WASHINGTON (USDA) - Pumpkins are popular. American farmers have tripled planted pumpkin acreage since 1982 to meet rising demand in what is now estimated to be a $150 million per year industry. Demand may grow even more, as new USDA-funded research help open new markets for hull-less pumpkin seeds.

"The rising popularity of urban pumpkin patches and fall festivals has helped spur demand for pumpkins and increase income for some farmers," said Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman. "Research holds the key to developing new and exciting products from this traditional symbol of fall."

The new strain of seed, developed by Dr. Brent Loy of the University of New Hampshire, will be promoted in North America for use in puffed snack products, granola products, trail mixes, sandwich spread, and a specialized oil.

Tiny pumpkin seeds are cholesterol free and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Seeds are rich in protein and unsaturated oil and contain significant zinc, potassium, and phosphorous.

Though the genetic trait for hull-less pumpkin seeds was discovered in Austria in 1933, the seeds were not popular because they were so tiny and prone to rot. Dr. Loy's breeding work has combined the desirable traits of the early variety with larger seed size, greater yield, and disease resistance.

There were 10,483 farms reporting 74,354 acres of pumpkins planted, according to the 1997 Census of Agriculture released last year. That is a significant increase from the 5,191 farms reporting 25,985 acres of pumpkins planted in 1982. The top pumpkin producing states are Illinois, New York, and California.