In Mercer County and the surrounding areas many of the commercial horticulture producers grow pumpkins. Some of these producers grow them for their on farm agritourism businesses while others grow them to be sold at local stores and auctions. In order for these producers to raise a healthy and productive crop they need to stay up to date on the latest pest and disease issues occurring in the area.

The Mercer County Horticulture Agent along with the Anderson County Ag agent,  who also has multiple pumpkin growers came together to offer an Integrated pest management class for pumpkin growers. With the help of three UK extension specialist representing plant pathology, entomology and horticulture.

One specialist was present in the Mercer county office while the other two, one being at the Quick Sand research station and the other on campus would lync in to the meeting. With having the ability to lync in two other counties that also had a high numbers of pumpkin producers were also able to join in on the meeting.

Producer were taught how to identify insects, weeds, and diseases they should look out for. Spray schedules were provided for producers to help reduce the risk of diseases spreading throughout their crops. Through the use of technology a class that was originally offered to help 5 growers ended up helping over 15 through a multi-county program.