Drought stress starting to set in on specialty crops B-4
ed development of Indiana's corn and soybean crops doesn't necessarily spell di- saster for specialty and pro- duce crops, some of which have survived the long, hot, dry spell with less damage. But as the season wears
Drought that has stunt- By Abigail Maurer
tems have not been de- signed for the extreme conditions of this summer, and it has been difficult to get enough water on all the crops when they need it," said Liz Maynard, Purdue Extension horticulture spe- cialist. "The high temper- atures also add additional stress that can reduce yield or quality even for crops that are irrigated." Here is a summary of how
on, Purdue University hor- ticulture specialists say the weather is becoming a greater concern—even for drought-tolerant crops and growers with irrigation sys- tems. "Indiana irrigation sys-
specialty and produce crops are faring:
such as peaches and apples, have been some of the least affected by the heat and drought. Purdue horticul- ture professor Peter Hirst explained that water is im- portant in the first month of plant development because the fruit is the primary re- cipient of water. The drought currently is affecting shoot growth much more than fruit growth. Shoots are not growing at their normal rate, which can be beneficial for trees because less prun- ing is needed and the fruit has more opportunity to re- ceive sunlight. • Berries: Irrigation is
• Tree fruits: Tree fruits,
duced soil moisture also can reduce berry size. • Grapes: The weather is
now beginning to pose a se- rious problem for the grape crops. Well-established vine- yards have deep, extensive root systems and, until re- cently, vines were showing only slight drought stress. Bordelon said dry weath- er usually increases fruit quality because there is less fruit rot, and sugar concen- tration within the fruit is increased. But with the ex-
tended drought and heat, vineyards are beginning to show signs of stress. Young vines are dropping leaves, while older vines are show- ing stress on hot, sunny days. Rain is needed soon or the crop might not ripen. • Cantaloupe and water-
melon: Watermelon has suf- fered because of reduced fruit set and yield. Purdue Extension specialist Dan Egel estimates that about half of watermelon fields are not irrigated. Recent rain-
Real Estate transfers
typical for berry crops, in- cluding strawberries, blue- berries and raspberries. But the extreme conditions might have made it diffi- cult for irrigation systems to keep up with the crops, said Bruce Bordelon, Pur- due Extension horticulture specialist. The hot temper- atures cause berries to rip- en quickly and may result in soft, less flavorful fruit. Re-
to Michael J. Bell and Misty D. Bell, real estate as record- ed in Pike County. Terry O. Russell quit-
Michael J. Bell quitclaims
claims to Terry O. Russell and Vickie L. Russell, real estate as recorded in Pike County. Terry O. Russell quit-
claims to Terry O. Russell and Vickie L. Russell, real estate as recorded in Pike
County. Terry O. Russell quit-
claims to Terry O. Russell and Vickie L. Russell, real estate as recorded in Pike County. Mary Ellen Vinson con-
veys to Jared Lee Vinson, real estate as recorded in Pike County. Matt D. Breidenbaugh and
gatharp and Sherryl L. Os- gatharp, real estate as re- corded in Pike County. Stephen H. Baker, Barbara
Nicole J. Breidenbaugh con- vey to James Sandford Os-
Baker, and Michael D. McK- ay quitclaim to Michael O. McKay, Lana S. McKay, Ste- phen H. Baker, and Barba- ra Baker, Lot No. 7 in Tis- dale Lake Subdivision, Pike County. William T. Teague and Mi- chele M. Teague convey to
Nickolas M. Cook and Ra- chel L. Cook, real estate as recorded in Pike County. Ronald K. Aldridge quit-
claims to Ronald K. Aldridge and Kimberly L. Aldridge, real estate as recorded in Pike County. Paul Sollman quitclaims
to Paul Sollman and Rosetta Risley, real estate as record- ed in Pike County.
fall aided some watermel- on fields but came too late for others. Cantaloupes have not been as seriously affect- ed by the drought because most fields are irrigated. Some cantaloupes, howev- er, have suffered from the extreme heat. • Tomatoes: Despite prop-
er irrigation, tomatoes have been affected by the weath- er. Like berries, the heat has made it difficult to keep to- mato crops well watered, Maynard said. When there
are lapses in irrigation, the tomato may develop blos- som-end rot, a disease that occurs when the fruit re- ceives insufficient calcium and shows as a dark lesion on the bottom of the fruit. During seasons of drought, there may be sufficient cal- cium in the soil, but the lack of water prevents the calci- um from reaching the fruit. A compilation of drought
information and resources is available at http://www. purdue.edu/drought.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The Press-Dispatch
PETERSBURG 354-2006
711 E MAIN,
Randy Harris 380-1065
Featured ProPerty oF the week Motivated Seller! 9207 S SR 61, Coe Community
A charming 3 or 4 bedroom brick walk-out with a wraparound porch, two car attached garage, a huge 48' x 40' pole barn, along with a separate 24' x 11' one car garage all nestled on six acres just south of Arthur. The house has been tastefully remodeled with just
the right accents. MLS#188366 $198,000
5730 N State Road 57, Petersburg Almost 2,300 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2
baths plus a two car attached garage and a breezway to a two car detached garage. 1 1/2 acres just north of Petersburg contiguous to the Lake Minnis subdivi- sion. The tri-level home has a large living room a big kitchen, dining room, small salon, and laundry
on the main level. MLS#189978 $139,900
Very nice 3 bedroom home with many updates. Two car garage and fenced in yard. MLS#184918
404 SW 2nd St, Washington $74,900
Country and quiet. Nice home on 7.59 acres filled with pond and trees. This property is near the Patoka Wildlife area and not far from Sugar Ridge. The house includes a large family room (28' x 14'9), two bedrooms, functional kitchen, dining room, laundry
796 W CR 125 S, Petersburg and bath. MLS#188345 $99,900 new liSting! 436 E 1st St., Lynnville
Easy to care for, neat, well kept, smaller home, two bedroom, one bath, plus office/ den/workout room, open kitchen and good size living room. Located on a nice quiet street in Lynnville. MLS#186663
$79,900
508 S 10th Street, Petersburg Remodeled home with many new features: self
contained heating and air unit, cabinets, bath- room, flooring, plumbing, electrical, windows and more! Nice smaller home with little maintenance. One large bedroom down stairs and a bedroom
upstairs. MLS# 186074 $62,900
Recently remodeled and refurbished three bedroom, two bath, manufactured home in a quiet and private neighborhood north of Otwell. Improvements include: A new roof, new carpet, new vinyl, new guaranteed no-leak sky lights, new kitchen appliances and more. The property is just under an acre with plenty of open space. It comes complete with a washer and dryer and out building. This home has great natural lighting..
4149 N Walters Ln, Otwell MLS#192698 $79,900
Very nice, well kept home with basement two car detached garage, and a second storage garage. Lots of room for a two bedroom house. Large rooms and a lot of space. A beautiful second lot is attached
1005 E Porter St., Winslow with the house. MLS#190374 $79,900
Updated home with the best of both worlds. The convenience of Main Street and pri- vacy in the back that borders a pasture. Nice colors, nice flooring and larger rooms. Includes a nice shop/garage out back. Ap- pliances included. Two lots totaling almost
1836 E Main St., Petersburg 1.5 acres. MLS#190376 $72,900
Well built three bedroom brick ranch with at- tached garage just south of the SR 57 & SR 64 junction sitting on just over a half acre. Full basement, front porch, deck with hot tub, replace- ment windows, newer roof and a nice outbuild- ing for storage and shop. Appliances included.
2547 S SR 57, Oakland City MLS#188855 $94,000
Completely remodeled three bedroom, two bath home Many updates!. The unfinished walkout basement offers additional opportunities for living space, storage or recreation. A storage building on the property is perfect for your lawn tools and more. MLS#191796 $84,900
502 E Lafayette St, Winslow
Three bedroom two bath manufactured home with a lot of space on a huge lot near Glezen (between Oakland City and Petersburg). The house includes a fireplace, a living room and a family room as well as an exercise room and a storage building next
1262 W CR 50 S, Petersburg to the house. MLS# 190289 $59,900
1011 E Locust St, Petersburg
Two bedroom home in a convenient location next to the new library, close to Petersburg Elementary. Updated with contemporary earth tones, newer floor- ing, windows and cabinets mixed with the character of old woodwork and a cozy fireplace. Includes a
basement. MLS# 188623 Sold!
305 S. Brenton St, Winslow $59,900
LIST PRICE
MLS# 190470
Sold!
214 S Lakeview Dr, P'burg $54,900
LIST PRICE
MLS# 189367
Sale Pending!
414 N 4th Street, Petersburg $67,900
LIST PRICE
MLS# 186006
Sold!
LIST PRICE
SucceSS StorieS Sold!
409 S. 5th St., Petersburg $52,900
MLS# 190006
344 N State Road 61, Winslow $19,900
LIST PRICE
MLS# 188176
$59,900
204 N Woodford St, Winslow Refurbished and remodeled! Three bedroom, two
bath manufactured home with an extra lot in a nice neighborhood at Winslow. New flooring and new appliances and lots of space. Very nice home priced well under assessment. Home sits on 3/4 of an acre.
MLS#189752 $54,900
Sold!
8256 State Road 257, Stendal $89,900
LIST PRICE
MLS# 189841
LISTINGS WANTED! www.HarrisRealEstate.us
Become a Harris Real Estate Success Story! List today! Call 354-2006.
Sale Pending!
5244 W CR 300 N, Petersburg $134,900
LIST PRICE
MLS# 191671
Sale Pending!
608 S. 7th St., Petersburg $44,900
LIST PRICE
MLS# 185868
Sale Pending!
0 S Eastwood Dr, Petersburg $7,000
LIST PRICE
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • AGRICULTURAL
MLS# 192544
