DATE:     6/7/04
CONTACT:  Gilbert Miller, (803) 284-3343, ext. 225; gmllr@clemson.edu
          Powell Smith, (803) 284-3343, ext. 228; jpsmth@clemson.edu

Edisto REC will host melon,
vegetable field day July 15

     BLACKVILLLE -- Watermelon and vegetable producers can get
a refresher in best management practices and hear about trends
in the industry during a Watermelon and Vegetable Field Day
July 15 at Clemson University's Edisto Research and Education
Center.
     The fourth-annual event begins at 3:30 p.m. at the
office complex at Edisto REC. The program is co-sponsored by
the S.C. Department of Agriculture and the S.C. Watermelon
Association and Board.
     "We'll take everyone to see our field plots, which will
include variety trials of the 16 most popular seedless
atermelons," said Gilbert Miller, Clemson Extension area
vegetable specialist. "Visitors will also see 26 different
varieties of what are called palm or personal seedless
watermelons, which weigh from 4 to 8 pounds."
     Field day participants will also get a look at spacing
studies, a study that documents the heat units required for
flowering to fruiting, nematicide options for watermelons and
double-cropped squash, a yield-enhancer study in palm melons
and ways to control Watermelon Mosaic Virus II in cantaloupe.
     Other plots on display will include June-planted
watermelons planted on reflective mulch for harvest in
September, cut flower varieties, virus control for bell
peppers, nectar plants for natural enemies of collard pests
and insecticide trials for cabbage/collard caterpillars.
     Dinner will be served after the tour and plans for
future watermelon and vegetable research projects at Edisto
REC will be discussed.
     Recertification credits (CCH) for pesticide applicators
and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) hours will be offered.
     The deadline for registration is July 12. Call Mattie
Felder at Edisto REC (803-284-3343, ext. 73), Martin Eubanks
at the S.C. Department of Agriculture (803-734-2200) or your
local Clemson Extension office to register.

                                END

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