This article provides a summary of information provided by Purdue Extension specialists at the 2025 Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) Pumpkin Field Day. Diverse Pumpkin and Winter Squashes Dr. Liz Maynard gave a presentation on the diversity of pumpkins and winter squashes, covering different market types, their botanical classifications, maturity indicators, and storage life. Dr.[Read More…]
Pumpkins
As pumpkin season approaches, proper harvest timing and post-harvest handling become critical for maintaining fruit quality and maximizing storage life. Whether you’re growing Halloween jack-o’-lanterns or pie pumpkins for the holiday market, following best practices through harvest and storage will help ensure your season ends on a successful note. Determining the Right Harvest Time For[Read More…]
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 1:30–5:00 p.m. EDTLocation: Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC)Address: 4369 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591 Registration: https://tinyurl.com/SWPACpumpkin • or call 812-886-0198 Questions? Contact Wenjing Guan (guan40@purdue.edu), Valerie Clingerman (clingerman@purdue.edu), or Barb Joyner (joynerb@purdue.edu). Tentative agenda 1:30–2:00 p.m. – Registration2:00–2:10 p.m. – Welcome to SWPAC — Dennis Nowaskie, SWPAC superintendent2:10–2:30 p.m.[Read More…]
Mark your calendars for an exciting educational opportunity! The Southwest Purdue Ag Center invites you to join their Pumpkin Field Day on September 17, 2025, from 1:30-5:30 pm EDT at 4369 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591. This hands-on event provides participants with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of pumpkin and winter squash[Read More…]
Last week, cucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) was reported on cucumber in southwest Kentucky and northern Ohio. Last month, the disease was also reported in cucumber crops in Michigan. Being that close to Indiana, it is a good time to stay alert and scout fields for symptoms related to this disease. Remember, early detection of[Read More…]
Join us for a Pumpkin Field Day at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center! Date: September 17, 2025, 1:30-5:30 pm EDT Address: 4369 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591 Come and explore a wide selection of pumpkin and winter squash varieties, and learn about the latest research on no-till farming, weed control, and integrated pest management. Whether[Read More…]
Pheromone trap monitoring of corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) and squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) is underway throughout the state. Utilizing trap catches in your area can help inform management decisions and avoid unnecessary pesticide applications. Squash Vine Borer (https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/veg/squash-vine-borer/) For those trappers who are currently reporting, we are catching moths regularly in Allen, Marion, and[Read More…]
Across the state of Indiana and the country, the first pumpkin and winter squash plants of the season are popping up out of the ground. It is a time of great anticipation and usually triggers a series of phone calls and emails to my inbox. Below, I address some of the frequently asked questions about[Read More…]
Planning your vegetable varieties for the upcoming season? Purdue University has maintained comprehensive records of vegetable variety trials throughout the Midwest since 1999. The Midwest Vegetable Trial Report series offers valuable applied research findings specifically relevant to vegetable and melon production in the Midwest region. Below, you’ll find abstracts from the most recent reports. For[Read More…]