Recent cool weather increases the occurrence of zippering on high tunnel tomatoes. We observed at least 20% of developing fruit (most on the first and second flower clusters) on the variety Mountain Spring showed the zippering symptoms in our high tunnel. A typical symptom of the disorder is a thin, brown, necrotic scar that starts from the[Read More…]
The recent cool and cloudy weather has influenced conditions in the field as well as in greenhouses and high tunnels. I have observed more Botrytis gray mold of tomatoes in greenhouses this spring than usual. This is due in part to the weather. This article will discuss this disease on tomatoes and some management options.[Read More…]
Beginning Farmer Tours May 26, 2016: South Circle Farm, Indianapolis. Urban agriculture, organic farming and key tools for managing small-scale farming operations. June 25, 2016: Silverthorn Farm, Rossville. Organic fruits and vegetables, pastured pork and working with restaurants. July 14, 2016: Melon Acres, Oaktown. Community-supported agriculture and agritourism. Sept. 29, 2016: River Ridge Farm, Roann. Four-season vegetable farming, operating[Read More…]
In a recent visit to a high tunnel, we observed a severe salinity problem on tomatoes. Approximately one month after planting , most tomato plants in the affected area had not sent out any new leaves. Roots did not grow at all (Figure 1). After conducting a soil test, very high soluble salt level explains[Read More…]
Soil temperatures are critical for seed germination and are closely related to occurrences of some early season soilborne disease and pest problems on vegetable crops. Plant vegetable crops after the soil is warm enough ensure good seed germination and fast crop establishment. The figures below show daily average soil and air temperatures at recorded at[Read More…]
Every year since 1980, we have conducted watermelon and cantaloupe variety trials at Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center. In 2016, our variety trials include 44 standard seedless watermelons, 12 cantaloupes, 4 mini-sized seedless watermelons, and 5 seeded watermelon varieties. Seeds have already been planted in the greenhouses and our target date for transplanting in the field[Read More…]
Maintaining temperature in the ideal range is very important for tomato fruit set. The optimum temperatures are 60-75°F (night) and 60-90°F (day). Studies showed that exposing plants to 3-h periods of temperatures above 104°F on two successive days may caused fruit set failure. Not only is the maximal temperature critical for fruit set, maintaining night temperature[Read More…]
High Tunnel Tour at SWPAC Location: Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center, 4369 North Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591 Date: May 9, 2016, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST Please join us for a high tunnel tour at Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center. You will see state-of-the-art high tunnels, learn about season extension of strawberry production under high tunnels and[Read More…]
High Tunnel Tour at SWPAC Location: Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center, 4369 North Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591 Date: May 9, 2016, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST Please join us for a high tunnel tour at Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center. You will see state-of-the-art high tunnels, learn about season extension of strawberry production under high[Read More…]