Tell us about your opinions on vegetable grafting practices All growers are eligible whether you use vegetable grafting practices or not. Researchers at the University of Florida, in collaboration with Clemson University, North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Kansas State University, Washington State University, University of Arizona, University of California, Davis, and USDA – Agricultural Research[Read More…]
At the 2022 Southwest Indiana Melon and Vegetable Growers Annual Meeting, 17 watermelon farmers and 2 agricultural professionals shared their irrigation and fertilization management practices used for watermelon production in Indiana. These individuals grow or provide services for watermelon acres from less than 50 acres up to 2,000 acres over the past five years. We[Read More…]
We will continue to host two trapping networks in the 2022 growing season. The historical corn earworm (Figure 1) trapping network will continue. This state-wide trapping and monitoring program for corn earworm is crucial to assist growers with timely management decisions in sweet corn production. The latest trap catch information can be found here. Traps[Read More…]
We are conducting a survey to learn about your experiences using row covers and your willingness to adopt a new row cover approach known as mesotunnels. Our study is evaluating the use of mesotunnels in the eastern half of the US for control of the full range of pests and diseases on organic production of[Read More…]
We conduct standard seedless watermelon variety trials at Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center each year. In a separate trial, we evaluate mini seedless watermelon varieties. Mini watermelons refer to fruit ranging from 4.4 to 8.8 lbs, although the industry considers 6-7 lbs fruits ideal. Fruit in a wide range of sizes is suitable to sell at[Read More…]
3Gummy stem blight is an important disease of cucurbits in the Midwest. Gummy stem blight can cause lesions on leaves and stems of cantaloupe, watermelon and other cucurbits. Fruit lesions may be observed on pumpkin and, occasionally, on cantaloupe. Fruit lesions are known as black rot. Find more information about gummy stem blight and black[Read More…]
The photo here (Figure 1) shows a spaghetti squash with many lesions on the fruit. At first glance, it may seem to be several lesions of different sizes. However, if one looks closely, there are actually two different diseases on the fruit. The larger, brown, irregular water-soaked areas are black rot, caused by the same[Read More…]
Date: November 18, 2021, 5:00 pm (EST) Location: 4207 Purdue Rd, Vincennes, IN 47591. Purdue Extension Food Safety Training Hub, in the newly constructed Vincennes University Agricultural Center, located on highway 41 adjacent to Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center. The Southwest Indiana Melon and Vegetable Growers Winter Meeting will be back in person in 2021! Note the new[Read More…]
Supported by Indiana Vegetable Growers Association and Illiana Watermelon Association, a collaborative project between Purdue University and Michigan State University that aims to help watermelon farmers improve irrigation management was recently funded. In this project, the team will conduct the scientific experiment at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center to test currently used irrigation management tools,[Read More…]
Downy mildew of cucumbers has been observed in Knox County. This disease has not been observed on pumpkins, but it is possible for downy mildew to spread from cucumbers to pumpkins. Therefore, pumpkin growers should scout for downy mildew and manage for the disease depending on their situation. Pumpkin growers who plan to harvest mid[Read More…]