MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University’s Central Research and Extension Center is offering the annual twilight tour of its 175 acres of research plots to conventional and organic fruit and vegetable growers on June 16.

The free event begins with registration at 5:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Agricultural Research and Experiment Station’s Crystal Springs Truck Crops Station. At 5:45 p.m., growers will be taken on a wagon tour of the research plots.

Highlights will include sweet corn and tomato fertilizer sources, blueberry cultivars and preview of the fall garden festival grounds. The only certified organic heirloom watermelon and okra research plots in the state will also be a part of the tour. MAFES and Extension experts will be on hand to present information about the most current research affecting commercial produce growers, including new information on pest and disease management.

A demonstration on growing produce and cut flowers year-round in high tunnels will also take place. High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, use layers of plastic to shelter crops from rain and cold temperatures and trap warmer daytime air inside.

“This will be our first time to include the high tunnels in the twilight tour,” said Bill Evans, director of the Truck Crops Station. “It will be an opportune time for growers to get a first-hand look at the technology and to learn more about implementing it in their own operations.”

For more event information, contact Bill Evans or Janie Taylor at (601) 892-3731. Find information about the Crystal Springs Truck Crop Station.

Writer: Karen Templeton