In Lafayette, apples are at tight cluster and peaches at half-inch green. In southern areas of the state, apples and cherries are approaching full bloom, while peaches are almost at petal fall. Fruit crops are beginning to develop across the state. The southern areas are well along, with peaches in bloom, apple development past tight[Read More…]
Staying true to global climate trends these days, March 2020 finished warmer and wetter than the 1981-2010 climate normal period. Snowfall across the state was below normal and localized flooding was a common feature. There were 3-to-5 more days than average in March where rainfall was observed (Figure 1). This has led to saturated soils[Read More…]
Warm temperatures this week greatly encouraged strawberry growth and development. Some of the early cultivars may have entered the open blossom stage especially if they are grown with the annual plasticulture system in southern Indiana. Open flowers cannot tolerate temperatures lower than 30°F, while popcorn stage flowers (Figure 1) and tight buds may tolerant temperatures[Read More…]
“Timing is everything.” No truer statement has ever been uttered, especially in the orchard, where the timing of fungicide sprays from “pink” (bud stage) through petal fall requires an almost psychic ability to anticipate pesticide timings. Abundant ascospores production occurs at pink and continues through petal fall, increasing the risk of infection until petal fall[Read More…]
Early spring is a good time to make the first herbicide application of the year in fruit plantings where a weed-free strip is maintained in the row (Figure 1). There are several options for fruit crops including both pre- and post-emergence herbicides. See the weed control chapter in the 2019-2020 Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide[Read More…]
It can be useful to compare this growing with previous years. The typical way we calculate growing conditions is by calculating Growing Degree Days (GDD). This is somewhat similar to the method many are familiar with for calculating codling moth emergence. In Figure 1, we see the accumulation of GDD over the last 10 years.[Read More…]
A new study from Cornell University has found that it takes as few as 10 minutes in a natural setting for college students to feel happier and lessen the effects of stress both physically and mentally. Just think what a visit to a farm market or an afternoon U-picking with the family could do. More[Read More…]
Due to the COVID crisis, all Purdue Extension meetings have been cancelled until further notice. Some may be offered by distance education, but no in-person meetings will be allowed. Most Purdue Extension staff are working from home. We are available to answer your questions by email, phone or through social media. Our contact information is[Read More…]
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