Shoots are at various stages of development across the state with some shoots at or near bloom. The most important time of the year for fruit disease control is from pre-bloom to 4-5 weeks past fruit set. The potential for fruit infection drops significantly 4-5 weeks post-bloom. Important diseases to control during this time include…Read more about Important bloom time grape sprays[Read More]
Grapes
We all know that growing and protecting delicious fruit is a challenge! Whether you’re producing tree fruits, stone fruits, berries, or drupes, all kinds of insect pests are out to exploit the fruits of your labor. Despite our best efforts, sometimes a few insect pests slip under the radar and all you can do is…Read more about Diagnosing fruit insect pests using signs and symptoms[Read More]
At the Meigs Horticultural facility we are now seeing, more clearly, the damages from the April 24th freezing temperatures. All fruit crops are starting to grow out of that damage, which is good to see. I would still say that our loss on crops across the farm is 10-15% except for the Shiro Plums. The…Read more about Crop Conditions[Read More]
Grapevines are in early stages of growth across the state. Significant shoot growth is expected with the warm weather predicted for this week. Disease Control 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 should begin at 1-3 in…Read more about Early season pest & disease control in grapevines[Read More]
Grapevines are in various stages of early growth throughout Indiana, ranging from bud swell to 6-8 in shoot growth, depending on variety. A cold weather event came across the state on 4/24 bringing temperatures as low as 25°F (see Figure 1). The minimum temperatures in the following areas were reported as follows: Lafayette, IN: 28.9°F…Read more about Grapevine Freeze Damage Update[Read More]
At the Meigs Horticultural facility on April 24th we experienced freezing temperatures from 2 am until 7 am, with a low of 26.8 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. The damage to fruit crops on the farm is scattered depending on varieties. A rough estimate would be 10% cold damage on the crops. The growth stages…Read more about Crop Conditions[Read More]
In just two weeks there has been significant bud development on our fruit trees here in Lafayette, IN. Our Shiro Plums are in full bloom and the bees are busy pollinating these trees. There is one Apricot and some early season Apple trees in our mixed variety blocks that are also in full bloom. All…Read more about Crop Conditions[Read More]
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]
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]
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]