Penn State Extension offers cucurbit production program for growers

Produce growers and agriculture entrepreneurs will get a comprehensive look at cucurbit production and culture in the Mid-Atlantic region in a day-long “Cucurbit Production School” offered by Penn State Extension on Feb. 28 at the Penn State Extension Cumberland County office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle Road.

Penn State vegetable pathologist Beth Gugino will discuss current research and best practices for managing diseases of cucurbit crops in Pennsylvania.  Shelby Fleischer, professor of entomology, and Elsa Sanchez, associate professor of horticulture systems management, will present on pollination in cucurbits, pest management, resistant cultivars, protected culture systems, weed management and nutrient management.

Penn State Extension horticulture educators Thomas Butzler, Leah Fronk and Tom Ford also will present on best practices in this commercially important Pennsylvania crop.

The “Cucurbit Production School” will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pesticide credits will be awarded at the end of the meeting. To register for this program, please call 1-877-345-0691 or register online at https://extension.psu.edu/cucurbit-school.