By Clint Thompson Watermelon plants are in the ground across the Suwanee Valley region of Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, expects there to be a decrease in acres this year across the northern part of the state. “I would say we might be down …
Powdery Mildew Moderate to High in South Florida
Powdery mildew disease is being observed in cucurbits in South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Infestation is moderate in some squash plantings in southwest Florida. Pressure is high on mature squash along the east coast. Scouts also report increased infestations in squash fields in Homestead, Florida. All cucurbits are vulnerable to powdery mildew, though the …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Infestations Higher Than Normal
Whitefly infestations are higher than normal in certain areas across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts have reported adult whiteflies are present on all crops in southwest Florida. Nymph populations are starting to build and becoming high enough to create sooty mold. Population levels are moderate on beans in the Everglades Agricultural Area but …
UF Blueberry Specialist: Growers Cautiously Optimistic This Harvest Season
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvests are well under way across Florida. After a year that’s seen producers challenged with multiple weather events, like Hurricane Ian last September, Hurricane Nicole last November and multiple days of cold temperatures during Christmas week, growers are optimistic about this year’s crop. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida (UF) …
UF/IFAS Receiving Favorable Comments with Blueberry Growers Guide App
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Blueberry Growers Guide phone app has drawn rave reviews from the people who need it the most – Florida’s blueberry producers. Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS blueberry Extension coordinator at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed the app, which started a couple of years ago. “I …
North Florida Melon Producers Escape Bullet From Recent Frost Events
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon plants appear to have survived frost events in the past two weeks. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, described what growers are observing in the fields. “I think so far, the frost last week, the one that probably touched up …
Thrips Parvispinus Levels in South Florida
Thrips parvispinus levels in bell pepper fields range from low to high along the east coast, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Infestation levels depend on neighboring crop conditions, as well. Populations are still high in certain areas, although not as high as originally seen last fall at the location of first detection. As many as eight …
Stuart Scholarship Application Period Open
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) reminds college students interested in pursuing a career in the specialty crop industry that the 2023 Stuart Scholarship applications are due Saturday, April 15. The scholarship is available to incoming juniors through graduate program students who intend to pursue a career in the industry. The FFVA created the Mike and Karen Stuart Scholarship …
Florida Blueberry Harvest Window Extended This Year
By Clint Thompson Florida’s blueberry harvest season is under way and projected to last well into May, says grower Ryan Atwood. The Christmas freeze event and subsequent sub-freezing temperatures in early January contributed to the state having a longer harvest window this year. “It looks like a good crop. It’s pretty spread out and not very concentrated. All over the …
Farm to School Program: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Hosts Conference
HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) hosted its annual Florida Farm to School Conference from March 9-10 in Central Florida to connect with schools, distributors, and producers across the state to increase Florida products served in schools. Participants learned about best practices for school gardening and procurement processes, networked with other Farm to School …