Fruit and Vegetable News

Author: Marissa Schuh , Integrated Pest Management Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension. Reviewed by Annie Klodd. Depending on your market, you are a month or two out from pumpkin prime-time.  After dodging the early season weeds and persistent cucumber beetles, it can be tempting to focus on other crops or prepping for fall visitors.  However, this point in the season is a good time to check in for some late-season pests that can cause big issues. Squash Bugs Pumpkin and squash fields across Minnesota are seeing squash bugs emerge, lay eggs, and grow their populations.   Populations are variable in fields that I’ve been in -- some fields have  adults are mating and laying eggs, while others have nymphs of all ages everywhere. Squash bug nymphs are small and grey. Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org Why does life stage matter for this pest?  The earlier in their life you catch squash bugs, the easier they are to con...

In  S eason 3 Episode 10   of What's Killing My Kale,  Natalie talked with Dr. Brent Loy, emeritus professor of plant genetics and cucurbit breeder extraordinaire at the University of New Hampshire.  Every year we hear about fruiting in flowering issues in cucurbit crops towards the middle of the summer. Many of the strategies to prevent this from happening should be implemented now, when you're transplanting. In this episode we discussed: Why we so often see flower abortion, small fruit, and oddly shaped fruits, particularly in summer squash and zucchini The biology of male and female flowers in various types of cucurbits (and why it matters) The role that variety selection plays Best practices for nutrient management and spacing in cucurbits Click here to download and listen to the episode directly.   You can also listen to all of our episodes on  Apple Podcasts. Please leave on iTunes. As always, reach out and let us know if there are a...