JACKSON -- Greenhouse tomato growers should mark their calendars for the 13th annual greenhouse tomato short course to be held in Jackson on March 11 through 13.

The 2003 Greenhouse Tomato Short Course will be held at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson. It is sponsored by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency is providing additional funding through a partnership agreement to enhance the program.

Advance registration is $85 and must be received by March 1. This fee includes meals, coffee breaks, refreshments, Extension bulletins and admission to the museum. Registration the day of the short course is $100. Those who pre-register will receive a Greenhouse Tomato Short Course all-cotton cap.

Sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by an informal banquet dinner and entertainment in the evenings.

The first day will cover the basics of greenhouse tomato production, including an overview of raising greenhouse tomatoes; getting started in the business; heating, cooling and ventilation issues; information on some of the equipment and supplies needed to operate a greenhouse; and the economics of starting and operating a greenhouse tomato business.

Wednesday's session will cover insect and disease identification and management, physiological disorders, marketing, new technologies and will conclude with a panel group discussion. On Thursday, participants will tour area greenhouses for an up-close view of production.

For more information, contact local county Extension offices or visit the Internet at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/cmrec/ghsc.htm. The complete agenda and registration materials are online.