By now, most watermelons have been planted in southern Indiana, and most fields are currently in the vegetative growth stage. The earliest planted fields have begun to set fruit. In the past two weeks, I have observed herbicide damage in a few watermelon fields. Although the application rate and method were consistent with the labels…Read more about Watermelon Update[Read More]
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The presence of syrphid flies, also called hoverflies, is a welcome sight in agricultural landscapes. Syrphid flies contribute to pollination, pest suppression, and decomposition. There are four subfamilies of syrphids: Pipizinae, Eristalinae, Microdontinae, and Syrphinae. Larvae from the Eristalinae subfamily act as recyclers, feeding on decaying organic matter. The Pipizinae subfamily includes species whose larvae…Read more about Insect Spotlight: Syrphid Flies[Read More]
During a recent visit to some potato fields by an Extension Educator in LaGrange County, it was evident that growers need to be on the lookout and take action against some of our major pests in this cropping system. These recent observations revealed cutworms present and impacting every 5th plant in the field, as well…Read more about Potato Pests Abundant in Northern Indiana in late May[Read More]
Welcome to the Vegetable Crops Hotline (VCH), Purdue Extension’s exclusive newsletter for people in the business of growing vegetables. This issue features articles on potato insect pests and includes an insect spotlight article on Syrphid flies. We also examine the weather and get updates on auction prices from the Clearspring Produce Auction. Website Links Frequently,…Read more about From The Editor’s Desk[Read More]
We are happy to announce that Purdue Extension is presenting its annual Small Farm Education Field Day on July 25, 2024, at the Purdue Student Farm, West Lafayette, IN. Registration is now open! Register here: Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day The program is now available. Download HERE. SF2024_FIeldDay_Demo_Schedule SF2024_FIeldDay_Demo_Descriptions Contact Lori Jolly-Brown or Petrus…Read more about Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day on July 25, 2024 – Register Now![Read More]
We are happy to announce that Purdue Extension is presenting its annual Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on July 18, 2024, at the Throckmorton/Meigs Horticulture Farm, Lafayette, IN. Registration is now open! Register here: Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day The program is now available. Download HERE. Fruit and Veg Field Day 2024_Agenda FINAL_page1 Fruit…Read more about Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day on July 18, 2024 – Register Now![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 about Clearspring Produce Auction Price Update[Read More]
Allergy season is in full swing. At least, it is for me. Runny nose, itchy eyes, and consistent drainage that I have to clear in the shower every morning. We love spring, right?? That’s enough complaining for now. Indiana’s April 2024 average temperature was 55.1°F (3°F above normal), which was good enough for the 14th…Read more about Warm Temperatures and Rain Continues[Read More]
Common names: Palmer amaranth, Palmer pigweed, carelessweed, and dioecious amaranth. Latin name: Amaranthus palmeri. “Amaranthus” is derived from the Greek word “amarantus” meaning “everlasting flowers”. This is a reference to the showy bracts (modified floral leaves) of Amaranthus species that persist well after the plants have flowered and set seed. “palmeri” is a reference to…Read more about Weed Spotlight: Palmer Amaranth[Read More]
Introduction Flea beetles are small, often metallic, and dark-colored beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. They are given their common name due to their impressive jumping abilities, afforded by their enlarged hind legs, which serve as a near-foolproof escape from predators. Most flea beetle species are oligophagous herbivores, feeding on several related species of plants. For…Read more about Insect Spotlight: Flea Beetles[Read More]
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