In years past, the European corn borer was the most important pest of sweet corn, as well as being a pest of peppers and other vegetables. Since the advent of Bt field corn, the overall population of corn borers has been dramatically suppressed, so far that we often forget about it being a pest of…Read more about European Corn Borer[Read More]
We are again seeing a lull in pheromone trap catches of corn earworms. However, I caution sweet corn growers to remain vigilant in checking their traps. Populations can increase rapidly, especially if carried north on storm fronts from the Gulf Coast. It is also important to watch the development of the field corn around your…Read more about Corn Earworm[Read More]
Yellowstriped armyworms continue to cause problems for tomato growers, especially in high tunnels. The populations are often spotty within a field or high tunnel, but can easily reach damaging levels. Most of the insecticides listed in the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for control of caterpillars on fruiting vegetables (pages 135-6) will control yellowstriped armyworms. If…Read more about Yellowstriped Armyworm[Read More]
Growers may be wondering whether to replant pumpkin fields where the stand is uneven due to excess moisture. Potential yield of the replants is one thing it would be good to know. We have data on yield of pumpkins direct-seeded or transplanted in mid-July in northern Indiana. The trials were no-till planted into a harvested…Read more about Replanting Poor Stands of Pumpkins[Read More]
With the record-setting rainfall we’ve seen over the past month, flooding of fields is very widespread (Figure 1). Fields that have experienced flooding present growers with difficult management choices. Flooding is defined (per FDA) as the “flowing or overflowing of a field with water outside a grower’s control.” Flooding is associated with streams, creeks, or…Read more about Food Safety Considerations for Flooded Vegetable Crops[Read More]
Burrs and Cones. Both of the trellises in the Boiler Hopyard have begun flowering and coning. The primary shoots were pruned at the top of the net on the dwarf trellis in order to promote lateral growth. The pruning took place on May 19 and again on May 28. The bines on the dwarf trellis…Read more about Boiler Hopyard Update-July 9, 2015[Read More]
Pinney Purdue Vegetable Field Day and Sweet Corn Sampler. Thursday, August 13, 2015. 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CDT. Pinney Purdue Ag Center, 11402 S. County Line Rd., Wanatah, IN. Plot tours include soil health management and disease suppressive soils, tomatoes and peppers in high tunnels, and sweet corn varieties. To register, contact Lori Jolly-Brown,…Read more about Upcoming Events – Pinney Purdue Vegetable Field Day and Sweet Corn Sampler[Read More]
Populations of striped cucumber beetles continue to remain high. Muskmelon and cucumber growers should continue to monitor and spray as needed to avoid transmission of the pathogen that causes bacterial wilt of cucurbits. Wilt symptoms are showing up on melons throughout the state at this time, with greater prevalence in the southern counties and less…Read more about Striped Cucumber Beetle[Read More]
I’ve seen some substantial populations of potato leafhoppers recently. Leafhoppers can be a significant pest of a number of vegetable crops, with potato and snap beans being particularly affected. Look for adults flitting off the plants when they are disturbed and for nymphs feeding on the underside of the leaves. It is important not to…Read more about Potato Leafhopper[Read More]
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