Days ago, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist (OISC) approved expanded label language allowing an over-the-top application of Dual Magnum® herbicide on pumpkins in Indiana. This change follows extensive research conducted in 2021 across 11 sites in 10 states to confirm jack-o’-lantern pumpkin crop tolerance to this application. Full results from that research can…Read more about Dual Magnum® Herbicide Now Labeled Over-The-Top in Indiana Pumpkins[Read More]
Cucurbits
In this article, we discuss another plant nutrient imbalance symptom commonly observed in melon production in southern Indiana: manganese toxicity. Manganese is an essential plant nutrient, but excessive amounts can cause toxic effects. In melons, manganese toxicity usually appears as chlorotic spots made up of many tiny pinhole-like lesions that gradually merge together (Figure 1)….Read more about Melon Nutrient Imbalance – Manganese Toxicity[Read More]
In the next two articles, we discuss two nutrient imbalances in melons commonly observed in southern Indiana: potassium deficiency and manganese toxicity. We will describe the symptoms, field observations, potential factors contributing to their occurrence, and potential remedies. Potassium Deficiency A typical symptom of potassium deficiency in melons is yellowing along the margins of older…Read more about Melon Nutrient Imbalances – Potassium Deficiency[Read More]
We have received heavy rainfall in recent days across several parts of Indiana. These conditions, combined with the current growth stage of melons (for example, the dense canopy resulting from active vegetative growth) can create favorable conditions for disease development. Diseases that may become problematic under these conditions include gummy stem blight and anthracnose (Figures…Read more about Wet Weather Increases Disease Risk in Cucurbits[Read More]
As of January 1, 2025, Chateau® SW herbicide is no longer registered for use in melon crops in the state of Indiana. While some growers are aware of this development, others are not. The following article discusses the background on Chateau® SW use in melons and addresses some questions growers may have. What is Chateau®…Read more about Chateau® SW Herbicide No Longer Registered for Melons in Indiana[Read More]
You are invited to attend the SWPAC Vegetable Field Day on August 13, 2026, at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) in Vincennes, Indiana. PARP credits will be offered at this event. This free educational event will provide an opportunity to learn about the latest research and Extension programs that support Indiana’s vegetable industry….Read more about Purdue Vegetable Field Day SWPAC[Read More]
In 2023, BASF registered Rely® 280 for use in cantaloupe, cucumber, summer squash, watermelon, tomato, and pepper. The registration occurred as two separate supplemental labels- one for cucurbits and one for fruiting vegetables. Both supplemental labels were set to expire in December of 2025. These supplemental labels allowed for the use of Rely® 280 as…Read more about Rely® 280 Herbicide – Going, Going, Gone[Read More]
We have experienced several cool days over the past two weeks. One watermelon trial at Southwest Purdue Ag Center was planted on May 4, and during the two days following transplanting, recorded air temperatures dropped below 50°F. We evaluated plant survival 9 days after transplanting. In this trial, we had grafted and non-grafted seedless watermelons…Read more about Watermelon Plant Survival[Read More]
A cold snap is forecast for this weekend, although temperature predictions vary slightly across weather sources. At the same time, some early plantings of watermelon and cantaloupe are already in the field in southern Indiana, or seedlings have already arrived and are waiting to be planted. What steps can growers take to protect these young…Read more about Coming Cold Snap: When to Plant Watermelons and Considerations Under Suboptimal Temperature Conditions[Read More]
Seedless watermelons are extremely dependent on pollinators for yield. A pollinator, typically a bee, has to first visit a male flower from a pollinizer plant (pollen donor) and then deposit the pollen on a female flower from the seedless plant. That pollinated female flower will become a seedless watermelon fruit. This pollen-transfer job can be…Read more about Do Managed Bumble Bees Contribute to Seedless Watermelon Pollination?[Read More]