South Florida vegetable producers should be wary that thrips levels are high in certain parts of the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Population levels vary in Southwest Florida. Melon thrips populations are problematic in certain fields. Levels were medium to high in beans, though most of the crop have been harvested. Most of the beans …
Blueberry Quality, Quantity High in Most of Florida
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvests are winding down across Florida. Quality and quantity were high in certain fields, though others observed negative impacts from Hurricane Ian last September. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the state of harvests across Florida this year. “Quality wise for sure, it’s been a good …
Powdery Mildew Confirmed in North Florida Melons
By Clint Thompson Another week of watermelon production in Florida’s Suwannee Valley region, another confirmation of a potentially devastating disease. Fortunately, it appears that producers were ready for powdery mildew disease, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “It is confirmation, sort of like the downy …
Whitefly Pressure High Across South Florida
Whitefly pressure remains high across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. High populations are reported on all crops in southwest Florida, though recent rainfall in some parts might help reduced levels. Jawad Qureshi, entomologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, also reports high …
Early Watermelon Harvests Begin in North Florida
By Clint Thompson A handful of watermelons were harvested last week in North Florida. More will be picked this week. It is the earliest that a significant portion of the crop has been harvested in the Suwanee Valley area, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. …
Commissioner Simpson Celebrates Legislative Session Delivering for Florida Ag
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson released the following statement last Friday after the end of a historically successful Legislative Session: “From supporting farmers by taking regulatory weights off their backs, to protecting consumers at the fuel pump, to preserving and protecting our lands for future generations, the 2023 Legislative Session included huge victories for Florida agriculture, …
Lipman Family Farms Donates $3 million
IMMOKALEE, FL – Lipman Family Farms is proud to have presented a check for $3 million to the Redlands Christian Migrant Association’s (RCMA) Immokalee Community Academy. The donation represents the single largest one-time private gift made to RCMA in their 47-year history. “We are delighted to support RCMA, a dedicated organization that provides quality childcare, education, and resources to children …
Positive/Negative Weather Impacts on Florida Blueberries During Harvests
By Clint Thompson The current dry period persisting through Florida is impacting harvest season for the state’s blueberry producers. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, believes extended periods of dry weather has had positive and negative impacts on growers attempting to harvest this year’s crop. “It’s good news in that you …
UF/IFAS Researchers Find Tomato Plants Resistant to Devastating Disease
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers may have found the key to developing tomatoes that can resist a devastating disease. Although it has been around for 50 years, target spot of tomato has become increasingly problematic during the last few years. The disease causes lesions in both leaves and fruits. It is commonly found in …
North Florida Watermelon Harvests Should Begin Within Two Weeks
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon producers are still on track to take advantage of an early harvest window thanks to early plantings this year. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said harvests should commence within the next couple of weeks. “In talking with the growers, …