By Ruby Tiwari and Ramdas Kanissery Organic growers in Florida fight weeds throughout the year, as it is one of their significant challenges in production (Figure 1). Organic producers typically use various mechanical and cultural methods like tillage, cultivation, hand-weeding, mulching, etc., to keep weeds in check on their farms. While there is a general conception that there is no …
Dissipating Drought: Recent Rains Bring Sufficient Moisture to Southeast
A wet June has help alleviate some of the drought being experienced across the Southeast, according to Thursday’s updated release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. This is especially true for South Florida, a region that has been challenged with dry conditions for some time. Currently, only a few counties are experiencing abnormally dry conditions. These include the majority of Miami-Dade …
Laurel Wilt Disease: Major Problem Impacting Florida’s Avocado Industry
By Clint Thompson The largest produced tropical fruit in Florida is enduring a disease that is having similar impact that Greening is having on the state’s citrus industry. Avocados, which are produced on approximately 1,500 acres in South Florida, are being severely impacted by laurel wilt disease. “It seems like as it’s getting worse and worse,” said Alan Chambers, plant …
Imports’ Impact Felt Beyond Florida, Georgia
Lawmakers Re-introduce Defending Domestic Produce Production Act By Clint Thompson Increased imports are not just a concern of Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers. Farmers in South Carolina and Michigan are feeling the pinch as well. Southeast growers have rallied additional allies in their fight against imports, as noticed by the recent re-introduction of the Defending Domestic Produce Production Act. …
Successful Mango Season Nears End
By Clint Thompson A successful mango season is nearing an end in South Florida. The region’s temperatures and hot weather conditions paid off for a successful season, said Alan Chambers, plant geneticist at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center. “We had a lot of heat and some nice dry heat, so a lot of sun this spring. The mangos came …
Superfood Success: UF Researcher Studying Pomegranates’ Future in Florida
Interested in producing a crop that tastes good and is full of nutrients, including antioxidants? Pomegranates provide Florida farmers that sweet option. “The fruit and its products, such as arils and juice, are rich in phytochemicals and are considered a ‘superfood,’” said Zhanao Deng, a University of Florida environmental horticulture professor who’s trying to breed and grow more pomegranates in …
Registration Ongoing for Citrus Expo, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo
Registration is ongoing for those interested in attending this year’s Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, scheduled for Aug. 18-19 at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida. The key issues that are impacting Florida’s citrus, vegetable and specialty crop producers will be discussed during this year’s event. How are unfair trade practices by Mexico impacting …
U.S. Drought Monitor Update: Florida’s Dry Conditions Diminishing
According to the Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, dry conditions are slowly diminishing in Florida, especially in the southern part of the state. While most counties, including Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Hendry, Collier and Glades are still abnormally dry, none are in a moderate drought. Other counties that are partially abnormally dry include Polk, Hardee, Manatee and Sarasota in …
When Will it End? Pallet Shortage Continues
By Clint Thompson One of the most challenging aspects of vegetable production this season doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. In fact, it may only worsen when South Florida’s fall production comes back online. The idea of a pallet shortage was unfathomable for producers prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic. But it’s a continuing problem with no end in …
North Florida Melon Season Nearing End
By Clint Thompson Watermelon harvests are nearing an end in North Florida. It’s time to take stock of how production went this season as 80% to 90% of the region’s crop has been harvested. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said farmers were satisfied with how this year transpired. “Prices really dictate their happiness. For …