2024 Pumpkin and Fall Ornamentals to be on the Lookout For!
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Pumpkin and Fall Ornamentals to be On the Lookout For!
Chuck Bornt, CCE ENYCHP
At the beginning of January, I was asked by my colleague to give an update on new pumpkin and fall ornamentals that growers might want to take a look at. Now, we haven't done a pumpkin variety trial since 2020 and I know that many of you probably already have your seed orders in, but in my experience, there is always room for a couple more! With a couple of quick emails to our seed industry representatives, my inbox was flooded with a slew of new fall ornamentals that either released this year or are due to release in 2025. To view the slide show of the variety update, click here.
One of the most exciting things for me to learn about is the number of new releases with Powdery Mildew resistance/tolerance. It was also nice to see that there are quite a few new all white varieties being release as well as some new munchkin types. The warty craze is still going strong with some new release in that category as well and of course lots of new Jack-O-Lantern types. Reviewing all of these new varieties got me thinking about the possibility of doing a variety trial this summer, so if any of you reading this is interested in hosting us on your farm for a variety trial, please let me know!
I would like to thank all the seed companies that sent me information on their new lines: Seedway, Outstanding Seed, Rupp Seed and Stokes Seed.
Pumpkin and Fall Ornamentals to be On the Lookout For! (pdf; 7406KB)

Upcoming Events
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
How to Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License
December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026 : Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
January 13, 2026 : Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
January 20, 2026 : Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
January 27, 2026 : Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
February 3, 2026 : Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
