Bacterial Spot in Tomatoes: Too Much Fungicide Sprays Can Make Problem Worse

Web AdminDisease, Florida, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Tomato producers applying fungicides should be wary the management tactic could exacerbate bacterial spot disease. Gary Vallad, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, spoke at the Florida Tomato Conference in LaBelle, Florida, last week. He cautioned growers to consider the spray …

Better Watch Out: Neopestalotiopsis Still a Concern for Florida Strawberry Growers

Web AdminDisease, Research, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry growers are on the brink of planting this season’s crop. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) expert is cautioning producers about disease control. One disease specifically comes to mind, says Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “I think Neopestalotiopsis is still …

Improved Fungicides Aiding Pecan Producers Against Scab Disease

Web AdminDisease, Pecan

By Clint Thompson The wettest summer in 20 years has made scab disease control essential for pecan producers in the Southeast. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, believes the crop would be impacted more if not for the improved fungicides available to growers. “This is one of the wettest summers I can recall. Probably the worst years I …

Fungal Pathogen Impacting Primarily Stuart Pecan Variety

Web AdminDisease, Georgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells cautions growers about a fungal pathogen that primarily affects Stuart varieties. Wells noted in the UGA Extension Pecan Blog about leaf drop that is associated with a dying or browning of the terminal leaflets of compound leaves which progresses backward toward the base of the leaf. It eventually …

Leaf Rust Problematic for Florida Blueberry Growers

Web AdminAgriculture Research, Blueberries, Disease

By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …

Two weeks: Maximum Time In Between Pecan Scab Disease Sprays for Susceptible Varieties

Web AdminDisease, Georgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Two weeks. That is the maximum amount of time pecan growers have to apply fungicide sprays to trees most susceptible to scab disease. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discusses the spray window that farmers have to keep certain varieties free of the disease. “From this point on, growers need to stay really tight on …

Rainy Impact: Pecan Producers Protect Your Crop Against Scab Disease

Web AdminDisease, Georgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson First and foremost on the minds of pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama should be prevention of any potential scab disease development following recent storms. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, discusses why this time of the production season is so important for growers to apply fungicides and protect their pecans from the disease. …

What to Do About Pepper Diseases in Georgia

Web AdminBell peppers, Disease, Peppers, Vegetables

By Bhabesh Dutta Anthracnose in pepper is caused by a fungal group of pathogens belonging to mainly Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. acutatum. TWO TYPES OF ANTHRACNOSEAnthracnose in pepper is a common issue that pepper growers face, particularly after sun scalding of fruits. This type of anthracnose is called “secondary anthracnose” as the fungal pathogen needs some kind of injury to …

Beware of Spike in Vegetable Diseases Following Recent Storms

Web AdminCucurbits, Disease

By Clint Thompson Cucurbit disease management is vital for vegetable growers following last week’s heavy rainfall and ahead of more rain predicted for this week. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, discussed the impact of heavy rains saturating soils across the region, especially as watermelon harvests are finally under way. …

North Florida Watermelon Growers Hoping to Overcome Various Diseases

Web AdminDisease, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson The final watermelon harvests in North Florida have growers combatting a plethora of diseases. Those attempting to stretch another picking from their fields this week will have to overcome any number of diseases. These include downy mildew, powdery mildew, Alternaria leaf spot, gummy stem blight and watermelon mosaic. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and …