We have had a warm winter and early spring, except for the negative temperatures we experienced right before Christmas. Some fruit crops are already beginning development in Lafayette, Indiana. Apples remain dormant except for some of the Honey Crisp blocks showing Silver Tip and a few Crab Apple varieties showing Green Tip. Majority of the[Read More…]
Meteorological spring started March 1st. Astronomical spring started March 20th. Baseball fans might consider the first day of spring to be Opening Day (March 29th this year). Regardless of when one defines the start of spring, so far it has been mostly on the cooler and wetter side. I have yet to meet anyone over[Read More…]
The Tools: Hand lens-10x or 15x -To correctly use a hand lens, place the lens directly in front of your eye and bring the sample you are examining towards the lens until the object comes into focus. Knife – good for cutting into stems or root tissue. Pruning shears- for taking samples – disinfest blades[Read More…]
After a long cold winter under protection, nothing signals spring like the first blooms on strawberry. ‘Tis the season in our high tunnels and thus time to provide a few reminders/updates on how to protect the development of these early fruits from insect pests. The first thing you want to do is examine the health[Read More…]
Extreme cold temperatures were experienced across the state on December 23-24th 2022 (Figure 1). Temperatures ranged from -10- -5° F across most of the state with temperatures dipping below -10°F in some areas. Since then, there have been some additional cold events, such as 7° F on January 31-February 1 and 12° F on March[Read More…]
Dr. Janna Beckerman, Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist in the Dept. of Botany and Plant Pathology joined our discussion to talk about Spring Diseases and Management. Our discussion focused on Anthracnose fruit rot and Botrytis fruit rot. Janna described the biology of the pathogens and provided cultural and fungicide recommendations for managing these diseases. You[Read More…]
Happy spring to everyone! I’m sure you are preparing your fruit systems for a productive season! I am looking forward to warmer weather and my favorite time of the year: when fruits and vegetables are fresh and abundant in the Hoosier heartland. Last year, I focused my fruit insect articles on what to look for[Read More…]
Using straws is the standard practice for winter protection in matted-row strawberry production. In contrast, plasticulture strawberries commonly use floating rows for winter and spring frost protection. This article will discuss the differences between managing floating row covers vs. straws in the spring. When straw is used, it blocks the light. There is hardly any[Read More…]
Dear Indiana Horticulture Society Member, We as a society have some decisions to make and I feel that these could really make us stronger as a whole. During our wrap up meeting at this years Hort Conference, there were many views and ideas shared with the group. The general consensus was that this organization does[Read More…]
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