IS1517 Commercial Production of Summer Squash in Mississippi

Commercial Production of Summer Squash in Mississippi

Viral diseases are a main limiting factor for summer squash production. Plant fall squash with this in mind.

Soil

Squash will grow in a variety of soil types. A well-drained sandy loam is preferred, with a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Avoid fields where cucumber, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, or pumpkin have been grown in the previous 2 years. Do not plant squash on soil treated the previous year with long-residual herbicides such as Karmex, Cotoran, Zorial, Lorox, Scepter, Atrazine, Classic, or Prefar.

Varieties

Yellow crookneck--Medallion, Seneca Prolific Crescent
Yellow Straightneck--Lemondrop L., Gold bar
Precocious Yellow Gene--Multipick, Supersett
Zucchini--Senator, Elite

Planting

Squash is a warm-season crop and should not be planted until danger of frost is past. Seed germination is optimum when soil temperatures are about 85 °F Approximate planting dates are given for various areas of Mississippi. Late-season squash has greater problems with viral diseases. These cause yellow fruit to ripen unevenly and not to be marketable. Squash with precocious yellow gene mask the effect of the virus and should be considered for late plantings.

Zone	Spring	Fall
Coastal Counties	Feb. 15 - Apr. 20	Aug. 20 - Sept. 14
South Central	Mar. 15 - May 1	Aug. 14 - Aug. 28
North Central	Apr. 5 - May 10	Aug. 1 - Aug. 14
North	Apr. 10 - May 15	July 25 - Aug. 10

Seed

About 3 or 4 pounds of seed are required to drill one acre; 2 pounds to plant in hills. Sow seed 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep in rows 42 to 48 inches apart. Thin plants to 18 to 25 inches in row spacing. A skip row may be necessary to allow sprayer traffic for pest control.

Fertilizer

Band fertilizer at planting, or broadcast preplant. Follow recommendations from a soil test. Sidedress with 30 pounds N per acre, when plants are 8 to 10 inches tall.

Irrigation

Irrigation is essential for continuous production of squash. Apply 1 inch per week, if there is no rain.

Weed Control

Mechanical cultivation is possible when plants are young. Cultivate frequently, but avoid root pruning by cultivating shallowly. Bensulide (prefar) and DCPA (Dacthal) can be used for preemerge weed control, and sethoxydim (Poast) can be used for postemerge grass control.

Disease Control

Squash is subject to damage from nematodes and diseases. Consult "Disease, Insect, and Nematode Control Recommendations for Commercial Vegetables in Mississippi," Extension Publication 554 for control measures.

Symptoms	Disease
Irregular, water-soaked spots	Angular leafspot
White, fuzzy fungus on blossoms	Blossom blight
Yellow or brown spots on upper leaves, grayish mold on lower	Downy mildew
Powder-like mold on leaves	Powdery mildew
Leaves mottled and distorted, fruit splotchy green	Mosaic Virus
Gray, sunken spots on fruit	Scab
Stunted growth, reduced yield	Nematodes

Insect Control

The most destructive insects on summer squash are cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and squash vine borers. Pickleworms, melonworms, and aphids can also become problems if not controlled. Consult Extension Publication 554 for control measures. Spray for insects when bee activity is minimal. Bees are essential for pollination.

Pollination

Bees transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers. The first several flowers are male, so do not expect fruit from them. One hive per acre placed near the squash field will furnish enough bees for pollination.

Harvest

Harvest crookneck and straightneck squash plants when the fruit is at 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Harvest before the glossy appearance is lost. Harvest zucchini when fruits are 6 to 8 inches long. Pick two or three times a week. Do not leave oversized fruit on the vine, because this reduces yield.

Handle squash with care to prevent cuts and bruises. Hydrocool and grade as soon as possible after harvest.

Packing

Squash is often packed in 1/2-bushel boxes (20 to 24 pounds), in wire-bound crates or cardboard cartons (40 pounds), or in 1/2-bushel baskets. The buyer may specify packaging.

Storage

Summer squash is highly perishable but can be stored 5 to 7 days at 50 to 55 °F and 90 percent relative humidity.

Yield

Eight to 16 tons, depending upon many factors.

Cost

Total	$1,075
Preharvest	$445
Harvest	630

Prices

Prices vary from $.10 to $.50 a pound. Prices below and above this occur frequently.

The information given here is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended of other products that may also be suitable.

By Dr. David Nagel, Extension Vegetable Specialist

Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

Information Sheet 1517
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director

Copyright by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.

This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

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