Grape harvest is just about to get started in the southern part of the state. Early varieties will be harvested starting next week. Most varieties are slightly ahead of normal this year. In Lafayette, Marquette and Brianna are at full veraison and shold be ready to harvest in the next couple of weeks. We generally…Read more about 2017 Grape Harvest[Read More]
Grapes
From my own observations and reports from growers, it appears that Japanese beetle populations are higher than they have been for a number of years. I’ve seen severe damage to small fruits, as well as the Pristine apple tree in my backyard. In addition, after insecticides are applied to knock them down, populations reappear after…Read more about Japanese Beetles[Read More]
Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center High/Low Tunnel Tour co-sponsored with Dept. of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies at Indiana University August 10, 2017 Vincennes, IN Contact Wenjing Guan, guan40@purdue.edu, or Dan Egel at egel@purdue.edu Registration: Call 812-886-0198 Pinney Purdue Vegetable and High Tunnel Field Day – co-sponsored with Dept. of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies at…Read more about Upcoming Events[Read More]
Weather the past couple of weeks has been a bit unsettled. Many parts of the state have experienced rounds of heavy rainfall from storm fronts. More are predicted. Peach harvest is underway in Lafayette and quality is very good. Early apples such as Pristine are also ready for harvest. Summer fruit blackberry harvest continues. Spotted…Read more about Crop Conditions[Read More]
Plant nutritional status is important for all phases of plant growth and has a direct effect on vigor, fruitfulness, cold hardiness, and other factors. Tissue analysis is the most reliable means of determining plant nutritional status. Combined with soil testing, tissue analysis can help pinpoint the source of problems and determine what measures may be…Read more about Tissue Analysis for Grapes and Berry Crops[Read More]
Rick Foster noted in the previous issue that Japanese beetles were out. Wow are they ever! I haven’t seen them this bad in years. Small fruit growers should monitor their crops and control the beetles if necessary. Japanese beetles will feed on ripening fruit of brambles and blueberries, and on foliage of all small fruit…Read more about Japanese Beetles on Grapes and Berries[Read More]
Approximately 80 fruit and vegetable growers attended the Society’s summer field day last week hosted by Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield. Thanks go to Ruth-Ann, Thomas, Mike and Helen and all the Roney family and crew who made this event such a success. Those attending also had the opportunity to pause for a moment to remember…Read more about Indiana Hort Society Summer Field Day[Read More]
Meigs High Tunnel Field Day July 18, 2017 10am-1pm Lunch provided! Meigs Horticulture Research Farm 9101 S 100 E Lafayette, IN For more information contact Lori Jolly-Brown at ljollybr@purdue.edu, 765-494-1296 Indiana Winery and Vineyard Association Summer Meeting and Vineyard Tour July 18-19, 2017 Brown County Inn, Nashville IN Butler Winery vineyard tour Contact Eric Harris…Read more about Upcoming Events[Read More]
Veraison, the start of the fruit ripening process, signals the final opportunity for effective canopy management and fruit thinning in grapes. Once veraison has started, thinning and canopy management are far less effective in improving overall fruit quality. Growers should assess the need for fruit thinning by evaluating cluster number and size relative to shoot…Read more about Pre-veraison Canopy Management and Fruit Thinning in Grapes[Read More]
Summer bearing brambles are showing the full extent of the freeze and frost damage from earlier this year. Many floricanes are failing to produce a decent crop. Primocanes are growing well and are initiating flowers now. Early types are beginning to bloom. Grape are at bunch closure with veraison not far away for early varieties….Read more about Crop Conditions[Read More]