In this episode, we travel to southern Ohio, speaking with one of the largest plasticulture strawberry growers, Mr. Brad Bapst, who shares his journey and insights on growing strawberries. We also hear from Mr. Thomas Harker, who discusses how the strawberry research conducted at the Ohio State University South Centers impacts strawberry production in the[Read More…]
Wenjing Guan
Vegetable Crops Hotline Editor & Clinical Engagement Associate Professor
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Area(s) of Interest: Commercial Vegetable and Melon Production
Wenjing Guan's website
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Area(s) of Interest: Commercial Vegetable and Melon Production
Wenjing Guan's website
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) pose a hidden threat to vegetable production, with root-knot nematodes being among the most damaging soil-borne pests. These nematodes affect a wide range of crops and have caused significant yield reductions in Indiana, impacting both large-scale conventional vegetable production and small-scale diversified farms, particularly in high tunnel production. Despite their potential to[Read More…]
If you’re expecting plug plants for your strawberry crops, you’ve likely heard about the emerging threat of Neopestalotiopsis disease. For those unfamiliar, I recommend reading Dr. Phil Brannen’s article, “Dramatic Neopestalotiopsis Disease in Strawberry Tips and Plug Plant Production Nurseries“ from the University of Georgia Extension. Recently, I’ve been in discussions with a few fruit[Read More…]
Under waterlogging conditions, oxygen depletion in the soil injures roots, limiting their ability to uptake nutrients and water. In response, plants close their stomata to prevent water loss, leading to a subsequent reduction in photosynthesis. Common symptoms include wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing leaves. If the stress persists for an extended period, plants may eventually[Read More…]
Dear Melon Growers and Industry Friends, You are invited to tour the watermelon variety trials conducted at Southwest Purdue Ag Center in Vincennes, IN, on July 24, 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 This is a self-guided tour. Extension[Read More…]
This week, several regions of Indiana experienced excessive rainfall due to the remnants of Hurricane Beryl passing through the state. The heavy rain caused flooding in some vegetable fields. When soil water levels surpass optimal requirements, oxygen is depleted, leading to waterlogging stress for the plants. Figure 1 displays the varied responses of different crops[Read More…]
Date: September 4, 2024 Time: 3:00 – 8:00 PM EST Location: Southwest Purdue Ag Center, 4369 N Purdue Rd, Vincennes, IN 47591 Dinner Provided Join us for an informative workshop designed specifically for small-scale vegetable producers. This event will be held at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center in Vincennes, IN, on September 4th, 2024, from[Read More…]
It seems the season has shifted abruptly from wet to dry. Over the past week, we’ve begun to hear reports typically associated with hot and dry conditions. At the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center, we conduct side-by-side comparisons of different fruiting vegetables under varying irrigation treatments. This article summarizes our observations on how different fruiting vegetable[Read More…]
Recent high temperatures have been above optimum for vegetable crops. Around Indiana, from June 12 to 25 the daily high was more than 90°F on at least 5 days and the low overnight was above 70°F on at least 3 dates (Figure 1). High night temperature is a particular concern because it causes plants to[Read More…]
Date: September 4, 2024 Time: 3:00 – 8:00 PM EST Location: Southwest Purdue Ag Center, 4369 N Purdue Rd, Vincennes, IN Dinner Provided Join us for an informative workshop designed specifically for small-scale vegetable producers. This event will be held at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center in Vincennes, IN, on September 4th, 2024, from 3:00[Read More…]