UGA Extension Pecan Specialist Discusses Use of Scab Resistant Varieties

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Scab resistant pecan varieties are popular among Alabama and Georgia growers these days. Varieties like Lakota, Avalon and Creek are used so producers can minimize the amount of fungicide sprays they must make during a growing season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, cautioned producers about overwhelming an orchard with one or more of a …

UGA Peach Disease Specialist Provides Update on Brown Rot

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Brown rot disease is a concern every year for Southeast peach producers. If not for effective fungicides, the disease would have a far lasting impact on the region, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension fruit disease specialist. “Brown rot for us right now, I mean, it’s always a potential concern. Left to itself, it is …

citrus greening

UGA Pathologist Discusses Citrus Greening and Psyllid Challenges

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Psyllids

The most devasting disease to impact Florida citrus production is a threat to trees in the cold-hardy citrus region. Citrus greening disease has impacted Florida groves for more than 20 years and looms as a danger to trees in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama. While the best management strategy is prompt removal of trees, a longer-term solution is …

southeast

UGA Extension Hosts Southeast Citrus Workshop

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Events, Georgia

A part of Georgia’s citrus crop lies in the southeastern part of the state. Aubrey Shirley, University of Georgia (UGA) Tattnall County Extension coordinator, believes that portion is continuing to grow. The main threat to that growth is citrus greening disease. “If we get greening really bad and it starts to hinder production, I think the industry is so young, …

UGA Fruit Specialist Hopeful Peach Crop Dodges Diseases Amid Increased Rains

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Peach diseases have been mostly non-existent in the Southeast this year. The prolonged drought that impacted the region from last September to May is a big reason why. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, hopes the lack of disease impact this year will continue through the end of harvests, typically around late July. …

UGA Research Focusing on Potential Alternatives to Mancozeb in Grape Production

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia, Grapes

By Clint Thompson Mancozeb’s uncertain future as a fungicide option for grape growers means research must be done to find its eventual replacement(s). Phil Brannen, UGA Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed Mancozeb and what options are being studied. “We’re looking at what can we do, if potentially, it was taken off market. What would we do to try to …

UGA, UF/IFAS Set to Host Irrigation Expo

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Irrigation

By Clint Thompson The Georgia/Florida Irrigation Expo is slated for Wednesday, June 10 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. The UGA and University of Florida (UF) Extension Services are partnering with local RC&D councils and Soil & Water Conservation Districts to host the expo with a focus on irrigation. Cale Cloud, …

UGA Research: Scab Disease Remains Focus of Pecan Breeding

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The focus on scab disease remains a vital part of pecan breeding research at the University of Georgia (UGA), says UGA pecan breeder Patrick Conner. He discussed the ‘Golding’ variety at this year’s Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference in Perry, Georgia. Golding has good scab resistance. “Scab is a primary determinant of whether a selection will be …

Technologies in Action: Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference Held at UGA

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The potential future of specialty crop production was on display this week at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. UGA hosted the Southeastern Specialty Crop Technology Conference & Show on Tuesday and Wednesday. It attracted ag companies featuring technologies on the market and those still in the production phase. Luan Oliveira, …

UGA Peach Disease Specialist: Don’t Let Your Guard Down

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Peach diseases have been mostly non-existent so far this year for Southeast growers; attributed to the prolonged drought. But there’s still time for this year’s crop to be impacted by certain diseases, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “If it starts raining, we’ll still have potential for disease. It will probably …