You know, one of the inherent problems with hanging out with other plant fanatics is that they tend to suck you further into your own fascination with and addiction to plants. Case in point, I was recently enjoying a night out with colleagues when one fellow plant enthusiast mentioned she was...
The medlar (Mespilus germanica) project was a success. I had enough bletted (very ripe but not rotted) fruit from one tree to make a small batch of jelly and try a new dessert bar recipe featuring medlars and walnuts. Having never tasted medlars before, I was worried I would hate the taste...
It's that time of year when all gardeners need to start thinking about tender perennials and what their fate is to be. Do you overwinter them or do you let Mother Nature shorten their life? How much time do you have? Well not much. In the St Louis Metro East, about 90% of the time, the first frost...
A personal thank you to the staff and volunteers of Clifftop. I could not have asked for a more beautiful site to view the solar eclipse with my family and friends on Monday, August 21st. A 360° sunset is a site I will never forget. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into making this...
On August 17, 2017, University of Illinois pumpkin expert Mohammad Babadoost detected downy mildew in a pumpkin field in St. Anne, Illinois (Kankakee County), and warns that it could spread quickly. Babadoost, a plant pathologist in the Department of Crop Sciences at U of I, observed heavy...
Did you know grape berries reach physiological maturity well before they taste good? Grape berry maturity occurs when seeds are able to germinate, which is immediately after véraison, or initiation of fruit ripening (start of color change). Try tasting a grape berry at this stage. I can guarantee...
According to State Extension Pathologist Mohammad Babadoost, all cucurbit plants (vine crops) in northern Illinois and possibly other areas experiencing wet field conditions should be sprayed for Phytophthora. Spray with Revus alternated with Orondis Opti ...
August 1, 2017 10 AM – 5 PM Trutter Center, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield IL Are you ready to take your wines to the next level? IGGVA Enologist Bradley Beam, along with Scott Laboratories resident expert Michael Jones, SIU Fermentation Science Institute professor Dr. Katherine...
State pathologist Mohammad Babadoost reports downy mildew of basil was detected in Illinois on July 19th for the first time this season. This disease can spread quickly statewide in wet conditions so growers are advised to begin scouting now. Three registered fungicides; Quadris, Revus, and...
Dear Growers,After heavy rainfall of Tuesday (July 11th) in some parts of Illinois, we may experience substantial Phytophthora infection in cucurbit fields. I recommend the following for the management of Phytophthora blight of pumpkins:Spray plants at 7-day intervals with...
