Supported by Indiana Vegetable Growers Association and Illiana Watermelon Association, a collaborative project between Purdue University and Michigan State University that aims to help watermelon farmers improve irrigation management was recently funded. In this project, the team will conduct the scientific experiment at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center to test currently used irrigation management tools,…Read more about Collaboration between Purdue University and Michigan State University to Improve Irrigation Management in Indiana Watermelon Production[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
Purdue specialists and educators are starting to plan winter programs. What topics and speakers would you like to see? Join a conversation on Thursday, Sept. 16, 8 pm to 9 pm Eastern/7 pm to 8 pm Central by phone or internet. Or, add ideas to online form here You can reach us by sending emails…Read more about What do You Want to See at Purdue Vegetable Programs this Year?[Read More]
Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are a devasting soilborne pest on a wide range of vegetables and fruits. They are most active in well-aerated soils and they like warm weather. Increasingly, we saw this pest in our regions. Root-knot nematode infections result in root swellings called galls, and heavily infected crops by RKN display aboveground symptoms such…Read more about Root-knot Nematode on Vegetable Crops[Read More]
Organic producers and handlers can now apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification. Applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) are due Nov. 1, 2021.
As warm-season crops are harvested, many vegetable farmers start the process of transitioning to cool-season crops. Leafy greens and root vegetables are ready to be planted. High temperature is present across the state recently. The heat stress may affect germination and growth of some of the vegetables. Spinach is probably one of the most heat-sensitive…Read more about Heat Effects on Cool-season Vegetables[Read More]
Dr. Margaret McGrath’s lab from Cornell University has developed a great resource for growers interested in using biopesticides to manage vegetable diseases. https://www.vegetables.cornell.edu/ipm/diseases/biopesticides/ This article provides a general introduction of biopesticides, major types of biopesticides, and the pros and cons of using them. The website also lists representative biopesticide products that are available for managing…Read more about Resources for Biopesticides for Vegetable Disease Management[Read More]
Growers interested in growing strawberries on a plasticulture system can choose to use plug plants or bare-root plants. The pros and cons of using each of the planting materials was discussed in a previous article. This article will discuss the importance of planting dates for growers who chose to use plug plants. In the…Read more about Getting Ready to Plant Strawberries in a Plasticulture System – Planting Date[Read More]
Tomatoes cracking in the late stages of ripening (Figure 1) was observed in our field visit. This article discusses conditions that are likely to predispose tomatoes to crack. The cracking that happened recently in open field production is likely associated with the heavy rains. The problem is most observed when a dry period is followed…Read more about Cracking Tomatoes[Read More]
Our recent field visit revealed a green bean issue that is likely associated with wet conditions. Purdue soybean specialist Shaun Casteel recently released this video that may also help vegetable bean growers to assess the damage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMfoghn7Ilk
Southwest Purdue Ag Center held a virtual field day on June 24, 2021. Multiple projects are highlighted at the virtual field day. If you are interested in learning more about these projects, please check this playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveWDgbh5ujHd6WjcbkVZIFSF5NhqtTyM that includes 24 videos. Topics related to vegetable production include: Pest and pollinator considerations in melon production Herbicide…Read more about Southwest Purdue Ag Center Virtual Field Day Research Highlight[Read More]