Clint Thompson Sometimes the best management strategy for a producer hoping to control an insect is to release its predator. That is a tactic commercially available to specialty crop growers, according to Ayanava Majumdar, an Alabama Extension entomologist. Majumdar spoke about beneficial insects and how farmers can release them to control certain insect pests during a recent webinar. One of …
Alabama Extension Recommends Certain Pumpkin Cultivars
By Clint Thompson Some Alabama vegetable growers are considering their pumpkin plantings for this fall. Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, highlighted what cultivars growers need to focus on during a recent webinar. “We did some variety trials, and I would just like to show that those are jack-o-lantern pumpkins that we evaluated last year in central Alabama. What …
Management Tips for Reusing Plastic Mulch in Fall
By Clint Thompson Alabama Extension recommends that vegetable growers re-use their plastic mulch in the fall. But there are management strategies that producers need to utilize to make it a worthwhile strategy. Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, focused on plastic mulches during a recent webinar. “Using plastic mulch for a second crop is a good approach for the …
Looming Problem: Whiteflies a Potential Concern for Fall Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Alabama vegetable producers already thinking about their crop for next fall should be ready to combat whiteflies, says Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist. Da Silva focused on whitefly management during a recent webinar. He believes the environmental conditions will be conducive for populations to be high this summer. “We are probably going to have a …
Sweet Grown Alabama Hosts State LegislatorsÂ
To celebrate locally grown products and Alabama farmers, Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s non-profit agricultural branding program, hosted a legislative luncheon on May 17. Members of the Alabama Legislature attended the luncheon at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association in downtown Montgomery. Chef Preston Williams has built relationships with local farmers to highlight fresh produce and enjoys cooking with local products. “It’s …
Alabama Extension Agent: Thrips Are Out of Control
By Clint Thompson Thrips pressure is high in southern Alabama. Vegetable producers should be ready to combat the high populations with insecticide applications. Fortunately, for the region’s farmers, insecticides are available, says Jacob Kelley, Alabama regional Extension agent. “With this warm weather, thrips are out of control. The last two weeks, the calls about thrips have gone up substantially, and …
Christmas Tree Production Can Be Rewarding but Challenging
By Clint Thompson Christmas tree production is a venture growing with popularity in Alabama. It provides great potential for retirees and is sure to attract customers looking to partake in the family experience every year. But aspiring producers need to understand the time, energy and work involved in ensuring trees are ready in the fall. Jeremy Pickens, Alabama assistant Extension …
Integrated Management Approach Required for Nematode Control in Sweet Potatoes
By Clint Thompson Sometimes the management of a crop disease or insect requires an integrated approach to achieve full control. Organic sweet potato producers must implement such a strategy to achieve full control of root-knot nematodes. The southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is one of several plant-parasitic nematodes that cause damage to plant roots, according to Alabama Extension. Symptoms below …
Peaked Interest: Christmas Tree Production Increasing in Alabama
By Clint Thompson Christmas tree sales have spiked in recent years across Alabama. It has piqued the interest of growers hoping to start their own Christmas tree farm. Jeremy Pickens, Alabama Assistant Extension professor in horticulture at Auburn University, discussed the recent trend of producers wanting to get into the industry. “I’d say the interest from people wanting to do …
Alabama Extension Expert Encourages Vegetable Growers to Scout for Armyworms
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Alabama Cooperative Extension entomologists are reporting a drastic increase in armyworm moth numbers. Vegetable producers should be scouting regularly. There are four armyworm species commonly seen in Alabama: Southern armyworms, beet armyworms, fall armyworms and yellowstriped armyworms. Ayanava Majumdar, an Alabama Extension entomologist, said populations of Southern armyworms are growing, and beet armyworm infestations are likely …