From the Editor’s Desk

As summer heat continues to challenge Indiana growers, this week’s edition provides essential guidance for managing the intensifying conditions ahead. With more heat waves expected and reference evapotranspiration significantly exceeding precipitation, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about drought-related impacts while addressing the immediate pest and disease pressures that thrive in these conditions.

This issue addresses the multifaceted challenges currently facing vegetable producers. For small-scale and organic growers struggling with persistent weed problems, we offer practical alternatives to hand-weeding and tillage through our comprehensive guide to weed management methods. These methods include silage tarping, flame-weeding, organic herbicides, and handheld cultivation tools that can be integrated into existing production systems. Meanwhile, cucurbit growers must be on high alert, as multiple foliar pathogens—gummy stem blight, anthracnose, and Phytophthora blight—are appearing in watermelon and cantaloupe crops, making continued or preventive fungicide applications crucial.

The insect front brings mixed news from our statewide trapping networks. While squash vine borer activity is declining from the first generation and corn earworm counts have dropped dramatically in most areas, Japanese beetles are making their familiar and destructive appearance, particularly threatening roses and other ornamental plants with their characteristic leaf skeletonization. Our trapping updates reveal that most locations are now below spray thresholds for corn earworm, presenting an opportunity to conserve natural enemies and prevent secondary aphid outbreaks.

Looking beyond immediate field concerns, we’re excited to highlight educational and market opportunities that can enhance your operation. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Small Farm Education Field Day, which promises valuable insights for small-scale farmers and urban growers across Indiana, and discover new market opportunities with the launch of a farmers market in Gary, expanding access for both producers and consumers in northwest Indiana. Whether you’re battling weeds with innovative tools, timing disease management programs, or exploring new marketing channels, this week’s content provides the research-backed strategies and timely updates needed to navigate these challenging but opportunity-rich summer conditions.