Saving Egyptian Pumpkins Is Key For Biodiversity And Future Farmers, Scientists Say

Egyptian pumpkins, bred to the country's soil and farming practices, are under threat by the entry of non-native varieties, pictured here, being offered to farmers by foreign corporations. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

For generations, innovative Egyptian farmers have developed pumpkins adapted to local conditions that may now be threatened by varieties imported by foreign corporations, which are not bred to match the local environment.

Emad Mady, a researcher at University of Massachusetts-Amherst, traveled through the fertile Nile Valley, visiting traditional farmers and collecting the seeds of different types of pumpkin.