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green strawberry plants growing in rows on black plastic mulch

Strawberry plasticulture field observations from southern Illinois

November 27, 2024

As strawberry plasticulture growers are closing in on the end of the fall growing season for the annual production system, the impact of the relatively new strawberry fungal disease, Neopestalotiopsis, is starting to be seen. Even with diligent spray programs, plant death and decline has still been...

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Squash bug and cucurbit yellow vine decline research proposals

September 27, 2024

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Recently, Iowa and Illinois have confirmed the presence of cucurbit yellow vine decline (CYVD), a disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and potential death of infected pumpkin and squash. Although it has been detected in several states, the distribution and frequency of disease is unknown across...

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person holding a new strawberry plant growing in a soil plug

Neopestalotiopsis in strawberry

September 27, 2024

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

It’s here and now we have to deal with it. Neopestalotiopsis fruit rot and leaf spot of strawberry, caused by a previously unknown, more aggressive Neopestalotiopsis ...

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green tomato leaves with pale yellow splotches

Leaf mold observed early in growing season for high tunnel tomatoes in Southern Illinois

June 24, 2024

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Over the last few years of growing tomatoes in the high tunnels in southern Illinois at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, leaf mold has been observed late in the growing season, typically towards the end of August. At that time of year almost all of the tomato fruit has been harvested and...

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St. Louis Metro East Update: Blossom end rot attacking peppers, tomatoes

July 31, 2023

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

High temperatures and very high humidity are the current conditions in the St Louis Metro East. The entire region has received rain recently, just not all at the same time or the same amount. In general, soil conditions worsen as you move south, but are improved from the last reporting. Harvest in...

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Time for pumpkin disease and insect management

July 31, 2023

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

As we get into the later part of July, now is the time to start scouting more closely for diseases and insects in pumpkins. Powdery mildew is by far the most prevalent and common pumpkin disease, but also bacterial spot. Some years, downy mildew can also blow into the area; however, I have not...

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Southwestern Illinois Update: Peaches, potatoes excel

July 31, 2023

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

July has brought a little relief from the drought conditions, but for some that relief has been short-lived. Locally, most areas have received a cumulative total of an inch or more of rainfall this month. Some areas still have been missed for more soaking rains and the moisture has been a “band-aid...

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What to do about fungicide applications in dry weather

June 22, 2023

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

As I write this, scattered showers are moving through much of southern Indiana. It is unclear yet how much moisture these showers will produce for any given area. What is clear is that May and June have been unusually dry for most of Indiana and Illinois. How will this dry spell affect overall...

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St. Louis Metro East Update: Late freeze creates apple frost rings

June 22, 2023

Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Much of the St Louis Metro East received varying levels of rain on Father’s Day, with reports of rainfall from 0.2 to 2.5 inches. Many watched the doppler radar excitedly as rain appeared to be coming right at them, only to see the storm dissipate or skirt around them before finally getting any...

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