Last week, cucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) was reported on cucumber in southwest Kentucky and northern Ohio. Last month, the disease was also reported in cucumber crops in Michigan. Being that close to Indiana, it is a good time to stay alert and scout fields for symptoms related to this disease. Remember, early detection of…Read more about Downy Mildew Confirmed in States Surrounding Indiana[Read More]
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Squash Vine Borer https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/veg/squash-vine-borer/ The number of participants reporting trap catches has declined dramatically. Clinton, Allen, and Henry Counties are consistently reporting 1-4 moths per night. It seems that these populations didn’t get the memo that they are supposed to coordinate their mating during one concentrated time point in the summer. Regardless, at this…Read more about Insect Trapping Updates[Read More]
If you are a high tunnel tomato grower, you may have encountered small, blotchy leaf mines (Figure 1) or tiny brown mottled moths (Figure 2) on your plants in the past few years. These tiny pests are the tomato pinworm, Keiferia lycopersicella (family Gelechiidae). They should not be confused with the leaf mining fly, Liromyza…Read more about Insect Spotlight: Tomato Pinworm[Read More]
The survey examined how farmers integrate decisions across three critical areas: farm business planning, production management, and food safety practices. Participants were asked detailed questions about their operational decisions, the timing of various planning activities, and the people involved in farm decision-making processes. The research team sought to understand what decisions farmers make and when…Read more about Understanding Farm Decision-Making: Insights from the 2024-2025 Producer Survey[Read More]
Fruit cracking is one of the most commonly observed disorders affecting many fruit crops. Cracking can occur in different forms, such as radial splits extending from the stem end, splits at the blossom end, or concentric rings around the fruit. Research has shown that multiple factors influence fruit cracking. Some cultivars are more susceptible to…Read more about What Caused the Cracking of Tomatoes and Melons?[Read More]
This Tuesday, July 29th – The Southwest Purdue Ag Center invites growers to attend their Watermelon Variety Evaluation Open House from 1:00 to 4:00 PM EDT. With the event just days away, now is the perfect time to plan your visit and discover which watermelon varieties could enhance your operation. This self-guided field tour allows…Read more about Don’t Miss This Week’s Watermelon Variety Evaluation Open House[Read More]
Dear Valued VCH Readers, Welcome to this week’s edition of the Vegetable Crops Hotline! As hot and humid conditions persist across Indiana with heat indices soaring above 100°F this week, relief is on the horizon with cooler temperatures expected during the first week of August. While we navigate these challenging conditions, several critical issues demand…Read more about From the Editor’s Desk[Read More]
Join us for a Pumpkin Field Day at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center! Date: September 17, 2025, 1:30-5:30 pm EDT Address: 4369 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591 Come and explore a wide selection of pumpkin and winter squash varieties, and learn about the latest research on no-till farming, weed control, and integrated pest management. Whether…Read more about Pumpkin Field Day at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center Set on Sep. 17[Read More]
Open House Come and View the Latest Watermelon Varieties The self-guided Watermelon Variety Evaluation Open House at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM EDT. You are welcome to walk through the field and evaluate the watermelon varieties at your own pace. Extension Specialists Dr….Read more about Watermelon Variety Evaluation Open House on July 29[Read More]
Over the past ten years, evaluating dozens of watermelon and melon cultivars each season has allowed me to explore many unique types that differ from those typically found in mainstream markets. Some of these melons stand out with their distinctive rind patterns, varied colors, exceptional flavors, or other special characteristics. I’ve shared my observations through…Read more about Exploring Unique Melon Cultivars for Direct-to-Consumer Market[Read More]
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