Crop Management
This is the time of year where we receive numerous reports of off-target herbicide exposure. Grapevines and fruit trees sensitive to growth regulator herbicides, including phenoxy, benzoic, and pyridine classes of compounds. 2,4-D and dicamba are the most common products, and they are used widely in corn and soybean production. Damage can range from minimal[Read More…]
The window for chemical thinning is rapidly closing in many parts of the state. Carbaryl can be effective up to 20 mm fruit diameter. After this stage, options become limited and we’re in a “rescue thinning” approach. Below is some information from Penn State University on rescue thinning options: Rescue Thinning Options – 20mm and[Read More…]
From 2022-2024, we evaluated the performance 15 strawberry cultivars grown in plasticulture system using black and white-on-black plastic mulches (Figure 1) at two locations: Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center in Vincennes, IN (USDA hardiness zone 6b), and Meigs Purdue Agricultural Center in Lafayette, IN (USDA hardiness zone 6a). Strawberries were harvested for two seasons. Plug plants[Read More…]
Hi! This week’s crop conditions are looking quite good despite not having any significant rain recently. Most crops have set fruit and are progressing well. The grapes received their second spray this season on the 9th. This is a busy time here at Meigs as we make raised beds for our vegetable crops and prepare[Read More…]
Spring is in full swing in our research high tunnels at Purdue. Overwintering strawberries that we planted in September are now in full bloom and fruits are being harvested. But as temperatures increase and crops become more productive, we also see the emergence of various insect pests. Aphids, amongst other soft-bodied insect pests (e.g., whiteflies,[Read More…]
Bare-root strawberry plants often arrive with roots that are 6 to 10 inches long. For optimal planting, the roots should be kept straight, which requires digging a deep hole or using specialized tools. If the planting hole is too shallow, the roots may bend and form what is known as a ‘J-root’. You may have[Read More…]
Interested in planting brambles? Here’s what you need to know! What are brambles? Bramble crops are from the genus Rubus and include blackberries and raspberries. Brambles are among the easiest fruit crops to grow, and the fruit is in high demand due to its exotic flavor and high nutritional value. Brambles can be planted in[Read More…]
We’re getting close to the time when growers need to make chemical thinning decisions – for many the most perplexing and risky decision they will make all year. This is usually a tricky call to make, even more so when we have had spring frosts. Luckily in most places the spring frosts have not been[Read More…]
Crop Status Plug plants set on black plastic mulch in late summer and early fall are approaching full bloom. Some early blooms may have been damaged by recent low temperatures. Moving forward, growers should remain vigilant in protecting these crops from potential frost injury (Figure 1). Bare-root plants that were planted on white plastic during[Read More…]