Powdery mildew is a common disease of cucurbits in Indiana. This disease is more common on cantaloupe and pumpkin. However, we have observed powdery mildew more frequently on watermelon in recent years. We have also observed this disease on cucumber in high tunnels. If left uncontrolled, this disease can cause loss of foliage, loss of[Read More…]
Despite the wet start to the summer that we are experiencing, we have some growers reporting spider mites in field watermelons (Figure 1). This pest is typically associated with hot, dry weather and can be especially problematic in crops grown under protection, such as in high tunnels. Spider mites often move into a field from[Read More…]
Small Farm Education Field Day Date: Aug. 30, 2018 Location: Purdue Daniel Turf Center (1340 Cherry Lane, West Lafayette, IN 47907) and Purdue Student Farm (1491 Cherry Lane, West Lafayette, IN 47906) Registration is $10. Register here http://www.cvent.com/d/hgqx6g For questions or reasonable accommodation needs, contact Lori Jolly-Brown ljollybr@purdue.edu, (765) 494-1296. Greenhouse and Indoor Hydroponics[Read More…]
2018 Indiana Hort Society Summer Field Tour Date: June 26, 2018 Location: Garwood Orchards, 5911 W 50 South, LaPorte, IN 46350 More information about the field tour can be found at https://vegcropshotline.org/article/summer-field-tour-fruit-and-vegetables/ Small Farm Education Field Day Date: Aug. 30, 2018 Location: Purdue Daniel Turf Center (1340 Cherry Lane, West Lafayette, IN 47907) and Purdue Student[Read More…]
The wilted and dead leaves of the watermelon transplants in Figure 1 could have several causes. Above ground symptoms such as wilts and leaf death may be caused by problems underground. When I investigated the plants in Figure 1, I found that many of the plants had a root rot. The dark area at the[Read More…]
This disease has been observed in southern Indiana. Symptoms often begin with dark, wet-looking lesions on the stem (Figure 1). These lesions may extend up the stem and result in the wilt and death of the plant (Figure 2). Occasionally, opportunistic microorganisms invade the stem and produce a disagreeable rotten odor. The conditions that may[Read More…]
We have received several calls recently reporting observations of leaf curling on tomatoes. Although several factors (disease, insect, herbicide, environmental stress etc.) could cause leaf curling, in late spring and early summer, we notice the majority of the leaf curling is caused by physiological factors that in general do not directly affect tomato yield and[Read More…]
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