By Julien Beuzelin Corn silk flies are the most damaging insects of sweet corn in southern Florida. Adults of three species(Euxesta stigmatias, Euxesta eluta and Chaetopsis massyla) are commonly observed in commercial fields where they lay eggs on sweet corn silks. Maggots feed on silks and kernels before leaving the ear and falling onto the soil surface, under which they …
Strength in Numbers for ‘We Believe in Florida Citrus’ Movement
Learn more about initiative that shines a light on the positives happening for the Sunshine State’s signature crop.
Sneak Peek: March 2021 VSCNews Magazine
The March issue of VSCNews Magazine targets the best pest management practices for growers. Asian vegetable production is blooming in Florida. As the industry flourishes, so are nematodes. Since most Asian vegetable crops do not have a pesticide label, researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) investigate non-chemical nematode management methods to control the …
Asian Bean Thrips: Insect Infestations Increasing in South Florida
South Florida continues to be a hot spot for Asian bean thrips (ABT). According to UF/IFAS, the insect that feeds on wild cowpea is increasing across the region. Charlotte County is the latest county in which the ABT has been identified. Populations have also been observed in West Palm Beach. Other species of thrips have increased as well. Multiple farms …
Supersweet Success: UF Scientists Sequence Genome of Sweet Corn
By Brad Buck/UF University of Florida (UF)/IFAS research has yielded supersweet results that should lead to better sweet corn varieties for producers. Now, a University of Florida scientist is laying the genetic groundwork for better sweet corn varieties. Marcio Resende, a UF/IFAS sweet corn breeder, led a research team that sequenced the genome of a type of supersweet corn. Resende …
Long Wait: Solution for Citrus Greening Will Take Years
It may not be the news Florida citrus growers want to hear but it’s the reality of citrus greening. It is likely to be several years before a remedy is found and put in place to combat this destructive disease. Fred Gmitter, a University of Florida Professor in Horticultural Sciences, shared his assessment during a recent American Seed Trade Association …
Enterprise Planning Budgets for Growers
By Kimberly L. Morgan and Tara Wade Wanna go fishin’? Have you ever wondered why we don’t ask who wants to go catching fish? Entrepreneurial adventures in farming may be compared to the distinction between fishing and catching any fish at all, regardless of hours spent throwing out a line, varying techniques, bait types, pole qualities and past experiences at …
Sneak Peek: February 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The February issue of VSCNews Magazine explores a variety of topics, including America’s changing farming landscape, onion disease management tips, nematode management strategies and tools for tomato production. Every five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts a census. The 2017 Census of Agriculture captured in numbers what we see happening all around …
Florida Tomato Growers Reminded to Destroy Plants Following Final Harvest
University of Florida/IFAS reminds tomato producers that plants must be destroyed within five days following final harvest of their crop. Under Florida law, abandoned tomato fields that have not been destroyed within five days after final harvest are subject to an Immediate Final Order per Rule, says Gene McAvoy, UF/IFAS Extension agent emeritus. If tomato plants are left in the …
Citrus Variety Success a Game of Risk vs. Reward
Trial and error is expected on the way to picking winners for the Florida market.