Grapes are at early to mid-version across most parts of the state, which is about normal timing. There are few disease and insect problems at this stage due to the relatively dry June and early July. However, if we continue to get rainfall as we have experienced lately, expect some berry cracking and potential sour[Read More…]
On July 16th, the national Climate Prediction Center released the climate outlooks for August (Figure 1) and the August-September-October (Figure 2) period. Both outlooks are indicating significant probability for above-normal temperatures. Precipitation is likely to be above normal for the southern two-thirds of Indiana in August, but there is little-to-no guidance for the 3-month, August-September-October[Read More…]
Even in the most successful and best run orchards, trees die. A small percent is considered the norm, and is unavoidable (accepting this is a different story). However, in some years, more trees have succumb than usual. Growers need to determine what caused tree death–or at least rule out some potential pests or pathogens that[Read More…]
If you have small fruits, including cherries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and grapes that are setting fruit and ripening, be on the look out for Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) (Figure 1), a small vinegar fly that attacks all the delicious berries mentioned above! If you are a small fruit grower, you’ve likely already heard of SWD,[Read More…]
Plant nutritional status is important for all phases of plant growth and has a direct effect on vigor, fruitfulness, cold hardiness, and other factors. 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[Read More…]
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Ouachita blackberry, a 2003 thornless variety from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, received the Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award from the Fruit Breeding Professional Interest Group of the American Society of Horticultural Science. The Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award recognizes noteworthy achievements in fruit breeding and highlights a modern fruit introduction that[Read More…]
This just in from Steven Brown, State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Indiana CFAP provides direct relief to agricultural producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. In Indiana, we have already approved 15,034 applications and disbursed $164,250.055 as of July 27, 2020. I know many of our farmers[Read More…]
Due to the COVID crisis, most Purdue Extension meetings will be held virtually. Most Purdue Extension staff are working from home and are available to answer your questions by email, phone or through social media. Our contact information is at the end of the newsletter. July 30, 2020 Small Farm Education Field Day and Webinar[Read More…]
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