We’ve made it! Meteorological summer started on June 1, but the official start of summer isn’t until June 20. The days are longer, temperatures have risen, and my allergies are in full swing. I let the dogs out last night, and there was still quite a bit of light in the sky just before 10:00…Read more about Meteorological summer has arrived[Read More]
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Hello! Fruit crop conditions are good here with the exception of our Rosalee apples. Unfortunately, they are heavily infected with fireblight. We are in the process of removing the affected trees and destroying them offsite. Some of our first raspberries are ripening up. Applications of fungicide, insecticide, and thinning chemical have been made on schedule.
Indiana Horticultural Society Summer Meeting July 9 Chandler’s Orchard and Country Market, 2849 S Co Rd 825 E, Fillmore, Indiana 46128 Chandler’s Orchard and Country Market, located in Filmore, 30 miles west of Indianapolis, will host the Indiana Horticultural Society summer meeting on July 9. The farm was founded by Jerry Chandler in 1975 and…Read more about Indiana Horticultural Society Summer Meeting[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]
Dear readers, I hope your spring and summer seasons are off to a great start! I haven’t heard much in the last couple of weeks about common fruit insect pests, so I thought I would highlight an interesting, but probably uncommon insect issue for most readers of Facts for Fancy Fruit: the round-headed apple tree…Read more about A handsome, but damaging boring beetle[Read More]
Precipitation in May has varied tremendously, but most of the state has generally been on the dry side. Areas from Vermillion and Parke Counties to Lake Michigan have received between 25% and 75% of the normal precipitation through May 27 (Figure 1). Conditions were dry enough that thunderstorm winds on May 16 prompted the National…Read more about Will May’s Mixed Precipitation and Temperatures Persist into June?[Read More]
Hello! It’s been a wet and cool couple of weeks. Sprays in both the orchard and vineyard have been pushed back because of this and our limited time frame for planting vegetable crops. Hopefully we can get back on schedule this week. It has been ideal weather conditions for some fungal pathogens, so we will…Read more about Crop conditions[Read More]
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 about Tips for Avoiding Herbicide Injury[Read More]
Phylloxera is an aphid-like insect that is native to the Eastern US. It has two distinct life forms: the root form, which feeds on the roots, can stunt growth and eventually lead to vine death. The foliar form of the insect causes galls on vine leaves (Figure 1) and is overall less concerning. The root…Read more about Managing Grapevine Phylloxera[Read More]
A new StrawberryChat podcast episode was posted: Farmer Interview with McNitt Growers: Neopestalotiopsis and Resistant Varieties | Episode 20, May 16, 2025 In this episode, we talk with Bill McNitt, owner of McNitt Growers—a nursery specializing in spring bedding plants and fall strawberry plug production. Bill shares his firsthand insights into how Neopestalotiopsis disease has…Read more about Strawberry Chat Podcast: Neopestalotiopsis and Resistant Strawberry Varieties[Read More]
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