12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

*Management Considerations for Downy Mildew and Plectosporium Blight on Pumpkin

In this presentation you will learn about two very different but potentially devastating diseases of pumpkin and how to manage them. Downy mildew is a foliar disease that moves long distances in wind trajectories. Although it is an annual problem on cucumber, it may or may not affect pumpkin so area-wide monitoring is critical. In contrast, Plectosporium blight is a soilborne pathogen that under favorable conditions directly affects the stems and fruit. Both diseases require an integrated approach based on scouting, cultural practices as well as the use of effective and timely use of fungicides.

Dr. Beth Gugino, Penn State University

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

It All Started with Pumpkins & Strawberries

40 years ago we started our u-pick operation growing only pumpkins and strawberries. Today, our farm is a regional destination for guests to visit our Adventure Farm (45 activities), Aerial Adventure Park (9 zip lines with 30 foot free fall), goat yoga and greatly expanded u-pick crops!

Bruce Hellerick, Hellerick's Family Farm

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

*Review of Weed Control in Pumpkins

This presentation will provide an overview of available herbicides, label updates, and suggestions to optimize their utility in pumpkin and other vine crops. Also, management recommendations will be given for problem weeds including herbicide resistant species found in our region.

Dwight Lingenfelter, Penn State University

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

*Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) in Pumpkins

Pumpkin crops harbor a diverse array of pests and pollinators, which are affected by rotation, tillage, cover-cropping, planting and harvesting schedules, seed treatments, foliar insecticides and fungicides, and irrigation, as well as the surrounding landscape.  We will discuss managing pests while conserving pollinators in the context of the biology of the insect species and farm management practices.

Shelby Fleischer, Penn State University