Rains Spark Disease Fears for Pumpkin Growers in Northeast Alabama

Jim Rogers Weather

By Clint Thompson Persistent rains in Northeast Alabama have sparked concerns about potential disease pressure among the region’s specialty crop producers, especially those pumpkin farmers. Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, discussed the impact that potential diseases could have on his area’s pumpkin crop. “That’s one thing we do start to worry about when we start getting rain …

Ornamental Pumpkin

Tour Shows Ornamental Pumpkin Big Business

Dan Cooper Produce, Vegetables

HM.Clause seed company led a pumpkin tour through San Joaquin, Santa Clara, and San Benito Counties showcasing the vibrant pumpkin breeds and ornamental business that consumes the month of October. A visit with longtime squash and pumpkin breeder Theodore “Ted” Superak provided some history of pumpkin breeds. Superak started breeding in the 1970’s when the first major improvement was the …