Grapes
As of March 2022, Indiana has one known county with a confirmed Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) population: Switzerland County (Figure 1). Penn State University has created a SLF egg hatch prediction map that estimates the emergence of the first SLF instar based on temperature conditions (Figure 2). Please note: this map does not show where SLF[Read More…]
Shoot thinning is a canopy management practice that involves removing shoots in the grapevine canopy to reduce shoot density and help balance vegetative and reproductive growth. Potential benefits of shoot thinning: Improved air circulation Improved sunlight penetration Reduction of disease pressure Increased spray penetration *shoot thinning and positioning not only affects the current season’s growth,[Read More…]
Grapevines are in early stages of growth across the state, from bud break to 10 inch shoots. Significant shoot growth is expected with the warm weather predicted for this week. This is a very important time to maintain preventative control over major grape diseases including Phomopsis, black rot, powdery mildew and downy mildew. Fungicide application[Read More…]
Cold temperatures throughout March and April have led to delays in grapevine phenology ranging from 7-14 days behind normal. Generally speaking, later bud break reduces the risk of spring frost damage. However, warm weather over the weekend has progressed bud development greatly. Buds are in various stages of growth across the state, ranging from bud[Read More…]
Just a reminder to all fruit producers to organize and prep your fruit insect monitoring tools for the upcoming season! Depending on your fruit crop and location in the state, there’s a suite of fruit insects that are important for you to track, including moths, aphids, scales, stink bugs, fruit and vinegar flies, and[Read More…]