A giant pumpkin grown by engineer Tony Scott in upstate New York gained attention for its record size. The pumpkin weighed 1,931 pounds (876 kilograms) and placed third at a regional competition. Scott started growing it months earlier, using fertilizer, water, and warmth to support its development. He measured its growth daily and covered it with a blanket at night to control temperature. The event was part of an annual tradition among growers who compete to produce the world’s largest pumpkins. Some pumpkins in recent years have exceeded 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms). Experts explained that the pumpkins are grown from a special seed called the Atlantic Giant, known for producing extremely large fruits.

Plant scientists said the Atlantic Giant can grow quickly because its internal system moves nutrients and water efficiently. The pumpkins usually grow wider instead of taller because of gravity, giving them a flat and uneven shape. Scott also protected his pumpkin from sunlight with a tarp to keep its skin soft. He used reflective barriers and a fake wolf to keep animals like deer and woodchucks away. Experts from the New York Botanical Garden stated that these pumpkins can gain about 50 pounds per day but eventually stop growing when they mature. The competition shows how careful farming, scientific knowledge, and patience can lead to remarkable agricultural results.