No. of   Total   Tons   Average                                    LargestVariety    Pumpkins Weight  per Acre                              Weight                                    Fruit______________________________________Mother Lode      42       801     17.45  19.07 39HSR-896Jack B Little       170     3.70Ichabod    31       547     11.91  17.65 31Autumn Gold      77       602     13.11  9.45  11Rupp 3-PH-20      44       1065    23.20  21.2  38Big Autumn 65       614     13.37  9.45  15Rupp 94-P-497      40       712     15.51  17.8  28Prizewinner      16       1111    24.2   69.44 104Rupp 3-PH-25      68       987     21.5   14.51 30Peek-a-Boo 75       222     4.84   2.96  4Jumpin Jack ®      56       1077    23.46  19.23 38Jack B Quik      75               1.63Howden     17       315     6.86   18.53 34Baby Pam   72       157     3.42   2.18  3.5Baby Bear  147      167     3.64   1.14  2Prizzewinner      15       1276    27.79  85.06 184Funny Face 73       822     17.9   11.26 18Oz         182      545     11.87  2.99  4Rocket     57       629     13.7   11.04 17.5Prizewinner      16       1103    24.02  68.94 111Harvest Moon      53       560     12.22  10.57 15Sugar Treat      124      425     9.26   3.40  4.05Jumpin Jack ®      71       1376    29.97  19.38 47Sm Sugar (Asgrow)      128      422     9.19   3.30  6Thomas Halloween      41       683     16.66  16.67 23Spookie    139      502     10.93  3.61  5.5Rupp 3-PH-18      37       768     16.73  20.76 23Triple Treat      82       353     7.69   4.30  7.5Gold Strike 94p510      36       623     13.57  17.31 30Prizewinner      17       1557    33.91  91.59 160Frosty     82       793     17.27  9.67  18Baby Boo            175     3.81Jumpin Jack ®      44       881     19.19  20.02 40Jack B Quik         50      1.09Howden Biggie      33       748     16.29  22.67 34Tom Fox    56       534     11.63  10.96 20Jack of All Trades      56       534     11.63  9.54  18.5Casper     40       344     7.49   8.60  14Connecticut field      36       540     11.76  15.0  25Rouge      47       920     20.04  19.57 38Trickster  83       162     3.53   1.95  3Mixed Gourds        310     6.75Jackpot    42       710     15.46  16.90 27Jack-O-Lantern      47       450     9.80   9.57  21Ghostrider 52       445     9.69   8.56  15Tom Fox    45       440     9.58   9.78  18.5Gold Rush RS1294      36       808     17.60  21.84 46Lumina     41       286     6.23   6.98  13Spirit     35       217     4.73   6.20  15Pankow&#39;s Field      53       543     11.83  10.25 16Mammoth Gold      38       485     10.56  12.76 33______________________________________ 
    
     DEPOSIT INFORMATION 
     Variety seeds of RS1294 have been placed on deposit with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Rockville, Md. 20852, under Deposit Accession Number 97816 on Dec. 6, 1996. A Plant Variety Protection Certificate is being applied for with the United States Department of Agriculture. 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the invention, as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.