Growing degree days since April 1: 3125 GDD at Springfield (Average (11 year average 3040) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Degree-Day Calculator)
4 inch soil temp: 65.7°F (10 am 4-inch soil temperature under bare soil) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Illinois Climate Network)
Pumpkins and Pollinators
As you know, pumpkins set fruit only if female flowers are pollinated by insects. And fruit quality is enhanced by frequent visits by pollinators. Several days ago I was in a field of pumpkins that was literally buzzing with activity. We counted six different pollinators working diligently in this field (well, that included cucumber beetles and rootworm beetles, but they do contribute to pollination). We also found nymphs of squash bug and were faced with deciding whether or not an insecticide application was necessary for squash bug control ... and what the impact would be on pollination and yield (and on pollinator populations for next year). The grower's decision was to wait and closely monitor the squash bug population until pollination is complete. I think this was a wise and sustainable decision ... and one that everyone needs to make carefully. Much of food supply is linked to services of pollinators. (Dr. Kyle Cecil, University of Illinois Extension) Check out the University of Illinois Extension webinar - Pumpkins and Gourds Production and the article Managing Squash Bugs in Organic Farming Systems.
Maximizing the efficiency and function of cover crop mixtures
Dr. Sam Wortman, Assistant Professor of Urban Food Production, University of Illinois, is conducting research to understand the services provided by individual cover crop species allowing farmers to select the most cost-effective option for their particular management situation. Through a combination of greenhouse and field studies, he is researching the relative contribution of different cover crop species to soil health on organic farms through measures of productivity, nutrient recovery, nitrogen fixation, weed suppression, and soil biological activity. On September 4, a field day was held at PrairiErth Farm in Atlanta (one of the cooperating farms in the project). Click here for an article about the event.
Farmer Grant Writing Workshop
Existing and prospective farmers are invited to participate in a grant writing workshop on October 1from 6:00 – 9:00 pm (registration 5:30-6:00 pm) at the University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Drive, Springfield (Sangamon County) to learn about the basics of grant writing as well as specifics on grants available through the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Farmer Rancher Grant Program and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. To register click here or contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant at 217-782-4617.
Source: University of Illinois at Urbana