We have received a number of reports of outbreaks of spider mites, primarily in watermelons in the field and cucumbers in high tunnels. Spider mite damage can be recognized by the chlorosis often observed on older leaves (Figure 1). Plus, the underside of leaves affected by spider mites often appears ‘dirty’ due to the debris caught[Read More…]
Below, I will briefly discuss four diseases that I have observed on tomatoes recently. White mold of tomato – Perhaps the most common symptom of white mold of tomato is the light brown area on the lower stem (Figure 1). This brown area is essentially dead and will result in the wilt and death of the[Read More…]
Supplementing the natural enemy population to control insect pests, i.e. augmentation biological control, is of interest to many high tunnel producers. Augmentation biological control has proven very effective at managing a number of greenhouse pests and there are a variety of commercial suppliers. For high tunnels, the greatest challenge is keeping the released predators or[Read More…]
Last week, the highest temperature reached 110°F for a few successive days inside of our high tunnels. As a result, we observed some blossom drop on tomatoes. More information on high temperature effects on tomato fruit set can be found here. In addition to blossom drop, high temperature and high light intensity contribute to sunscald injury,[Read More…]
The vegetable extension team at Purdue University is always looking for innovative ways to get information to clients quickly. For this reason, we are trying out a new program called veggie texts. The idea is that if we have your mobile phone number and the name of your phone carrier, then we can send you text[Read More…]
Pickin’ and Packin’: 2016 Postharvest Produce Workshop Date: July 6, 2016, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (EDT) Location: Oaktown Produce Depot. 13990 N. Old Hwy 41, Oaktown, IN 47561 and Date: July 12, 2016, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (EDT) Location: Purdue University, Nelson Hall of Food Science, Rm 1195, 745 Agriculture Mall Dr. West Lafayette, IN 47906 Two[Read More…]
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