Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. In this issue, we highlight watermelon vine decline, disease, pest, and herbicide issues and provide an update on vegetable pricing at the Clearspring Auction. Included are lots of information about educational opportunities at the Throckmorton/Meigs Purdue[Read More…]
This season started out dry and hot. These are the ideal conditions for pests that we often associate with controlled environments: aphids and mites. There are a number of factors that contribute to their success in these conditions, including lack of rain which physically removes the insect from the plant and drought-stressed plants, which are[Read More…]
What is buggy whipping? “Buggy whipping” is the term for when leaves in the corn whorl become crinkled and fail to unfurl (Figure 1) properly. It can also be referred to as “twisted whorl syndrome” or “rapid growth syndrome”. Often these crinkled leaves bend toward the ground, resulting in an appearance some liken to a[Read More…]
The Clearspring Produce Auction is located just 2 miles south of US 20 in Clearspring Township in the Heart of the LaGrange-Elkhart Amish Settlement. It is within easy driving distance of the towns of Shipshewana, Topeka, Emma, and LaGrange. Produce is sold 3 days a week throughout most of the growing season (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday),[Read More…]
It is not unusual for watermelon wilt to occur in the late season in our region. The plants are loaded with fruit and are sensitive to many stresses. In some cases, it is clear pathogens cause the problem, such as late-season fusarium wilt. While in other cases, it is hard to associate the symptom with[Read More…]
Root-knot nematodes cause severe damage in vegetable production. Its infection results in root swellings called galls that interrupt plant water and nutrient uptake (Figure 1). Aboveground, plants show symptoms that include stunted growth, wilting, and leaf yellowing. In addition to root-knot nematodes, several other plant parasitic nematodes can cause damage to vegetable roots. Damage to[Read More…]
Timely rains have returned over the past few weeks and have helped crop conditions across the state. Now that we are entering critical corn and soybean growth stages, cooler temperatures and rain are certainly welcome. Although rains have returned, they continue to be inconsistent. Vigo, Sullivan, and Lawrence counties had locations receiving more than 8[Read More…]
The first symptom of bacterial spot of pepper that is usually noticed is the lesions on the leaves. These lesions are irregular to round in shape and brown and are associated with chlorosis. Lesions are usually water-soaked (Figure 1). In severe cases, the fruit may be affected. The lesions on fruit are often raised (Figure[Read More…]
Are you still thinking of attending the Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on July 20, 2023? Well, you are in luck. Friday, July 14, is the last day to register for the field day. Register now at https://cvent.me/5zevYD The field day has an exciting lineup of demonstrations. Sweet Corn Pest Management Updates –[Read More…]