Keeping Pumpkin Season on Track

As autumn arrives and Thanksgiving draws near, pumpkins become the season’s highlight. Researchers from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of Illinois are working together to protect pumpkins from pests and weather challenges. In Illinois, the country’s canned‑pumpkin champion, new foes like cucumber beetles and squash bugs are challenging farmers just as the season hits full swing. Researchers are tracking pollinators, pests, and plant growth to help farmers keep Illinois’s pumpkin tradition strong. Click here to learn more.