MoreThan 80 Pumpkin Varieties To Be Featured At Field Day

JUDY MAE BINGMAN

URBANA, ILLINOIS

   Commercial pumpkin growers can enhance production practices at the upcoming University of Illinois Extension Pumpkin Field Day. The event begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 1 at Eckert’s Orchard near Belleville.

   The outdoor event will cover fertility management, variety selection, no-till production, and insect disease and weed management, says Nathan Johanning, Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educator.

   "This year’s trials include cover crop and weed management trials and a variety trial with over 80 pumpkin varieties, including gourds, jack- o’-lantern, pie-sized, and specialty pumpkins of all shapes and colors, including many new releases just on the market," says Johanning. "It's a unique opportunity to hear from specialists on production related topics, see the trials, and network with other growers and industry vendors.

   This program is free and open to anyone interested in commercial pumpkin production, Johanning says. Lunch will be provided, and outdoor program will be held rain or shine. If you will need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please email Johanning, njohann@illinois.edu . Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. ∆

   JUDY MAE BINGMAN: Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications Manager