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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producer Ryan Atwood is a couple of weeks away from harvesting substantial volume. But he’s already feeling optimistic about this year’s crop. “I think at the beginning of the season, you always feel optimistic. But I feel good about the timing,” said Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of …
Downy mildew disease has been detected in lettuce (LDM) in multiple locations in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) noted the disease’s observance on Saturday. This year’s detection is later than normal, since prior detections in 2023 and 2024 were reported in February. The weather forecast noted weather conditions …
By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show was once again a success. It united the specialty crop industry, informed farmers about trends impacting citrus and vegetables, while preparing growers for the upcoming season. And it never hurts to enjoy tailgating treats that were prominent among participating vendors. It was an impactful event, says Morgan Assaf, show organizer for AgNet Media. …
Fruit and vegetable growers who use chlorpyrifos should be reminded that the insecticide can only be applied on food crops until June 30, after which continued use will be banned. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers advise producers that the products that contain chlorpyrifos are “unlikely to be available for sale and finding alternatives to …
By Clint Thompson The threat and subsequent implementation of tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico by the Trump Administration triggered hard feelings and retaliatory tariffs. But it’s a necessary evil so support can be rallied for American businesses, including specialty crop farmers in Florida and Georgia. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), …
Chilli thrips plague farmers worldwide, but new research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has found two strawberry varieties that show less harm from these pests. The finding comes through research funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch program. That’s encouraging news for growers in …
By Clint Thompson A substantial amount of rainfall that impacted North Florida last weekend should have minimal impact on watermelon acreage being planted in the Suwanee Valley. That’s mostly because the majority of acres have already been planted, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think in the last 10 days, we’ve probably gotten …
Florida vegetable farmers should be wary that late blight disease has been confirmed in tomato in Southwest Florida. Craig Frey, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hendry County Extension Director Craig Frey, reported via email that Glades Crop Care confirmed the detection, though the race identification is ongoing. The disease can spread quickly and devastate a …
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. In fact, some have already started to do so, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. He discussed this year’s harvest season which is starting later than normal. “It depends on the portion of the state …
By Clint Thompson Paper mulch enters the next stage of research with University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and watermelon production in the Suwanee Valley. Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, has led the research in North Florida. “We’ve got over 100 acres of paper mulch that is down and ready …
