Growing degree days since April 1: 2136 GDD at Springfield (Average (11 year average 2054) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Degree-Day Calculator)
4 inch soil temp: 66.9°F (10 am 4-inch soil temperature under bare soil) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Illinois Climate Network)
Spotted Wing Drosophila Update. Dr. Rick Weinzierl (University of Illinois) shared that he has received reports of spotted wing Drosophila captures on traps or infestations in fruits (mostly raspberries and blackberries) from far southern Illinois to near the Wisconsin border. Click here for information on how to determine if ripening fruit is infested. See the May 15 (http://ipm.illinois.edu/ifvn/contents.php?id=43) and May 29 (http://ipm.illinois.edu/ifvn/contents.php?id=44) issues of the Illinois Fruit and Vegetable News for details on the methods for trapping spotted wing Drosophila and effective insecticides that can be used for its control.
Vine declines of squash (from Dr. Rick Foster, Purdue University). Possible reasons why squash plants might wilt, decline and die include; Bacterial wilt, caused by a bacterium that is vectored by either the striped or spotted cucumber beetle. Cucurbit yellow vine an important disease of cucurbits. Squash, pumpkin, watermelon and cantaloupe may be affected. Symptoms usually occur just before fruit maturity. Plants may be stunted and yellow. Squash vine borer may cause a squash or pumpkin vine to wilt and decline. Vines or plants that have wilted due to squash vine borer will have white larvae inside the lower stem that may be as big as a thumb.
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program. USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach is accepting applications to assist socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers in owning and operating farms and ranches while increasing their participation in USDA agricultural programs and services. This program will assist eligible community-based organizations, higher education institutions, and tribal entities in providing outreach and technical assistance.
Source: University of Illinois at Urbana