August, so far, has given us a break from the excess moisture that July brought to the region. We have only gotten 1.29” of rain this month to date. Some crops are showing a little moisture stress, but overall, things look very good. Temperatures have been highly variable, with the earlier part of the month being extremely humid and hot. Probably some of the most sticky conditions we have had all summer. However, we have also had some breaks, as currently, the area has had low humidity, northern winds, and temperatures in the low 80s. We are predicted to build back into a dry heat as we approach the weekend, but so far, we have not had the intense humidity we had earlier in the month.

Overall, crops are doing well out in the field. Some have struggled with the after-effects of the intense rains of July with disease issues, but nothing widespread. The dry has been hard on establishing fall crops like snap beans and cole crops, but the cooler weather has been very helpful. We are coming to the later peach varieties, and apples are starting to come in. Many have been picking varieties like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and some early Jonathan and Pixie Crunch. Bitter rot has been challenging to some with the intense rains. 

Pumpkins

Pumpkins have done well overall, as we have had enough moisture to keep them going. Most have a good first fruit set on them, and a few early varieties even have some orange fruit. On the diseases, mainly powdery mildew, but a few places have had some phytophthora from the July rains. Hopefully, the dryer conditions will limit the spread of any phytophthora. Downy mildew has not been confirmed in the area at this time. Those in the south should also be on the lookout for melonworms. While I haven’t heard of any issues locally, Arkansas has reported many issues, so it would be good to scout and keep watch.

To learn more and talk with many of our regional pumpkin experts, make plans to attend Pumpkin Field Day on Sept. 5 beginning at 10 a.m. at Eckerts Orchard. Register today, and I look forward to seeing many of you there. For questions, contact Nathan Johanning at njohann@illinois.edu or 618-939-3434.

Photo Caption: Fall broccoli getting a start after transplanting. Photo: Nathan Johanning, Illinois Extension.