Are you still thinking about varieties for the upcoming season? Purdue has been keeping a record of vegetable variety trials in the Midwest since 1999. The Midwest Vegetable Trial Report series includes reports of applied research relevant to vegetable and melon production in the Midwest. Here are some abstracts of the most recent reports. Visit the Midwest Vegetable…Read more about Selecting Vegetable Varieties for Your Farm[Read More]
Watermelon
The Indiana Vegetable Growers Association (IVGA) will host an evening meeting on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Vincennes University Agricultural Center, 4207 North Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN. Registration starts at 5 pm. Purdue researchers will be onsite to discuss production issues. We will also discuss presentation topics for the upcoming winter meetings. Dinner will…Read more about Indiana Vegetable Growers’ Evening Meeting Highlighting Melon Variety Trial Results[Read More]
There are many challenges in growing watermelons. Hail occurring right before harvest time is undoubtedly one of them. In the past weeks, there have been thunderstorms in southern Indiana. Some brought hail. Small hail causes minor damage to watermelon leaves and stems, but big hail can devastate the foliage and cause significant scarring to the…Read more about Watermelon Recovery from Hail Damage, Suggestions from Bob Hochmuth[Read More]
Dear Melon Growers and Industry Friends, You are invited to tour melon variety trials conducted at Southwest Purdue Ag Center, in Vincennes, IN, on July 26, 10:00 am-1:00 pm EST. The variety trials include: A standard-sized seedless watermelon trial A person-sized seedless watermelon trial A seeded watermelon trial A cantaloupe trial This is a self-guided…Read more about Southwest Purdue Ag Center Melon Variety Evaluation Open House on July 26[Read More]
It is not unusual for watermelon wilt to occur in the late season in our region. The plants are loaded with fruit and are sensitive to many stresses. In some cases, it is clear pathogens cause the problem, such as late-season fusarium wilt. While in other cases, it is hard to associate the symptom with…Read more about Improving Watermelon Cultural Practices, Are We on the Right Track?[Read More]
Earlier this year, Rely® 280 was registered for use in transplanted cantaloupe, cucumber, pepper, summer squash, tomato, and watermelon with a supplemental label. The registration allows for the use of Rely® 280 for pre-plant burndown and post-directed applications to row middles. Previously, postemergence burndown and row middle options were limited to glyphosate (Roundup®), carfentrazone (Aim®),…Read more about Rely® 280 Added to Row Middle Weed Control Arsenal in Select Crops[Read More]
Fusarium wilt of watermelon is one of the most economically important diseases of watermelon in the Midwest. Fusarium wilt typically shows up in watermelon fields just after Memorial Day. This year is no different. After a brief description of the symptoms of the disease, this article will discuss the pluses and minuses of possible fungicide…Read more about Fungicides for Fusarium wilt of Watermelon after Symptoms?[Read More]
In watermelon systems in Indiana, cover crops are extensively used with the primary function of acting as a wind-break to protect the seedlings when they are planted in May. Due to the nature of the landscape and the soil type (e.g., open areas with sandy soils), seedlings are exposed to physical damage caused by sandblasting….Read more about Enhancing Insect Pest and Pollinator Management with Flowering Cover Crops[Read More]
Most of us know a temperature lower than 32°F would kill tender vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, melons, and cucumbers. Home gardeners would wait to plant those crops after the last frost passed, but commercial farmers may take the risk of planting earlier to capture early-season premium prices. Farmers use various strategies, i.e., high tunnels, low…Read more about Check Soil Temperatures Before Planting Cold Sensitive Crops[Read More]
We are happy to announce that Purdue Extension is presenting its annual Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on July 20, 2023, at the Throckmorton/Meigs Horticulture Farm, Lafayette, IN. Registration is now open. To register your spot, visit https://cvent.me/5zevYD The field day schedule is very exciting, something for everyone to look forward to. Sweet corn pest…Read more about Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day – Registration Now Open[Read More]