Neglecting Weeds Can Lead to Late-Season Disease in Organic Onions

Web AdminGeorgia, Organic, Research

By Bhabesh Dutta, Timothy Grey and Jason Schmidt Georgia is known for many crops, and onion is one of the major vegetables produced. Organic onions are a developing commodity in the Vidalia region, but growers experience multiple pest and pathogen challenges. A multidisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) is working to improve sustainable, high-quality organic Vidalia …

ABT Populations Remain Low

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations remain low across the South Florida region, except for a few fields in Homestead, Florida, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Even though ABTs were observed in southeastern Hendry County, they were only at a rate of 0.2 per bloom. Populations are reported at less than 0.1 per bloom …

Sneak Peek: March 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine

Web AdminSneak peek, Specialty Crop Industry magazine

By Clint Thompson The March issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights advancements in the management of cornsilk flies. Julien Beuzelin, an assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Research and Education Center in Belle Glade, discusses the insects, where they are found and why the potential for pyrethroid resistance is a concern. …

ABT Populations Low Across South Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations continue to show a downward trajectory in South Florida. The only scouting reports with ABT detected in blooms were observed in both the Clewiston and Loxahatchee areas. Both reported at 0.1 per bloom. Respondents in Homestead indicate that populations seem to be lower …

Florida Blueberry Management: February Points of Emphasis

Web AdminBerries, Disease, Florida, Pests

Blueberry management in Florida in February is critical with harvest season just around the corner. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reminds producers of various tips to keep in mind this month. From a disease standpoint, growers need to monitor for botrytis and control when need. Farmers also need to apply fungicides in rotation for control …

Asian Bean Thrip: What to Know for Snap Bean Growers

Web AdminPests, Research, Specialty Crops

By Clint Thompson The emergence of the Asian bean thrip (ABT) is an added concern for specialty crop producers in the South Florida. While there are effective insecticides available, snap bean growers should still be wary of ABT, says Hugh Smith, an associate professor of entomology and nematology at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “Asian bean thrips …

ABT Populations Low Across South Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations were low this week across South Florida, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The largest population counts were reported in snap bean blooms in central Hendry County. Even then it did not surpass 0.5 ABT per bloom. There was also only a few ABT on sticky traps, and counts …

ABT Hotspot Reported in South Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

A new hotspot of Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations was reported this week along the Lee County/Collier County line in Florida, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Scouts indicated a population of 0.5 ABT per bloom was observed in one planting with pods forming and some flowers remaining. Another planting experienced 2.4 ABT per …

Alabama Extension Offering Peach Insect, Disease Management Chart

Web AdminDisease, Peaches, Pests

Alabama Extension is offering a Peach Insect and Disease Management Chart for peach producers. The tool is a resource growers can carry with them and help manage insects during certain tree cycles. It includes the most common insect pests, including scale, European red mite, lesser peachtree borer and thrips. It also includes what management options growers have for prevention of …

Blueberry Management Tips for January

Web AdminBerries, Florida

January remains a busy time of year for Florida blueberry farmers managing this year’s crop. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reminds growers that it is essential to monitor for disease development, especially with Botrytis flower blight. Once bloom occurs, growers need to monitor for the disease during cool and wet periods. Producers need to …