Due to the adverse health effects associated with exposure to dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), commonly known as Dacthal, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency order immediately suspending all registrations of the...
The main challenge we have experienced from the end of July and into mid-August is that we entered a period without rain in some parts of our region and temperatures being too hot (above 90 F) for some days. This has resulted in a lot of challenges in the final ripening on tomatoes and other crops...
‘Honeycrisp’ is usually known not to color well in the warm climes of southern Illinois, but not this year! Across the board, red-colored apples are putting on a show this year. Early apple cultivars like ‘Sweet Maia’, ‘Blondee’, ‘Buckeye Gala’, and ‘Grand Gala’ have already been...
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...
In our current research project, “Strategies for Improving Biological Control of Insect Pests for Vegetable Growers Utilizing High Tunnels”, tomato harvest has slowed down significantly, due in part to a severe raccoon problem. We have trapped almost 20 raccoons in the past three...
The level or tendency to form burr knots is usually a noted characteristic for each of the different apple rootstocks, but what is burr knot and why is it a concern? Burr knot can be described as an apple disorder that results in adventitious (formed accidentally or in an unusual anatomical...
Farmers growing pumpkins and other cucurbit crops, like melons, might soon face a new challenge. A disease called Cucurbit Yellow Vine Decline (CYVD) was first detected in the late 1980s in Texas and Oklahoma. Since then, it has spread to the Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest regions of the United...
Now is the time when we need to think about what cover crops we are going to put out to help protect fields this winter. Here are a few thoughts to inspire you and help make those decisions.You can find cover crops to plant from now through November, but the earlier, the more options you have. If...
2024 Pumpkin Field Day
Exploring research around commercial pumpkin production strengthens Illinois growers. As Illinois ranks number one in both pumpkin production and processing, it provides a great opportunity to bring together growers, producers, and those who love talking pumpkins....
Upcoming programs
See the University of Illinois Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Team’s website at extension.illinois.edu/lfssf.
2024 Pumpkin Field Day | Thursday, Sept. 5, at Eckert’s Belleville Farm, Belleville, IL The program will begin at 10 a.m. There is no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided. Registration is required by Sept. 2 to receive lunch. Register online or contact Nathan Johanning at njohann@illinois.edu or 618-939-3434 for more information.
2025 From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference | Jan. 29 through 31 at Bank of Springfield Center, Springfield, IL. Mark your calendars now and look for further details later this year.
