RE: Growing giant pumpkins in Kenya

Musa,
"Salamu." In my humble opinion, you would be better choosing a variety of
cucurbit that is suited for arid environments. Giant pumpkins and field
pumpkins need tremendous amounts of water to form even marginal sized fruit.
The amount of water needed would not give you much return in terms of edible
nutrition.
In the arid American Southwest, melons (mostly musk melons) are somewhat
successful with proper irrigation.
I have recently read some studies on the Buffalo Gourd 
(Cucurbita foetidissima). They have been able to produce a decent amount of
protein from the fruit with little to no water. The plants are also very
resistant to drought conditions that would kill any other cucurbit.
As for embargos or laws pertaining to seed shipments to Kenya, I do not
know. I know that in the past there have been some seed dealers that use
this site. Maybe they could help you.
"Chumu, rafiki!"

Steve Haberman
Warsaw, Indiana USA

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pumpkins@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On Behalf Of
musa omare
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 6:03 AM
To: pumpkins@hort.net
Subject: Growing giant pumpkins in Kenya

Dear Malenge (Pumpkin in Kiswahili) network members
I work in a University in Eastern Kenya (East Africa) which is supposed to 
spearhead research in developing arid areas in the region to produce food
and 
reduce poverty. What are the chances of producing giant pumpkins in arid
Kenya 
and can one access the seed.

Musa Omare

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