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.

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.sub.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'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.sub.1. An 
F.sub.2 population is produced by selfing one or several F.sub.1 's or by 
intercrossing two F.sub.1 's (sib mating). Selection of the best 
individuals is usually begun in the F.sub.2 population; then, beginning in 
the F.sub.3, the best individuals in the best families are selected. At an 
advanced stage of inbreeding (i.e., F.sub.6 and F.sub.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.sub.1 progeny. A 
double-cross hybrid is produced from four varieties crossed in pairs 
(A.times.B and C.times.D) and then the two F.sub.1 hybrids are crossed 
again (A.times.B).times.(C.times.D). Much of the hybrid vigor exhibited by 
F.sub.1 hybrids is lost in the next generation (F.sub.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.sub.1) hybrid 
seed and plants with superior characteristics. 
As used herein, the term "plant" 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 "medium maturation date" 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, "clean", 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'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'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 Trial 
University of Tennessee, Bledsoe County 
No. of Total Average 
No. No. 
Variety Pumpkins Weight Weight 
Discarded 
Immature 
______________________________________ 
Pro Gold #300 
36 580 16.1 7 1 
RS1090 Jumpin 
27 590 21.9 3 2 
Jack .RTM. 
Rogers 90s523 
42 965 22.9 6 1 
Peek-a-Boo 
86 325 3.8 0 0 
ProGold #510 
29 925 31.9 10 5 
Aspen 55 975 17.7 3 2 
Jack of all Trades 
42 630 15.0 2 6 
ProGold #520 
26 600 23.1 3 1 
Fat Boy 22 350 15.9 2 5 
Gold Rush 13 375 28.8 1 0 
RS1294 
Oz 73 235 3.2 0 0 
Rogers 92p159 
31 340 10.9 2 5 
Spookie 82 255 3.1 0 0 
Appalachian 
34 545 16.0 0 5 
Rupp 94P497 
10 115 11.5 0 0 
Howden 25 480 19.2 2 2 
Ichabod 22 425 19.3 0 3 
Appalachian 
42 680 16.2 1 8 
Rupp 3PH20 
41 825 20.1 0 0 
Rupp 3PH18 
37 750 20.3 1 0 
Mother Lode F1 
32 625 19.5 3 3 
Rupp 94p502 
11 185 16.8 0 3 
Gold Strike 
13 310 23.8 4 1 
F1 Rupp 94p510 
Rupp 3PH25 
27 395 14.6 4 0 
______________________________________ 
TABLE 2 
______________________________________ 
1996 PUMPKIN VARIETY TRIAL 
Clay High School, Oregon, Ohio 
No. of Total Tons Average 
Largest 
Variety Pumpkins Weight per Acre 
Weight 
Fruit 
______________________________________ 
Mother Lode 
42 801 17.45 19.07 39 
HSR-896 
Jack B Little 170 3.70 
Ichabod 31 547 11.91 17.65 31 
Autumn Gold 
77 602 13.11 9.45 11 
Rupp 3-PH-20 
44 1065 23.20 21.2 38 
Big Autumn 65 614 13.37 9.45 15 
Rupp 94-P-497 
40 712 15.51 17.8 28 
Prizewinner 
16 1111 24.2 69.44 104 
Rupp 3-PH-25 
68 987 21.5 14.51 30 
Peek-a-Boo 75 222 4.84 2.96 4 
Jumpin Jack .RTM. 
56 1077 23.46 19.23 38 
Jack B Quik 
75 1.63 
Howden 17 315 6.86 18.53 34 
Baby Pam 72 157 3.42 2.18 3.5 
Baby Bear 147 167 3.64 1.14 2 
Prizzewinner 
15 1276 27.79 85.06 184 
Funny Face 73 822 17.9 11.26 18 
Oz 182 545 11.87 2.99 4 
Rocket 57 629 13.7 11.04 17.5 
Prizewinner 
16 1103 24.02 68.94 111 
Harvest Moon 
53 560 12.22 10.57 15 
Sugar Treat 
124 425 9.26 3.40 4.05 
Jumpin Jack .RTM. 
71 1376 29.97 19.38 47 
Sm Sugar (Asgrow) 
128 422 9.19 3.30 6 
Thomas Halloween 
41 683 16.66 16.67 23 
Spookie 139 502 10.93 3.61 5.5 
Rupp 3-PH-18 
37 768 16.73 20.76 23 
Triple Treat 
82 353 7.69 4.30 7.5 
Gold Strike 94p510 
36 623 13.57 17.31 30 
Prizewinner 
17 1557 33.91 91.59 160 
Frosty 82 793 17.27 9.67 18 
Baby Boo 175 3.81 
Jumpin Jack .RTM. 
44 881 19.19 20.02 40 
Jack B Quik 50 1.09 
Howden Biggie 
33 748 16.29 22.67 34 
Tom Fox 56 534 11.63 10.96 20 
Jack of All Trades 
56 534 11.63 9.54 18.5 
Casper 40 344 7.49 8.60 14 
Connecticut field 
36 540 11.76 15.0 25 
Rouge 47 920 20.04 19.57 38 
Trickster 83 162 3.53 1.95 3 
Mixed Gourds 310 6.75 
Jackpot 42 710 15.46 16.90 27 
Jack-O-Lantern 
47 450 9.80 9.57 21 
Ghostrider 52 445 9.69 8.56 15 
Tom Fox 45 440 9.58 9.78 18.5 
Gold Rush RS1294 
36 808 17.60 21.84 46 
Lumina 41 286 6.23 6.98 13 
Spirit 35 217 4.73 6.20 15 
Pankow's Field 
53 543 11.83 10.25 16 
Mammoth 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.