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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]