Lab Diagnosis Needed to Identify Phytophthora in Southeast Strawberries

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease in strawberries has garnered much of the headlines in recent years for Southeast producers. But other diseases can still leave a mark on production if growers are not careful. One, in particular, is a huge concern, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “Phytophthora is still a problem. Not …

Neo Should Be Lessened This Year in Alabama Strawberries

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson What a difference a year makes for Alabama strawberry producers. Expectations are that the growers’ problems with Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease in 2025 will not be as problematic this year, according to Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University. The key has been where growers sourced this …

‘Light Frost’ Leads to Bloom Burn in Florida Strawberries

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The emergence of neopestalotiopsis disease in Southeast strawberries has forced growers to manage their crops differently compared to previous years. Take Florida producer Dustin Grooms for instance. Grooms, who grows strawberries with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida, had to recently consider the disease’s impact against managing the crop amid plunging temperatures. “We had some cold weather …

Doctoral Grad Sweetens Future of Strawberries

Clint ThompsonFlorida

As we enter the height of Florida’s strawberry production season, many consumers crave the taste and aroma of the fruit. That’s part of what compels Mark Porter to try to enhance those qualities. For his doctoral dissertation, Porter led novel research in which he and his faculty advisors found groups of genes that will enable them to develop the tastiest …

Managing Strawberries Against Neo When Using Row Covers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Uncategorized

By Clint Thompson Row covers are an effective management strategy for strawberry production in the Southeast. Especially as temperatures drop below freezing in some areas across Georgia and Alabama, producers need to protect their young plants from frost damage. Growers also need to continue their management strategy for Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) if they are contemplating applying row covers at any point. …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Smarter Water Use for Florida Strawberries

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Shinsuke Agehara University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research shows that intermittent sprinkler irrigation has great potential to establish Florida strawberries more efficiently — saving water while potentially boosting yield. Most Florida strawberries are established from “bare-root” transplants. They are dug out of nursery fields, often in northern California or Canada, and shipped to Florida …

Wet Spring Could Spike Anthracnose in Southeast Strawberries

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Anthracnose disease is a yearly concern for strawberry producers in the Southeast. But its severity will largely hinge on the environmental conditions this spring. Because that’s the case, anthracnose may be a problem this year for growers and it may not, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “If we have a …

Two UF/IFAS-Bred Strawberries Better at Resisting Chilli Thrips

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Chilli thrips plague farmers worldwide, but new research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has found two strawberry varieties that show less harm from these pests. The finding comes through research funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch program. That’s encouraging news for growers in …

Frigid Temps, Historic Snow Impact Strawberries

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Frigid temperatures and unexpected snow last week in the Southeast impacted specialty crops. Strawberry producers in Alabama, Florida and Georgia felt the sting of the winter storm. That included Alabama farmer Todd Cassenbaum. He resides in Lillian, Alabama, located just across from Pensacola, Florida, where historic snow amounts were recorded. Eight inches of snow fell on his …