By Clint Thompson It soon will be an exciting time for tropical fruit producers in South Florida. Alan Chambers, plant geneticist at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, said many of the region’s tropical fruits should start producing their crop before long. “A lot of our tropical fruits do struggle in the winter. They’re a little more dormant, calm. Coming …
Disease Discovery: Gummy Stem Blight a Problem in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt is not the only disease affecting North Florida watermelons. According to an email alert sent by Suwannee Valley Extension agents, the region’s watermelon crop is undergoing high gummy stem blight pressure. High temperatures and humidity along with rain showers have provided the perfect environment for gummy stem blight. “In fact, I would be willing to …
Minimum Changes: USDA Updates Citrus Crop Forecast
Reductions in the projected Florida grapefruit and tangerine/tangelo crops were the only changes in the May 12 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) citrus crop forecast. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reduced Florida’s grapefruit crop projection by 2%, to 4.2 million boxes, down from 4.3 million boxes in April. The total 100,000-box reduction was in red grapefruit, which dipped to …
UF Strawberry Breeder: We’re Shifting A Lot of Effort Toward Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson Yield and quality remain at the forefront of Vance Whitaker’s focus as University of Florida/IFAS strawberry breeder. But not far behind is Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. “We always have to pay attention to yield and quality, but we’re definitely shifting a lot of effort toward it for sure,” Whitaker said. “It certainly has leapfrogged, probably most traits, at …
Year Two for Florida Hemp
By Clint Thompson One year into commercial production, hemp continues to flourish in popularity in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), there are 895 licenses issued, equating to 1,086 locations and 22,755 permitted acres in 65 of Florida’s 67 counties. In April, 109 licenses were added, and more is expected this month, says Holly …
Florida Farmer: Consumer, Ultimately, Will Have to Pay for This
Freight costs have doubled. Input prices have risen. These increased expenses will have a snowball effect, believes Florida watermelon farmer Laura Land. Land said the pallet shortage is a serious shortage and a serious problem, especially as she prepares for the upcoming harvest for her North Florida watermelons. She still doesn’t have enough pallets to ship on with harvest less …
Fresh Produce: How UF Scientists Are Using AI to Cut Food Waste, Loss
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Fresh produce can look a lot different on your table than it did when first harvested from the field. What was once fresh and vibrant looks wilted and moldy. Tie Liu feels your pain. “Everybody has this problem: Which of these vegetables or fruits should I use first? Guess wrong, and you end up throwing out the …
Supply Shortage: ‘It’s Going to Get a Whole Lot Worse Before it Gets Better’
By Clint Thompson One Florida farmer dodged the supply shortage that’s running rampant across the vegetable industry. But the fall season is not that far away for Wade Purvis, who farms in Immokalee, Florida and is part of the Farmers Alliance. “I know guys that are literally buying sawmills and going out in the woods, cutting logs and starting to …
Waiting for Watermelons: North Florida, South Georgia Crop Delayed by Weather
By Clint Thompson A delay in harvest for North Florida watermelons would normally spell doom for producers in that region hoping to avoid a collision course with South Georgia producers. But that’s not the case this year. Branford, Florida producer Laura Land said most producers are expecting to harvest at least week than they normally would, due to cooler temperatures. …
Beneficial Insects Another Tool in Toolbox for Citrus Producers
By Clint Thompson Beneficial insects could be a citrus producer’s best friend. In a time when farmers are applying insecticides to control Asian citrus psyllids, the vector of citrus greening disease, it’s important to preserve the psyllid’s natural enemies, like lady beetles and lacewings. Jawwad Qureshi, University of Florida Assistant Professor in Entomology, implores growers to scout their groves periodically …