Growing degree days since April 1: 2094 GDD (Average (11 year): 2912) at Springfield (From the Illinois State Water Survey Degree-Day Calculator)
4 inch soil temp: 75.3° F at Springfield (10 am 4-inch Soil Temperature Under Bare Soil; From the Illinois State Water Survey Illinois Climate Network)
A note on irrigating during drought. Many growers are irrigating vegetable crops throughout the season and adjusting to rainfall events. Application of irrigation water after skins are cracked due to drought effects on vegetables will lead to rapid growth and rupturing of the fruit leading to visible growth cracks. Inconsistent irrigation and drought conditions can also limit the movement of calcium to the fruit. This ultimately leads to weakened cell walls that ultimately rupture and then can become infected by bacteria. This is commonly seen as blossom end rot. The reality is, the best way to manage fruit cracking, blossom end rot, and tapered fruit is to irrigate evenly, adequately and consistently. (Dr. Kyle Cecil, UofI)
Pumpkin Field Day There can be no substitute for first- hand experience with what varieties do well at your own farm and market, but variety trial reports can be of help by allowing one to see many different varieties grown under similar conditions. This way, a grower can see and compare varieties to one another and decide which one may work for their particular market. Join us for a field day on Friday, September 6, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in Galesburg (Hancock County) to learn about pumpkin variety selection and many other topics. Speakers: Dr. Mohammad Babadoost, Dr. Richard Weinzierl, of Dept. of Crop Science, and Vince Lawson, Iowa State University.
As a reminder, the weekly update is intended to be a short e-mail "conversation" regarding local growing conditions/issues. Each message will consist of short items for your consideration. I would welcome any comments from you during the season.
Source: University of Illinois