August 24, 2007

Pumpkin and sweet corn varieties to be showcased during tour

The meeting, sponsored by Purdue Extension’s Northwest Commercial Horticulture Program, will feature a wagon tour of pumpkin and sweet corn variety plots. The tour will be followed by a catered meal at 7:30 p.m.

"This is a great opportunity for producers to come and look at several different varieties of pumpkins and sweet corn," said Liz Maynard, Purdue Extension horticulture specialist. "In addition to learning by looking at the trial plots, participants will have the opportunity to hear Purdue Extension specialists review insect, disease, weed management and production issues."

This year 27 pumpkin varieties will be on display. Most of the pumpkins will be jack-o-lantern size. A few are three-to-five pound varieties, and a selection of mini pumpkins also will be available.

There will be 18 sweet corn varieties that participants will be able to observe and taste, including sugar-enhanced, synergistic and super-sweet types.

"There also will be opportunities to join in informal discussions and have question-and-answer sessions with specialists and other growers," Maynard said.

Purdue experts will speak about a variety of topics, including:

• Rick Foster, entomologist, on insect management in sweet corn.

• Maynard, on weed control in no-till pumpkins, pumpkin varieties and sweet corn varieties.

• Rick Latin, plant pathologist, on cucurbit diseases.

• Todd Hutson, Purdue Extension educator, on protecting farm water supplies.

For participants interested in organic production, there will be an overview of a trial on organic zucchini production.

In addition to the tour, dinner will be served at the end of the evening for those registered. Participants are asked to register by Sept. 6 by calling (219) 785-5673 or e-mailing emaynard@purdue.edu with name and number attending. A registration fee of $5 per person or $15 per person, including private applicator recertification credit, is payable at the meeting. The fee includes beverages, dinner and program materials.

Further information regarding the program is available by contacting at the telephone number or e-mail address listed above for registration. The ag center is located one mile west of Wanatah on U.S. Highway 30, then one-half mile north on Porter/LaPorte County Line Road.

Writer: Elizabeth Fritz, (765) 494-8402, elfritz@purdue.edu

Source: Liz Maynard, (219) 785-5673, emaynard@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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