Abstract
Calabaza is a pumpkin-like fruit that is grown throughout the tropics and subtropics. In the Caribbean “calabaza” is used in soups and other traditional dishes. In Puerto Rico, the 1987-88 calabaza crop was worth $8 million and the value of the crop in Florida is estimated to exceed $5 million. Mainland production of tropical calabaza types of C. moschata is limited largely to Florida where it is used mostly by those of Cuban descent. Despite the popularity and commercial significance of calabaza, little effort has been directed toward the study of cultural practices or varietal improvement. Only two improved varieties, `Borinquen' introduced by the Puerto Rico Agricultural Experiment Station in the 1940s and `La Primera' introduced by the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station in 1979 are available. Approaches to calabaza improvement including development of plants with shorter vines, incorporation of powdery mildew resistance, and production of uniform, symmetrical, hard-shelled, medium-sized fruit with enhanced nutritional quality in relationship to management systems are discussed.
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