Found 56 Articles

I am a bit late on the topic of bees for fruit pollination, especially tree fruit, but I wonder how many readers use or maintain spring mason bees for pollination of tree fruits? If not for pollination, then perhaps just for fun? (Figure 1). If not, you might consider this for next season! Those who…Read more about Mason bees (for fun!) and fruit pollination, anyone?[Read More]


Small Farm Education Field Day July 29th, 2021 at the Purdue Student Farm. Small Farm Education Field Day Webinar Series August 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 2021. Watch for details at the Purdue Student Farm website https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/studentfarm/



The periodical cicada (Figure 1) emergence is expected to begin shortly. Female cicadas lay eggs in 200+ woody tree species (Figure 2), and they have a strong preference for grapevines, apples, cherries, peaches, & plums. Egg laying can weaken and damage branches, causing them to turn brown, die, and break off. The loss of branches…Read more about Protect your grapevines from cicadas[Read More]


On April 30th, 2021, significant legislation was introduced with bipartisan support in the House, impacting the future of the U.S. organic sector. The bill, titled, Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards provides a roadmap for organic through three main areas by: Clearing the backlog of recommendations, and requiring the USDA to issue an Organic Improvement…Read more about Organic Standards[Read More]


2021 BGIN MEETING & FARM TOUR THURSDAY, JUNE 3RD HOSTED BY JOHN NELSON THE BLUEBERRY RANCH 54743 BUCKEYE RD. MISHAWAKA, IN 46545 574 255 5773 Directions: From 80/90 Take exit 83 heading south on Capitol for 2 miles.  Turn east onto Douglas for 2.5 miles to Buckeye.  Head south for .75 miles to farm. 4 p.m….Read more about 2021 BGIN MEETING & FARM TOUR[Read More]


Growing degree-day accumulations still lag while dry conditions linger Beth Hall Indiana State Climate Office Abnormally dry conditions are still lingering in parts of Indiana (Figure 1) with interest growing on how much the warmer weather might exacerbate the situation.  Fortunately, the climate outlooks for the next several weeks and through June are favoring above-normal…Read more about Weather & Climate[Read More]


Snow and cold overnight lows blanketed the state on Tuesday and Wednesday nights last week (April 20-21). Many parts of the state received temperatures of 26-29 F, which caused some damage to open flowers. More northern areas of the state were not very far along in terms of crop development (early pink in apples, early…Read more about April freeze[Read More]



A new strawberry disease has been found in Indiana and researchers are looking for samples to determine the extent of the problem. The disease, caused by a species of the fungus Neopestaltiopsis, has been reported in several southeastern states and other countries where it causes leafspots, fruit spots and a plant decline. In Indiana, the…Read more about New Strawberry Disease[Read More]


Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran. This material may be available in alternative formats. 1-888-EXT-INFO Disclaimer: Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in this publication assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.

Page last modified: June 7, 2021

Facts for Fancy Fruit - Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, 625 Agriculture Mall Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47907

© 2026 Purdue UniversityAn equal access/equal opportunity universityCopyright ComplaintsMaintained by Facts for Fancy Fruit

If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact Facts for Fancy Fruit at kkalbaug@purdue.eduAccessibility Resources