By Clint Thompson It is that time of year when Georgia’s Vidalia onion producers need to be monitoring their crop for downy mildew disease. It was not reported in any of the crop in 2021. But downy mildew is a concern every year for growers. It is mainly due to how quickly it spreads, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia …
Joint Research: Grafting Reduces Southern Blight Disease By 83%
A joint research project between scientists at the University of Georgia and Clemson University has deduced that grafting reduces southern blight disease on tomatoes by 83%. According to the The South Carolina Grower, grafting reduced the percentage of diseased plants from 44% on nongrafted ‘Roadster’ varieties to 7% on ‘Roadster’ grafted on ‘Maxifort’ rootstock in a 2021 trial in Charleston, …
Be Alert for Citrus Canker in Alabama
Alabama Cooperative Extension implores growers to be on the lookout for symptoms of citrus canker disease in their trees. Commercial growers need to scout their trees regularly to stop the disease’s potential spread, says Kassie Conner, Alabama Extension specialist. “What we need people to do right now is look for these symptoms and report it if they find it,” Conner …
Nematode Management for Organic Crops
By Johan Desaeger Southeastern states have been slow to adopt organic crops. However, they recorded the most growth in organic production in the last 10 years. States such as California, Vermont, Maine and New York have a longer history with organic production. A great deal of scientific research now supports organic agriculture in these states. This is not the case …
Late Blight Disease Discovered on Florida Potato
Florida’s potato and tomato growers should be on alert. Late blight disease has been discovered on potato in the Immokalee, Florida area. That is according to a report from Glades Crop Care. As a result, growers should scout susceptible crops and evaluate their fungicide programs if applications need to be made. Systemic products become distributed locally within plant tissues and …
Florida Blueberry Management: February Points of Emphasis
Blueberry management in Florida in February is critical with harvest season just around the corner. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reminds producers of various tips to keep in mind this month. From a disease standpoint, growers need to monitor for botrytis and control when need. Farmers also need to apply fungicides in rotation for control …
Phytophthora Root Rot a Problem in Georgia Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Georgia strawberry producers may not have had to deal with much of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot this year, but phytophthora root rot is a different story. “Right now, this year, I’ve seen quite a few samples with phytophthora come in, unfortunately,” said University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist Phil Brannen. Brannen discussed some of the possibilities …
Alabama Extension to Host Online Vegetable Production Meetings
Alabama Extension has scheduled vegetable production meetings via zoom, starting on Feb. 23 through March 30. Every Wednesday, from noon to 1:30 p.m., a different vegetable topic will be discussed with specialists at Alabama Extension. Andre da Silva, assistant professor in horticulture, and Ayanava Majumdar, Extension professor in entomology and plant pathology, will discuss tomato varieties and tomato insect management …
Botrytis Problem for a Florida Strawberry Grower
By Clint Thompson One Florida strawberry grower emerged relatively unscathed from last weekend’s freeze event. But now Dustin Grooms is coping with a new problem for his strawberry crop. “We did okay. We definitely did lose a little bit of bloom, not too bad. Some of the berries got bit a little bit on the ends, but not real bad,” …
Georgia Strawberry: Minimal Reports of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot So Far
By Clint Thompson Minimal reports of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease in Georgia strawberries this year has one University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist encouraged. But the real test will come when temperatures warm up and row covers are removed, believes Phil Brannen. “Other than the one (farmer) that had it early who got his plants from one of those …