Gummy Stem Blight – this fungal disease causes dark brown leaf spots, however, the diagnostic feature of this disease is the water soaked lesion that is often formed under one of the seed leaves (cotyledons). Such lesions often start at the point where the seed leaf joins the stem (hypocotyl) and do not extend to[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…]
The cool, wet weather we are experiencing is perfect for the root and seed maggots, namely cabbage maggot, onion maggot, and seedcorn maggot. One way of avoiding damage from these pests is to wait until the soils warm up to 70o F before planting, but that is not always possible. The use of row covers[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…]
I caught my first earworm (Figure 1) moth in a pheromone trap last week. Earworms are very polyphagous, meaning they will eat lots of different plants. I suspect that any females that are flying are laying their eggs on wild plants of some sort and not on the seedling stage sweet corn or dent corn that[Read More…]
Foliar diseases of cantaloupe and watermelon can be a major negative impact on yield and fruit quality. This article will discuss management tools including cultural measures and fungicide schedules. Know the foliar diseases that are likely to become a problem for Indiana production. The three most common foliar diseases of cantaloupe and watermelon are: Alternaria[Read More…]
The cost of high tunnel and greenhouse infrastructure is high. The purchase price of high tunnels can vary between $2.00 and $7.00 per square foot, while climate controlled greenhouse costs can vary between $7.00 and $30.00 per square foot. Several factors have an impact on the costs of setting up new high tunnel or greenhouse[Read More…]
With the 2016 growing season upon us, many produce growers will soon be collecting water samples from irrigation and postharvest water sources for microbiological analysis. Using proper techniques to collect water samples will help to prevent inaccurate testing results. When collecting water samples, one should start with the appropriate collection container. Many laboratories will only[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…]
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