PIKETON -- Growers interested in getting the skinny on sweet corn production --from selecting BT varieties to managing insects to effectively marketing the crop -- will have the opportunity to attend a Sweet Corn School to be held on Nov. 16.
The program, hosted by the Ohio State University Extension Vegetable Team, will be presented via video link from four locations throughout Ohio: Ohio State South Centers at Piketon, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences in Columbus, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster and Ohio State Extension Southwest District Office in Vandalia.
The purpose of the Sweet Corn School is to provide wholesale and roadside farm market sweet corn growers and production, pest management and crop protection personnel useful information on sweet corn physiology, pest management and marketing opportunities.
Registration fee is $30 and covers lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments and course handouts. Early registration due date is Oct. 26. On-site registration the day of the program is $40. The school will run from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Some of the sessions include: producing early sweet corn and stand establishment; how to grow and handle BT corn; managing worms and flea beetles; understanding sweet corn genetics; analyzing aspects of variety selection; irrigating sweet corn; and selecting the right herbicide. The school will also include a grower panel that will allow sweet corn growers the opportunity to discuss their challenges in growing and marketing the crop.
To register or for more information on the Sweet Corn School, contact Melissa Fitzpatrick at the Ohio State South Centers at Piketon at (614) 292-4900 or e-mail fitzpatrick.73@osu.edu. Visit the Ohio State Vegetable Team's website at http://vegnet.osu.edu for a more detailed agenda.