Crops are responding to warm spring temperatures and increased daylength. The crimson clover cover crop began flowering on March 29 and by April 3 was in full flower and ready to be terminated. In our current research project, “Strategies for Improving Biological Control of Insect Pests for...

Illinois experienced its 2nd warmest winter on record, cooler only than 1932. The mild winter caused perennials to break dormancy and advance phenology weeks ahead of average. While March and April have had their characteristic temperature swings, milder weather has persisted into the spring so far...

Weed Management is almost always a challenge on vegetable farms.  Even if you do have a manageable weed pest, management practices come at some kind of cost, from herbicide cost to labor for hand or mechanical weeding.  Dr. Stephen Meyers and Jeanine Arana just released a really nice...

As you have probably heard, very soon our state will be host to two broods of periodical cicadas. Here in Illinois, we actually have five broods of periodical cicadas and so every couple of years some part of the state will be host to periodical cicadas. 2024 is special because it is uncommon for...

Out in the field, spring plantings have been off to a good start.  Cool season crops have been very happy.  I have early planted radishes and spring greens approaching harvest.  Potatoes are planted and I set out some spring cauliflower and broccoli the first of the month and it is...

We have been on the typical March roller coaster for weather lately.  We have generally been fairly mild but have gone from a few days around 80°F to some morning lows in the upper 20s.  We have still been relatively dry for the month of March with only 1.54” of rain to date (as of 3/25/...

Early season cole crops have been planted in the caterpillar tunnel set up over the winter at DSAC. Instead of covering this smaller tunnel with clear plastic, a 30% shade cloth has been attached. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and swiss chard transplants were planted on March 21. Compost...

Our warm overall winter and above normal February temperatures signaled plants to break dormancy early, putting many of our crops, especially peaches, at risk of freeze damage. The potential for frost/freeze events from mid-March through mid to late April is typically high, putting peaches in...

Based on research by Wallis and Cox with Cornell University and with support from BASF, an Apogee Sec. 2(ee) Recommendation for Illinois apple growers is now...