This questionnaire is part of a USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI)-funded proposal (DEVELOPING A NATIONAL TEAM TO OPTIMIZE NON-HERBICIDE WEED MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN COLE AND LEAFY GREEN CROPS) to identify grower interest in novel technology for weed management. Novel technology includes vision-guided sprayers/thinners, steam weeding, and precision mechanical, laser, and electric weeders. It may[Read More…]
Vegetable growers may be wondering when to apply the final fungicide application. It is important to leave the crop protected until the last harvest. Yet, it is important not to waste fungicides. In most cases, the last fungicide application should occur 10 to 14 days from the final harvest. Most fungicides that are designed to[Read More…]
I have observed the disease black rot of cabbage and broccoli this year. I have discussed the basics of this disease in April (Issue 701). Here, I would like to share some photos and observations. For a brief background, black rot is a bacterial disease that becomes systemic-that is, moves within the plant. The disease[Read More…]
The following is a brief report of the pest and non-infectious problems found on vegetable in Indiana over the past 10 days. Tomato-In high tunnels and greenhouses, scattered growers have observed leaf mold, gray mold and white mold. Tomato spotted wilt has also been observed on tomatoes in high tunnels. Unfortunately, herbicide drift has also[Read More…]
Cabbage is the crop most often affected by black rot, however, other crucifers such as broccoli, cauliflower, mustard, kohlrabi or brussels sprouts may be affected. The first symptom one is likely to notice is a V-shaped lesion on the margin of the leaf (Figure 1). However, severe symptoms may become irregular and jagged (Figure 2).[Read More…]
Late last season, I observed Alternaria leaf spot on kale. I want to use this article to review this disease on all brassica crops. This disease also occurs on broccoli, cabbage and other leafy brassicas. Alternaria leafspot usually doesn’t cause yield loss, but can cause unmarketable leaves. The symptoms on leaves usually include round, dark[Read More…]
As warm-season crops are harvested, many vegetable farmers start the process of transitioning to cool-season crops. Leafy greens and root vegetables are ready to be planted. High temperature is present across the state recently. The heat stress may affect germination and growth of some of the vegetables. Spinach is probably one of the most heat-sensitive[Read More…]
It’s around that time when your first crop of tender greens may be close to ready for first harvest! Growing kale, arugula, collard greens, and lettuce this year, I’ve been keeping a hawk’s eye out for signs of caterpillar activity. In the Lafayette area, I’m beginning to see signs of common caterpillar pests of these[Read More…]
Bolting of crops overwintered in high tunnels is common in the spring. ‘Bolting’ refers to lengthening and blooming of the flowering stalk. Bolting is often a problem because the quality of the marketable part of the plant declines. Also, plants subject to bolting are programmed to die once they complete flowering and seed production so[Read More…]
A lot of things are different this year. With the changes come opportunities to try something new. Liz Brownlee with Hoosier Young Farmers Coalition mentioned to me that some markets, especially in rural areas, do not have a steady supply of Fall crops, and that farmers might be looking to extend the season with crops[Read More…]