Here are a couple of field trail results. Maximum production of cours is dependent on the suitabilty of a cultivar to local conditions. There is no one size fits all. http://ag.udel.edu/EXTENSION/IPM/MAVW%20Reports%202008/cassella2008%20Small%20Pumpkin%20Variety%20Trial%20Results.pdf http://ag.udel.edu/EXTENSION/IPM/MAVW%20Reports%202008/cassella2008%20Small%20Pumpkin%20Variety%20Trial%20Results.pdf

Here is a link that might be useful: Pumpkin trial

Of course this isn't statistically proven, but in my experience I believe we harvested the most squash weight wise from Old Timey Cornfield Pumpkin (about 400 lb from 8 plants in 2009) and Thompson & Morgan Melon Squash (didn't weigh them, but there were stacks and stacks of them, in 1984). I believe both of these will be available through Sandhill Preservation Center soon as they get their 2010 catalog on-line.

George
Tahlequah, OK

I wish I had read this post before I placed my order with Sand Hill. The Tahitian Melon Squash you mentioned, macmex, really looks productive. I found this link about it:

Here is a link that might be useful: Melon-Squash

That's a nice, informative article. Thanks!

George

Is there any difference in pie pumpkins vs jack-o-lantern pumpkins. Intuition says yes, but a local supplier of plants says no. "just harvested at different times/stages of growth".

If you are going to be eating them, something I think everyone should do, since pumpkins are one of the most nutritious fruits, pie pumpkins are less stringy and more sweet. Jack-o-lantern pumpkins are more stringy and usually less sweet, or not sweet at all. If you want stringy pumpkins to be creamy, then process in a food processor after boiling. However, I personally like the texture of chopped and boiled stringy pumpkins.

According to Amy Goldman in her book The Compleat Squash, yes there are major differences. If you are interested in finding the best tasting (non stringy) varieties I suggest you look at that book. Great photos of each kind, which are all rated according to fiber content, eating quality and decorative use. Or in the case of some jack o lantern pumpkins, livestock use:D.