Temperatures across Indiana averaged 2°F below normal during the past 30 days (April 28–May 27) (Figure 1). Warmer-than-normal conditions earlier in April accelerated the start of the growing season, though cooler weather lately slowed Modified Growing Degree Day (MGDD) accumulation. Since April 1, MGDD totals have ranged from about 150 units in northern Indiana to…Read more about Dryness Returns to Northern Indiana as Southern Conditions Improve[Read More]
Vegetable Crops - General
Author’s note: This article is adapted from a previous article published in Vegetable Crops Hotline, Issue 598, by Dr. Dan Egel Many growers have already finished transplanting watermelons and cantaloupes, while others completed planting a few weeks ago and may be preparing to begin fungicide applications. In many areas of Indiana, rainfall has been relatively…Read more about Optimizing Spray Applications Using MELCAST[Read More]
Purdue Extension is hosting two field days this July that together cover a wide range of fruit and vegetable production topics – one tailored to small-scale and urban growers, and one designed for commercial producers looking to engage directly with the latest research from Purdue. Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day – July 16, 2026…Read more about Mark Your Calendar: Two Purdue Field Days This Summer for Fruit and Vegetable Growers[Read More]
Dear Valued Vegetable Crops Hotline Readers, Welcome to this issue of the 2026 Vegetable Crops Hotline newsletter! Our mission remains steadfast: to deliver crucial updates on pest management, production practices, food safety, and marketing opportunities that directly impact your farming operations. Growers and Purdue Extension Educators, your input and expertise make this newsletter a truly…Read more about From The Editor’s Desk[Read More]
The first week of May certainly didn’t feel like May, as temperatures were 5-10°F below normal across the state (Figure 1). Daytime maximum temperatures struggled to reach 60°F across the northern half of the state, while southern areas only saw low 60s for much of the week. Using Indianapolis as a reference point, given its…Read more about May’s Cold Start And A Pattern Change[Read More]
Introduction The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) is a species of fly in the Stratiomyidae, or soldier fly, family. They are an all black fly that has clear windows near the base of its abdomen that it uses to mimic wasps (Figure 1). BSF adults live for about 5-8 days, during which time they…Read more about The Black Soldier Fly[Read More]
Dear Valued Vegetable Crops Hotline Readers, Welcome to this issue of the 2026 Vegetable Crops Hotline newsletter! Our mission remains steadfast: to deliver crucial updates on pest management, production practices, food safety, and marketing opportunities that directly impact your farming operations. Growers and Purdue Extension Educators, your input and expertise make this newsletter a truly…Read more about From The Editor’s Desk[Read More]
Purdue Extension is hosting two field days this July that together cover a wide range of fruit and vegetable production topics – one tailored to small-scale and urban growers, and one designed for commercial producers looking to engage directly with the latest research from Purdue. Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day – July 16, 2026…Read more about Two Purdue Field Days This Summer Have Something for Every Fruit and Vegetable Grower[Read More]
Indiana saw a lot of precipitation in the early part of this past week, with rainfall totals of 0.5” or more in northern and far southwestern counties and more than 5” in south-central Indiana. In fact, an observer just south of Bedford, IN, reported a combined total of 5.80”! Figure 1 shows the 2-day total…Read more about An Impressive Amount of Rain[Read More]