2024 | Purdue University Vegetable Crops Hotline

Vegetable Crops Hotline A newsletter for commercial vegetable growers prepared by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service

Found 180 Articles

Unveiling Root-knot Nematodes and the Role of Suppressive Soils in Vegetable Production

September 27, 2024 - From Issue: 745

By: Wenjing Guan

What symptoms you might see: Root-knot nematodes cause swellings, known as galls, on the roots. These galled roots are less effective at taking up water and nutrients, which leads to unhealthy plants. Affected plants often exhibit aboveground symptoms resembling nutrient deficiencies, including stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and reduced vigor.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) pose a hidden threat to vegetable production, with root-knot nematodes being among the most damaging soil-borne pests. These nematodes affect a wide range of crops and have [Read More…]

Article Categories:

Vegetable Crops – General

Article Tags:

Rain Brought Some Relief, But Still Not Enough

September 27, 2024 - From Issue: 745

Figure 5. Precipitation total amount forecasted for September 26 through October 3, 2024.

From September 19th through 25th, Indiana was fortunate to receive between a quarter inch to almost three inches of precipitation (Figure 1). This seemed to be a sight for many [Read More…]

Article Categories:

Vegetable Crops – General

Article Tags:

Climate and Weather

Market Ready Producer Training

September 27, 2024 - From Issue: 745

By: Sarah Hanson

Market Ready Interest Flyer

Are you a local food producer interested in selling your products to restaurants, grocery stores, schools, or wholesale distributors? Or maybe you want to explore additional marketing options? Join us [Read More…]

Article Categories:

Vegetable Crops – General

Article Tags:

Evaluating a Farm’s Competitive Position

September 27, 2024 - From Issue: 745

By: Michael Langemeier

Introduction Competitive advantage can result from product differentiation or from being a low-cost producer. A low-cost producer, as the term implies, strives to have below average per unit costs while [Read More…]

Article Categories:

Vegetable Crops – General

Article Tags:

From the Editor’s Desk

September 27, 2024 - From Issue: 745

By: Petrus Langenhoven

Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. This is our second-last issue for 2024 and includes a price [Read More…]

Article Categories:

Vegetable Crops – General

Article Tags:

Editor's Desk

Welcome Meteorological Fall, Drought Concern Grows

September 5, 2024 - From Issue: 744

By: Austin Pearson

Figure 4: The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 Day Temperature and Precipitation Outlook, valid September 9-13, 2024.

As September begins, we officially welcome meteorological fall. While the autumnal equinox isn’t until September 22, the past few mornings have already brought a crisp, fall-like feel to the air.[Read More…]

Article Categories:

Vegetable Crops – General

Article Tags:

Climate and Weather

Insect Spotlight: Long-legged flies

September 5, 2024 - From Issue: 744

By: Laura Ingwell

Figure 1: Front view of a long-legged fly (Photo by John Obermeyer).

This year, we really want to familiarize our readers with beneficial flies! After learning about syrphids, blow flies, and predatory gall midges, we are going to end the season on [Read More…]

Article Categories:

Vegetable Crops – General

Article Tags:

Spotlight

Clearspring Produce Auction Price Update

September 5, 2024 - From Issue: 744

By: Jeff Burbrink

The Clearspring Produce Auction is located just 2 miles south of US 20 in Clearspring Township in the Heart of the LaGrange-Elkhart Amish Settlement. It is within easy driving distance [Read More…]

Article Categories:

Vegetable Crops – General

Article Tags:

Why Are We Fighting? Succession Conflict and How to Handle It

September 5, 2024 - From Issue: 744

By: Renee Wiatt

Figure 1. A local study by Wiatt, Marshall and Langemeier (2023) found that roughly 78% of farm owners who inherited the business from a family member found the transfer to be successful.

Conflict is present in almost every aspect of our lives: personal, business, family, community; the list goes on and on. Inherently, conflict is not good or bad. Conflict can be [Read More…]

Article Categories:

Vegetable Crops – General

Article Tags:

From the Editor’s Desk

September 5, 2024 - From Issue: 744

By: Petrus Langenhoven

Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. The harvesting season is progressing well. As part of our evidence-based [Read More…]

Article Categories:

Vegetable Crops – General

Article Tags:

Editor's Desk

It is the policy of the Purdue University that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue is an Affirmative Action Institution. This material may be available in alternative formats. 1-888-EXT-INFO Disclaimer: Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in this publication assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.