The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was first identified in Indiana in July 2021 in Switzerland County. Since then, populations have been spreading rapidly across the state (Figure 1). This is the time of the year that the insects are in their most recognizable adult state (Figure 2). Early detection is crucial to stop the spread. …Read more about Be on the lookout for Spotted Lanternfly[Read More]
Miranda Purcell
PRESS RELEASE – July 22, 2026. On September 10-11, the inaugural Great Lakes Tek Flex will be held at the Michigan State University Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (MSU SWMREC) in Benton Harbor, MI. Vendor/Sponsor Update: We are excited to announce that we now have a total of sixteen (18) companies representing over twenty (20)…Read more about First Annual TEK FLEX – September 10-12, Benton Harbor, MI[Read More]
Farming With Feathers: Utilizing Free Pest Control Through Sustainable Growing Techniques Sarah E. Grimes Beneficial birds and insects can provide powerful benefits for farmers. A single bluebird can consume over 2,000 insects per day, while many pollinators simultaneously support crop production. Yet across America’s farmlands, these natural allies are often overlooked in favor of intensive…Read more about Farming With Feathers: Utilizing Free Pest Control Through Sustainable Growing Techniques[Read More]
Tissue Analysis for Grapes & Small Fruit 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…Read more about Tissue Analysis for Grapes and Small Fruit[Read More]
WHAT is Clean Sweep? The Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep Pesticide Disposal Program designed to collect and dispose of suspended, canceled, banned, unusable, opened, unopened or just unwanted pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, miticides, etc.). This disposal service is free of charge up to 250 pounds per participant. Over 250 pounds there will be a $3.00…Read more about 2026 Pesticide Clean Sweep August Dates Announced[Read More]
The 2026-2027 Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide is now available! This guide provides conventional pest management recommendations for commercial tree fruit, small fruit, and grape producers throughout the Midwest and surrounding states. These recommendations have been formulated to provide up-to-date information on pesticides and their application. It is available for free online and can be…Read more about 2026-2027 Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide Now Available[Read More]
Welcome to the first issue of the 2026 Facts for Fancy Fruit newsletter! I hope you enter the 2026 season feeling refreshed. It was great to see many of you at various educational and networking events over the course of the past few months. Folks are anxious to get pruning done, and we cross our…Read more about From the Editor[Read More]
We had six apple cider contest entries for the first year of the combined Indiana Horticulture & Small Farms Conference held at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, IN March 3-5. Conference attendees had the opportunity to taste and cast their vote during lunch on the first day of the event. We are thrilled to announce…Read more about IHSFC cider contest winner[Read More]
Cleaning and Sanitation Workshop September 8th from 1-5:00PM Purdue Student Farm West Lafayette, IN https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_81blwfocQNWOSYS Indiana Horticulture Conference & Indiana Small Farms Conference March 3-5, 2026 Hendricks County Fairgrounds Danville, IN https://indianahortconference.org/ https://extension.purdue.edu/anr/_teams/dffs/small_farm_conference/index.html
Fruit rots: Late season fruit rots, including sour rot complex, botrytis and ripe rot, are major concerns in the Midwest (Figure 1). Rains this time of the year can lead to disaster. If berries split due to rain, yeasts and bacteria can quickly invade damaged fruit, which can lead to rots that attract fruit flies….Read more about Late season disease management in grapes[Read More]