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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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]
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]
Multiple foliar pathogens (some of which are also major problems for fruits) are appearing in watermelon and cantaloupe crops. It is time to continue or begin fungicide applications to prevent diseases such as gummy stem blight (Figure 1), anthracnose (Figure 2), and Phytophthora blight. During recent field visits, I have observed gummy stem blight and…Read more about Disease Watch: Gummy Stem Blight, Anthracnose, and Phytophthora in Cucurbits[Read More]
Pheromone trap monitoring of corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) and squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) is underway throughout the state. Utilizing trap catches in your area can help inform management decisions and avoid unnecessary pesticide applications. Squash Vine Borer (https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/veg/squash-vine-borer/) For those trappers who are currently reporting, we are catching moths regularly in Allen, Marion, and…Read more about Insect Trapping Updates[Read More]
Across the state of Indiana and the country, the first pumpkin and winter squash plants of the season are popping up out of the ground. It is a time of great anticipation and usually triggers a series of phone calls and emails to my inbox. Below, I address some of the frequently asked questions about…Read more about Pumpkin Weed Management FAQs[Read More]
I monitor three different insect pests with pheromone traps to help make informed decisions about when to spray insecticides or take other actions for management. Trap data can be found on the Extension Entomology Vegetables Website. The longest running is the corn earworm (Figure 1) trapping network. Participation in this network entails installing a cone-shaped…Read more about Annual Call for Insect Trappers[Read More]
Introduction Cucurbit yellow vine disease (CYVD) is an emergent disease in the United States caused by the bacterium Serratia ureilytica, and it commonly affects zucchini, squash, watermelon, and melons. The pathogen that causes CYVD is transmitted by the squash bug (Anasa tristis, Figure 1), and other potential vectors include the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum)…Read more about Pathogen Spotlight: Serratia ureilytica Causing Cucurbit Yellow Vine Disease[Read More]
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