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 about Black rot on Brassica Crops[Read More]
Cole Crops
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 about Alternaria leaf spot of Brassicas[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 about Heat Effects on Cool-season Vegetables[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 about Crucifer Caterpillars are (or will soon be) Active![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 about Bolting and Blooming in High Tunnels[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 about Is This the Year to Try Fall Crops?[Read More]
I really thought I was staying ahead of the insects in my crucifer greens pretty well, but as you can see from my ravaged arugula plant (Figure 1), I was wrong! It’s that time of year again when holes may be appearing in your favorite crucifer crops, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, arugula, Brussel sprouts…and…Read more about Stay Ahead of Caterpillars in Your Crucifers![Read More]
Cool nights have finally arrived after the first week of October. Before, we had quite a few days when temperatures were above 90°F. The unusual high temperature has caused problems on early-planted broccoli. Broccoli is a heat-sensitive crop. The critical period for heat sensitivity is when plants shift growing tips from vegetative growth to flower…Read more about Broccoli under Heat Stress[Read More]
Great information on pest management of brassica crops can be found at the Brassica Pest Collaborative website (https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/resources/brassica-pest-collaborative). This project recently conducted several online workshops on managing insect pests of brassicas, including imported cabbageworm, cross-striped cabbageworm, cabbage maggot, flee beetle. All the webinars should be posted on the above website after April 12.
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 about Bolting and Blooming in High Tunnels[Read More]