We are excited to announce that the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center Field Day is scheduled for June 28, 2023, at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC), 4669 N. Purdue Rd. Vincennes, IN. Purdue researchers and NRCS representatives will present their current research and demonstration projects in fruit and vegetable production conducted at SWPAC. The topics…Read more about SAVE THE DATE for Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center Field Day[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
Dr. Janna Beckerman, Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist in the Dept. of Botany and Plant Pathology joined our discussion to talk about Spring Diseases and Management. Our discussion focused on Anthracnose fruit rot and Botrytis fruit rot. Janna described the biology of the pathogens and provided cultural and fungicide recommendations for managing these diseases. You…Read more about Strawberry Chat Podcast — Strawberry Spring Diseases and Management[Read More]
We are concerned about frost/freeze damage to the crops at this time of year. As I am writing this article, we had forecasted low temperatures in the lower 20sºF on March 14 and 18 in southern Indiana. How does this affect plasticulture strawberries? I want to share my thoughts in this article. Before discussing whether…Read more about Strawberry Spring Frost Protection—Considerations in March[Read More]
Grafted tomatoes show advantages, particularly for high tunnel production. A Purdue extension publication, Techniques for Tomato Grafting, and the video provide a step-by-step guideline for small growers to explore this technique. I am often asked. When should I start to plant the seeds to produce grafted plants? The chart below shows a general timeline and materials needed to produce…Read more about Grafted Tomatoes for High Tunnel Production[Read More]
A common approach in winter production is to allow crops to reach maturity or harvestable size by the end of November. High tunnels are then used as a ‘living refrigerator’ from December to around the middle of February. Crops are harvested as needed in the darkest and coldest periods. This approach, however, did not work…Read more about Low Temperatures in December Hurt January and February Markets[Read More]
Michigan State University is holding a free Webinar Series about Specialty Crop Marketing and Finance. Detail information can be access at Webinar on thinking ahead about specialty crop marketing and finance – Agriculture (msu.edu)
Southwest Indiana Melon and Vegetable Growers annual meeting will be held in French Lick Resort & Casino on Jan 20, 2023, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. $15.00 per person will be collected at registration to join or renew your Southwest Indiana Melon and Vegetable Growers Association membership….Read more about Southwest Indiana Melon and Vegetable Growers Annual Meeting[Read More]
Space is limited, so register soon! The Conference will feature educational tracks in Vegetables, Small Fruits, Tree Fruits, Business and Marketing, Food Safety, Farming Basics, and Apple Production for Beginners. Additional events will include a Networking Dinner, Sweet Cider Contest, Silent Auction, and Poster Session. Lunch will be provided both days and is included with…Read more about 2023 Indiana Horticultural Conference and Expo[Read More]
Researchers at Purdue University and the College of Wooster are requesting responses from vegetable growers in the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic regions to learn more about their insect pest management practices to help direct pest management research and extension programs in specialty crop production! Complete the survey to help us learn more about your pest…Read more about Insect Pest Survey[Read More]
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2022 – Producers can now take a nationwide survey to help the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) improve and increase access to its programs and services for America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. The survey includes new and existing customers. USDA encourages all agricultural producers to take the survey, especially those who…Read more about USDA Releases Nationwide Farmer and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey[Read More]