MISSISSIPPI STATE – Greenhouse tomato growers and those interested in learning how to grow this crop are invited to the 21st annual 2011 Greenhouse Tomato Short Course offered March 8-9 in Raymond.

Speakers at the two-day event will present seminars on a variety of topics relevant to the production of greenhouse tomatoes. The event will be held at the Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond.

“All aspects of greenhouse tomato production will be thoroughly covered in this short course,” said Rick Snyder, event coordinator and Mississippi State University Extension vegetable specialist. “This short course will teach all you need to know about this crop and how to run a successful greenhouse business.”

Topics this year include the components of the greenhouse system, greenhouse design and engineering, alternative heating options, greenhouse irrigation, budget for greenhouse growers, updates on latest research, plant nutrition and alternative crops. A pest management workshop within the short course will cover physiological disorders, diagnosing plant problems, plant disease identification and control, biological control, and conventional and organic pest management.

U.S. and Canadian exhibitors will show products and answer questions. In previous years, participants have come from more than 25 states and several Caribbean and Latin American counties.

Funding for the course is provided by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Grant Program.

Registration is $125 if paid by Feb. 25 or $150 at the door, and it includes meals and Extension Service publications. Register online at http://greenhousetomatosc.com. For more information, contact Snyder at rick.snyder@msstate.edu or (601) 892-3731.