Facts for Fancy Fruit A newsletter for commercial and advanced amateur fruit growers
Found 899 Articles

Growers interested in growing strawberries on a plasticulture system can choose to use plug plants or bare-root plants. The pros and cons of using each of the planting materials was discussed in a previous article. This article will discuss the importance of planting dates for growers who chose to use plug plants.   In the…Read more about Getting Ready to Plant Strawberries in a Plasticulture System – Planting Date[Read More]


We were all hoping it would happen later, but unfortunately the spotted lanternfly (SLF) (Lycorma delicatula) (Figure 1), an invasive planthopper with a piercing-sucking feeding strategy, was officially detected in Vevay, Indiana (Switzerland County) for the first time in July 2021. You can see pictures and read more about the detection at the Indiana Department…Read more about Spotted lanternfly has been detected in Indiana[Read More]


Well, it was a nice 4 weeks with no drought or abnormally dry designated areas across the state.  Unfortunately, the lack of rain over the past few weeks have led to browning lawns, cracked soils, and other tell-tale signs that drought may be returning.  The US Drought Monitor has designated three areas in Indiana as…Read more about Dry Conditions Have Returned to Indiana[Read More]



Adapted from IDNR Press release and Purdue Landscape Report   The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) has been found in Indiana A homeowner in Vevay, IN contacted DNR’s Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology (DEPP) last week with a picture of a red immature stage near their home. DEPP staff surveyed the site and discovered an infestation…Read more about Spotted Lanternfly found in Indiana[Read More]


Indiana Horticultural Society Field Day, July 27 2021 Hosted by: Wea Creek Orchard 618 South 200 East Lafayette, IN 47909 The morning schedule is focused on soil health and is organized by the Pence Agronomy Group. The afternoon session concentrates on fruit (and pumpkins). Growers are welcome to attend all parts of the program of…Read more about Indiana Horticultural Society Field Day, July 27 2021[Read More]



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 needed to ensure proper nutrition of the crop. Tissue analysis samples should be collected at the appropriate time to give the most meaningful results….Read more about Tissue analysis for grapes & small fruit[Read More]


Updates on Spotted-wing Drosophila (SWD) activity in Indiana blueberries Zihan (Lilac) Hong and Elizabeth Y. Long, Purdue Entomology Summer is a time we always look forward to delicious fresh fruit! According to the 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture, 150+ farms grow some 600 acres of blueberries in Indiana! Some common varieties include Bluecrop, Bluejay, Blueray,…Read more about Updates on Spotted-wing Drosophila (SWD) activity in Indiana blueberries[Read More]


Pesticide Product Registration: Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides, including chlorothalonil and tebuconazole. https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0840-0035 This notice announces the availability of EPA’s draft human health and/or ecological risk assessments for the registration review of chlormequat chloride, chlorothalonil and tebuconazole. Dates Comments must be received on or before July 20, 2021. Addresses Submit…Read more about Pesticide Product Registration: Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides, including chlorothalonil and tebuconazole[Read More]


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