Article published September 24, 2007
Michigan pumpkin crop may drop 50% this year
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — About half of the state’s pumpkin crop may have been lost this year because of hot weather and drought in northern parts of the state and rain and rot in southwestern Michigan.
Because of the weather, there may not be an abundance of pumpkins to choose from this fall, Michigan State University Extension educator Ron Goldy said. Prices also could be higher than usual, he said.
“It seems like we’ve said that the last few years, but this year we really mean it,” Mr. Goldy said. Pumpkin plants don’t produce well when it’s hot, and dry weather kept pumpkins small. Many growers reported having only one pumpkin per plant, when usually there are many, Mr. Goldy said.
In southwestern Michigan, some pumpkin fields were under water three to four days following heavy rains.
Because of the rainfall, plants that weren’t killed were vulnerable to fungus and rot.
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