Calling all Midwest Farmers! You are invited to share your farming story and practices. We are conducting interviews as part of the IMPACT²: Social-Ecological Memory in Midwest Agriculture project, a PhD research study at Purdue University. This work explores how memories of past extreme weather events (floods, droughts, storms) influence today’s farming decisions. We are looking…Read more about Share How Your Experiences of Past Extreme Weather Events Influence Present-Day Farming Decisions[Read More]
Miranda Purcell
New Sprayer Technologies & Best Practices: Vineyards & Orchards Tuesday, August 12th Quarry Hill Winery & Orchard Berlin Heights, OH GO.OSU.EDU/SPRAY2025 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
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]
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]
The most important time of the year for fruit disease control in grapes is from pre-bloom to 4-5 weeks past fruit set. The potential for fruit infection drops significantly 4-5 weeks post-bloom. Important diseases to control during this time include black rot, downy mildew and powdery mildew. Fruit of the most commonly planted varieties is…Read more about Critical Period for Disease Management in Grapes[Read More]
Mancozeb can still be used in grapes during the 2025 growing season. However, the EPA has proposed to cancel the use of mancozeb in grapes in the future. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is conducting a re-registration review of many multi-site fungicides, including ziram, thiram, captan and now mancozeb. The proposed cancellation…Read more about Update on Mancozeb Use in Grapes[Read More]
The EPA is enacting new requirements for agricultural pesticide applicators. An increasing number of pesticide labels require applicators to utilize an online system called Bulletins Live! Two to determine if additional pesticide use limitations are required to protect threatened or endangered species or habitat based on 1) application location 2) pesticide product and 3) application…Read more about New EPA Requirement for Pesticide Application[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 about Interested in Planting Brambles?[Read More]