As predicted last week, I have received a number of reports of damage to various vegetables from the root and seed maggots. These pests need to be managed preventively. First, by limiting the amount of decaying organic matter (cover crops, compost, manure) that attracts the flies, growers can reduce the number of eggs laid. Second,…Read more about Root and Seed Maggots[Read More]
Vegetable Crops - General
The cool weather this spring means that many early-planted warm season crops have probably been stressed by cool temperatures more than usual. A number of herbicides labeled for vegetable crops include warnings not to use when the crop is or will be under stress. A stressed crop may not be able to detoxify the herbicide…Read more about Cool Temperatures and Excess Rain may Increase Crop Injury from Labeled Herbicides[Read More]
Purdue Extension publication PPP-110 ‘Options for Dealing with a Pesticide Drift Incident’ describes causes and effects of pesticide drift. It discusses actions a vegetable farmer (or anyone) might take if they suspect that herbicide drift may have injured their crop. The first step suggested is to find out what caused the symptoms. The publication explains…Read more about New Purdue Publication About Pesticide Drift[Read More]
Beginning Farmer Tours May 26, 2016: South Circle Farm, Indianapolis. Urban agriculture, organic farming and key tools for managing small-scale farming operations. June 25, 2016: Silverthorn Farm, Rossville. Organic fruits and vegetables, pastured pork and working with restaurants. July 14, 2016: Melon Acres, Oaktown. Community-supported agriculture and agritourism. Sept. 29, 2016: River Ridge Farm, Roann. Four-season vegetable farming, operating…Read more about Upcoming Events[Read More]
The cost of high tunnel and greenhouse infrastructure is high. The purchase price of high tunnels can vary between $2.00 and $7.00 per square foot, while climate controlled greenhouse costs can vary between $7.00 and $30.00 per square foot. Several factors have an impact on the costs of setting up new high tunnel or greenhouse…Read more about Cost Considerations Prior to the Purchase of a High Tunnel or Greenhouse[Read More]
In a recent visit to a high tunnel, we observed a severe salinity problem on tomatoes. Approximately one month after planting , most tomato plants in the affected area had not sent out any new leaves. Roots did not grow at all (Figure 1). After conducting a soil test, very high soluble salt level explains…Read more about Salt Accumulation for Vegetable Production in High Tunnels[Read More]
Soil temperatures are critical for seed germination and are closely related to occurrences of some early season soilborne disease and pest problems on vegetable crops. Plant vegetable crops after the soil is warm enough ensure good seed germination and fast crop establishment. The figures below show daily average soil and air temperatures at recorded at…Read more about Soil Temperatures in the Past Two Weeks[Read More]
High Tunnel Tour at SWPAC Location: Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center, 4369 North Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591 Date: May 9, 2016, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST Please join us for a high tunnel tour at Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center. You will see state-of-the-art high tunnels, learn about season extension of strawberry production under high tunnels and…Read more about Upcoming Events[Read More]
In January 2016, Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption, otherwise known as the Produce Rule, became law. This rule, as part of the Food Safety and Modernization Act, sets a standard for produce food safety. The water testing component of the produce rule requires growers to regularly test irrigation water….Read more about Produce Rule Water Testing Requirements – Am I Covered?[Read More]