In the next month, many growers will start to plant pumpkins. This article will introduce aspects of disease management of pumpkins prior to the growing season. The information below is discussed under several of the most common diseases of pumpkins in Indiana. The objective of this article is to discuss what diseases are more likely…Read more about A Brief Primer on Disease Management of Pumpkin[Read More]
Cucurbits
This time of year, when we are busy in the fields planting and prepping for a fruitful season, we need to be observant of the pest pressures that may be present. We have already had reports this year of cucumber beetles feeding on recently transplanted cucurbit crops, in particular melons and cucumbers. Let’s review why…Read more about Early Cucumber Beetle Management[Read More]
While it is not so much of a problem on large farms, with many acres of cucurbits, small farms and organic growers tend to be the most impacted by this pest. The squash vine borer (Figure 1) is a member of the clear-winged moths, a unique group of moths that are active during the daytime….Read more about Looking for Squash Vine Borer (SVB) Trapping Collaborators[Read More]
The author of this article, Dan Egel, retired from Purdue University in February 2024. MELCAST is a weather-based disease-forecasting program that helps growers schedule foliar fungicide applications for watermelon and cantaloupe. MELCAST stands for MELon disease for CASTer. This program, designed by Dr. Rick Latin, Emeritus Professor of Plant Pathology at Purdue University, keeps track of weather conditions so…Read more about MELCAST[Read More]
Course: Online PCQI Certification – Watermelon Packing Dates: May 5 & May 6, 2022 Times: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm EST Online Platform: Zoom Cost: $1000.00 each participant To register: pcqiclasses@gmail.com or text 561-261-9747 Course Info: Kiley will lead a VIRTUAL but interactive training session (via ZOOM) across two days from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm each day….Read more about Online PCQI Food Safety Certification[Read More]
A large proportion of watermelon acres in Indiana are not currently using drip irrigation. Farmers may choose not to use drip irrigation because precipitation is usually abundant in most years for watermelon production. There is a desire to reduce costs and/or fear that over-irrigation may increase the risk of mature watermelon vine decline, a disease…Read more about Research Update on Nitrogen Management in Non-Irrigated Watermelon Production[Read More]
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 about Vegetable Grafting Survey[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 about Watermelon Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilization Methods Commonly Used in Indiana[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 about Participate in Pest Monitoring to Inform Management[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 about Survey to Gage Willingness to use Row Covers to Manage Pests[Read More]