STARKVILLE -- Despite an ideal growing season, most of Mississippi's traditional pumpkin producers will not be marketing their crop in 1996. The reduction doesn't stem from virus problems this year, but viruses in past years.

Dr. David Nagel, extension horticulturist at Mississippi State University, said growers have reduced the state's crop about 100 acres annually for the last several years. Most of this year's 375 acres are in smaller, noncommercial fields.

"Most pumpkins in Mississippi stores come from Texas, Indiana and Illinois," Nagel said. "Our neighboring states are not significant pumpkin producers either."

Marshall County is Mississippi's leading pumpkin county with about 65 mostly-commercial acres.

"Pumpkin fields had some virus and midseason insect problems, but rains were spread out and helped the crop along nicely," said Dickie Rhea, extension agriculture agent in Marshall County.

"Timing is everything for marketing pumpkins. Too early and they won't be fresh; too late and you miss the strongest demand," Rhea said. "Growers timed Marshall County pumpkin's maturity just right this year."

Nagel said consumers can expect to pay $3 to $5 for Halloween pumpkins. Anyone wanting to cook pumpkin may want to wait until after Oct. 31, when prices drop.

Dr. Barbara McLaurin, extension human nutrition specialist at MSU, said pumpkins

are economical, nutritious and versatile vegetables.

"Choose a pumpkin with no soft spots, cuts or blemishes in the rind and one that is

heavy for its size," McLaurin said.

Pumpkins will last about a month in a 55 to 60 degree location. Lower temperatures

can injure the produce. Stored above 60 degrees, pumpkins gradually lose moisture and

become stringy.

"This fall vegetable is a source of fiber, and vitamins A and C. Pumpkins also are

low in fat; a one-half cup serving contains only 31 calories," McLaurin said.

The nutritionist encouraged people interested in canning pumpkin to contact county

extension home economists for recommendations.

A growing trend across the state is smaller, U-pick fields. These often appeal to

schools and parents who bring young children to see pumpkins growing and to pick their

own jack-o'-lanterns.

Dr. Rick Snyder, extension horticulturist in Crystal Springs, said pick-your-own fields

add to the ease of growing this relatively low-effort vegetable.

"Pumpkins don't require pruning or staking. Growers may only need to do is some

spraying during the growing season," Snyder said.

Mississippians can visit the pumpkin patch at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment

Station in Crystal Springs during the upcoming Fall Garden Day from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on

Oct. 17.