Georgia Strawberry Diseases Widespread, Devastating

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Strawberries

Strawberry diseases are devastating Georgia’s strawberry crop, which could lead to one of the worst production years ever, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “Many strawberry sites are now suffering substantial plant mortality as the season progresses. Losses are not uniform, and some sites look pretty good. But unfortunately, many do not,” Brannen wrote …

Disease Management for Georgia Grapes

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Grapes

By Clint Thompson It is not quite time for grape producers to be wary of key diseases for the upcoming production season. But the time is coming, believes Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “We’re not as critical with disease management, though don’t discount, we need stuff on there for diseases. But the real critical phase …

Alabama Strawberry Disease Update

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Alabama’s strawberry crop has progressed this year with minimal disease impact. Yes, diseases have been present in some fields, but their severity has been lessened this year. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, believes the lack of consistent rains have made certain diseases less impactful …

Attention Avocado Growers: UF/IFAS Survey Aims to Learn More About Disease Management

Clint ThompsonFlorida

There is no shortage of consumer appetite for avocados. Frequently incorporated into appetizers and desserts, avocado demand has surged in popularity. Meanwhile, production of avocado in the United States is under constant threat from diseases like Laurel wilt (LW) and Phytophthora root rot (PRR). They can devastate orchards if left unchecked. There is still much to learn about how growers …

Disease Management Options for North Florida Watermelons

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson While disease incidences have been minimal so far in North Florida watermelons, growers would be wise to plan accordingly, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. Hochmuth said in his weekly email that only gummy stem blight has been observed in the Suwanee …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Thrips Pressure Increasing

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Thrips pressure is intensifying across certain areas of southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are increasing across pepper fields from low to high levels in Southwest Florida. Some reports have indicated moderate to high levels of Florida flower thrips. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) commercial vegetable Extension agent Anna …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Tracking Viral Diseases in Cucurbit Crops

Clint ThompsonSpecialty Crop Grower Magazine

By Frank Giles Viral disease in cucurbit crops is a major problem worldwide. In the United States, new viruses are identified regularly that affect important specialty crops. This has become such a problem that the Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group (EVCWG) was established in March 2022. The group was formed after a discussion during the Plant Health event hosted …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Populations High in Area

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Pests

Whitefly numbers remain high across most of the South Florida area, according to the latest release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Medium populations are observed in central Florida, though they are increasing. Population levels vary from low to high across Southwest Florida, depending on the crop and based off of scouting reports. Some farms are seeing high …

Under Attack: Strawberry Diseases Impacting Georgia Crop

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Disease development is normally synonymous with wet weather. It is no different with Georgia’s strawberry crop, which is under assault from multiple diseases. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, highlighted some of those diseases that Georgia growers are already observing. “The thing that we’re seeing already is this neopestalotiopsis. We’re just trying to …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Aphid Pressure Increasing

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Aphid pressure is increasing across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts are reporting low to moderate numbers in central Florida. Recent increases have occurred despite insecticide applications being made, especially with melon aphids. The outlook is especially concerning in Southwest Florida, as populations are observed to be moderate to high in pepper fields and …