Growing degree days since April 1: 2222 GDD (Average (11 year): 2028) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Degree-Day Calculator)
4 inch soil temp: 82.2F (10 am 4-inch soil temperature under bare soil) (From the Illinois State Water Survey Illinois Climate Network)
Late Blight in Tomatoes. According to the UofI Plant Clinic, a late blight-infected tomato was confirmed in Northern Illinois. Remember the history of the Irish Potato Famine, Phytopthora infestans is the same fungus. "Late blight of potato is identified by black/brown lesions (Figures 2,3) on leaves and stems that may be small at first and appear water-soaked or have chlorotic borders, but soon expand rapidly and become necrotic." Late blight can also infect eggplant, petunia, ground cherries and numerous other plants in the potato-tomato family (Solanaceae). Check out the American Phytopathological Society article, Late Blight of Tomato and Potato here. Also, check out the excellent article, Late Blight Management in Tomato with Resistant Varieties here. Lastly, there is a national website, USAblight that acts as an information portal on late blight.
Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program. The Illinois Department of Agriculture is seeking proposals to carry out research, education, and on-farm demonstration projects. Any qualified unit of government, organization, educational institution, non-profit group, or individual is eligible. Competitive grants to individuals can be up to $10,000 and units of government, non-profit groups, institutions, or organizations may apply for up to $20,000. Applications must be received by October 15, 2015. Click here for more information.
Mark Your Calendar - Springfield Celebrates National Farmers Market Week. USDA Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack has declared August 2-8, 2015 as National Farmers Market Week. In celebration, Springfield-area organizations and businesses have joined forces to host a variety of special events. The week's activities kick off on Sunday, August 2nd with a Crop Mob to provide help for a local farmer and continue throughout the week with cooking classes, a farmer's market Paint Nite, book fair, community garden work days, and a farm-to-table progressive dinner in Downtown Springfield to top off the festivities on Saturday, August 8th. The events aim to raise awareness for Springfield's four farmers markets and the importance that they play in creating healthy, vibrant communities.
Source: University of Illinois