Fruit and Vegetable News

Natalie Hoidal,  Marissa Schuh , Annalisa Hultberg, Extension Educators, University of Minnesota Extension. Originally published 2021, updated 2026. Cutting seed: impacts on yield, tuber size, and disease pressure Due to the warm spring weather, many growers are getting ready to plant potatoes ahead of schedule. While you’ve likely already decided how you’ll be cutting your seed (since it influences the amount of seed you ordered), there are some things to consider as you proceed. Size of cuts and planting density A lot of research has gone into figuring out the optimal cut size and planting density for potatoes. There are tradeoffs no matter how large your seed pieces are, and how much space you leave between seed potatoes. In general, larger pieces produce higher yields, with diminishing returns after ~2.5 oz. If you’re cutting your seed potatoes into pieces larger than 2.5 ounces, the increase in seed cost tends not to justify the larger pieces. Larger pieces can also...

 Author: Natalie Hoidal, Extension Educator, Local Foods and Vegetable Production At this point in the season, at least for diversified vegetable farms, the busiest part of the season is behind us. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but I encourage you all to take some time to make a plan for fall Brassica management, and in particular disease prevention. This season has been generally dry with fewer disease problems than normal, but we’re starting to see pressure from black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) and Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria spp.) What can you do at this point in the season to prevent problems?   Late summer Brassicas are often a source of inoculum for fall Brassicas. Photo: NH What can you spray? I reviewed twelve recent trials assessing the impact of various fungicides on black rot and Alternaria leaf spot in Brassicas, and compiled the results of each product into a table for comparison (see below). The data is complicated. A few of the co...

Author: Natalie Hoidal, UMN Extension We've seen some very heavy rains followed by hot weather over the last couple of weeks. These conditions can cause crusting on the soil surface. In this brief overview, I'll discuss how / why crusts form, and how you can respond in the immediate and longer term. At this point in the season, most crops are already in the field. However, many of you will continue to plant successions of brassicas, lettuce, carrots, and other crops. We tend to see some of our heaviest rains and thunderstorms in the summer, so keep the possibility of crusting in mind as you time your plantings. Soil crusting: Why does it happen?  Crusting often leads to uneven emergence Photo: Angie Peltier Soils that have high aggregate stability (a function of soil texture, organic matter, and biological activity) are able to retain their structure in the face of heavy rainfall. A soil with lower aggregate stability is more likely to experience some disintegration...