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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Debby was bad enough for Florida’s specialty crop producers, especially with its excessive rains. One blueberry grower is concerned about what may follow, as some of his blueberry bushes remain under water. “The problem you get with these things is what happens next week? They’re showing more tropical activity. They’re saying over the next couple of …
By Clint Thompson When Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida earlier this week, it dumped excessive amounts of rainfall. One strawberry producer experienced the torrential downpours in Plant City, Florida. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, highlighted how devastating the rains were on Monday and the impact he’s experiencing as he readies for the upcoming …
Florida specialty crop producers impacted by Hurricane Debby are asked to complete a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program survey on agricultural losses and damages. UF/IFAS will use the survey in its on-going research to track effects of severe weather on the state’s agricultural industry. Participants will be asked to assess their …
By Clint Thompson Florida tomato plants will soon be in the ground for the 2024-25 season. For some producers, like University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tomato breeder Jessica Chitwood-Brown, that means plants go in the ground this week. Commercial growers in central and southern Florida will start planting towards the end of the month. Chitwood-Brown …
By Clint Thompson Chilli thrips were as challenging as they have ever been in Florida strawberries. According to Sriyanka Lahiri, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, the insect pests were especially tough on strawberries planted in early fall. “This season was particularly tough …
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 90% of Florida’s agricultural operations are small farms with gross sales under $250,000. In South Florida, small farmers benefit from an ideal subtropical climate but need more options for high-value fruit and vegetable crops to grow profitably and meet demands. “Farmland acreage has decreased due to increased urbanization in South Florida,” said Xiaoying …
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry production is as challenging as it has ever been. Dustin Grooms, with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida, outlined the obstacles that producers are faced with, as another planting season looms. “We had a hard time selling fruit there last year, so that’s going to be a problem. The chilli thrips, we don’t have a …
With Florida in peak passion fruit season, researchers are eyeing the sweet tropical fruit as a cash crop. At $3 per fruit at some supermarkets, farmers are able to receive $5 per pound for their harvest, according to Ali Sarkhosh, associate professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) horticultural sciences department. This price shows …
By Clint Thompson Paper mulch continues to show adequate evidence in North Florida watermelon research that it provides strong nutsedge control. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed this year’s research with the WestRock product. “We’re very excited about the potential in the future. There’s no …
By Clint Thompson Grafted watermelon plants remain a significant defense against fusarium wilt disease. They are just costly and cause a delay in harvests, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “It does appear that properly managed grafted watermelons can be very helpful in managing fusarium …
