The reduction doesn't stem from virus problems this year, but viruses in past years. Dr. David Nagel, extension horticulturist at Mississippi State University, said growers have reduced the state's crop about 100 acres annually for the last several years. Most of this year's 375 acres are in smaller, noncommercial fields. Our neighboring states are not significant pumpkin producers either. Marshall County is Mississippi's leading pumpkin county with about 65 mostly- commercial acres.
Timing is everything for marketing pumpkins.
Growers timed Marshall County pumpkin's maturity just right this year. Anyone wanting to cook pumpkin may want to wait until after Oct. 31, when prices drop. Dr. Barbara McLaurin, extension human nutrition specialist at MSU, said pumpkins are economical, nutritious and versatile vegetables. Pumpkins will last about a month in a 55 to 60 degree location. Lower temperatures can injure the produce.