Something happened when the calendar switched from March to April. Spring finally sprung. As we discussed in the last issue of FFF, spring temperatures are so important because the rate of crop development in the spring is directly related to how warm it is. Here in Lafayette, April average temperatures have been in the 50s…Read more about Spring temperatures[Read More]
Found 85 Articles
As we continue to walk on really expensive eggshells in 2023, it’s important to recognize that fungicide availability along with the effectiveness of available fungicides (and their price) will impact orchard, vineyard and berry patch management 2023. For all growers, the number 1 problem continues to be fungicide resistance in a diversity of fruit crops….Read more about Fungicide resistance in a diversity of fruit crops[Read More]
It seems like the last couple of months have been unseasonably warm, but when we look at the data, it’s not so clear cut. It’s true that in Lafayette we’ve had days with highs of 65 and 70 in late February and early March, but also a lot of low daily temperatures closer to 40….Read more about Spring temperatures[Read More]
Happy spring to everyone! I’m sure you are preparing your fruit systems for a productive season! I am looking forward to warmer weather and my favorite time of the year: when fruits and vegetables are fresh and abundant in the Hoosier heartland. Last year, I focused my fruit insect articles on what to look for…Read more about Provide your feedback on fruit insect topics for 2023[Read More]
The 2022 Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day was a big success. Nearly 72% of attendees reported that they learned something new. Nearly half indicated they plan to adopt recommended practices for diversified farming systems, and over a third (36.0%) plan to adopt recommended practices for creating, improving, or strengthening their business. Half (52.0%) indicated they plan…Read more about Small Farm Education Field Day – July 27, 2023[Read More]
Using straws is the standard practice for winter protection in matted-row strawberry production. In contrast, plasticulture strawberries commonly use floating rows for winter and spring frost protection. This article will discuss the differences between managing floating row covers vs. straws in the spring. When straw is used, it blocks the light. There is hardly any…Read more about Spring Considerations on Using Floating Row Covers in Plasticulture Strawberry[Read More]
Purdue Extension presented its first Fruit, Vegetable and Hemp Field Day post-pandemic at the Meigs Ag Center in July 2022. Extension Specialists and Graduate Students presented specialty crop research to 45 attendees. Attendees had only good things to say about the event. ” Great information and research.” “Great variety of experiences and knowledge.” “I felt…Read more about Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day – July 20, 2023[Read More]
Dear Indiana Horticulture Society Member, We as a society have some decisions to make and I feel that these could really make us stronger as a whole. During our wrap up meeting at this years Hort Conference, there were many views and ideas shared with the group. The general consensus was that this organization does…Read more about Attention Indiana Horticulture Society Members, notice from the President, Matt Chandler[Read More]
We have had a warm winter and early spring, except for the negative temperatures we experienced right before Christmas. Some fruit crops are already beginning development in Lafayette, Indiana. Apples remain dormant except for some of the Honey Crisp blocks showing Silver Tip and a few Crab Apple varieties showing Green Tip. Majority of the…Read more about Crop Conditions[Read More]
The Tools: Hand lens-10x or 15x -To correctly use a hand lens, place the lens directly in front of your eye and bring the sample you are examining towards the lens until the object comes into focus. Knife – good for cutting into stems or root tissue. Pruning shears- for taking samples – disinfest blades…Read more about Scouting 101[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.