Dual Magnum® has had a special local needs (24C) label in Indiana that was amended to include additional small fruit and vegetable crops. The new 24C label is available on the National Pesticide Information Retrieval System web site: http://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/state/state_menu.aspx?state=IN. To find it, type “SLN IN” and “130003” in the first two boxes for “EPA Registration Number”[Read More…]
Crop Management
This past week has been warm enough that we’re seeing activity in the Lafayette area. Southern areas are further along. See the note from Englebrecht’s Orchard in the Evansville area. We appreciate their help with crop condition reports and welcome others to submit their observations as well. In the Lafayette area brambles are pushing rapidly.[Read More…]
In the matted-row system in strawberry production, spring is the time to plant new strawberry patches. Bare-root plants are used in the system. Although you may hear strawberry plugs (actively growing strawberry transplants) are also used as plant materials, plugs are typically not available in the spring. Similar to other bare-root plants, adequate soil moisture[Read More…]
The proper time to remove straw from matted row strawberries is when the bare-soil temperature at 4 inches averages about 40-43˚F. This usually coincides with mid to late March in central Indiana. This year is later than average. Plants begin pushing new leaves as the soil temperatures rise steadily so the straw should be raked[Read More…]
The most important spray of the season for control of anthracnose on brambles is the delayed dormant spray of lime sulfur, Sulforix or copper hydroxide. If you have a problem with anthracnose, this is one spray that you can’t afford to miss. One of these materials should be applied when new leaves are exposed 1/4[Read More…]
Growers across the state are finishing up pruning. Most apple and blueberry growers are done, and bramble and grape growers are finishing up. Even though this is a late spring compared to some recent years, there are still chances of spring frost damage. Grape growers can use long or double pruning to help delay bud[Read More…]
The University of Minnesota Department of Horticultural Science takes a fresh, encouraging new look at growing fruit in the home garden. This guide will help gardeners decide which fruits are right for their gardens and their lifestyles, taking readers through every step from planning, choosing cultivars, and planting, to harvesting and pruning. Readers will find information on[Read More…]
Most crops in the Lafayette area are still dormant. Strawberries and brambles are just starting to grow. It looks like we lost all our peach flower buds. Grapes also were damaged badly by the Jan 30-31 low temperatures in our area. We have several varieties with less than 50% primary bud survival so we are[Read More…]
As harvest continues, so does the summer rot saga, especially bitter rot. Multiple orchards are reporting significant to complete loss of Honeycrisp throughout the Midwest, in addition to other varieties. Honeycrisp is by far the worst hit, but its seems that Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Cameo, Ida Red, Empire, Fuji and Gala have had problems[Read More…]
Grape harvest is underway for early and mid-season varieties. Downy and powdery mildew are showing up in vineyards. Table grapes have been especially nice this year. Primocane bramble harvest is also underway. Surprising low number of spotted wing Drosophila have been found in grapes or brambles. Frequent rains are very unwelcome as they generally have[Read More…]