Thrips pressure is expected to increase in South Florida vegetable fields. Growers are reminded to monitor populations and implement management tactics early, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. This is especially important for commodities that are vulnerable to viruses vectored by thrips. Populations are reportedly low in central Florida, though they are expected to increase as the …
Whitefly Pressure Varies Across Florida
Whiteflies are increasing to high levels in Southwest Florida, which is normal this time of year. It is especially true for older tomato plants and melon crops, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. However, population levels are much lower in other areas, including in tomato and squash plants in central Florida. Whiteflies have only been observed occasionally …
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training in Florida
Few tickets are still available for the upcoming in-person Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training scheduled for March 23 in Belle Glade, Florida. The training is a one-day course for produce growers and packers who fall under the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule. For more information and registration Click Here! There is also a training scheduled for March 30 …
Decision Protects Florida Tomato Growers
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement after the U.S Department of Commerce rejected a request to exempt certain greenhouse-grown specialty tomatoes in Mexico from the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement. This agreement was put in place to provide relief to domestic tomato growers against unfair trade practices. Exempting specialty tomatoes grown in Mexico from the Tomato Suspension Agreement …
North Florida Watermelon Plants Impacted by Sub-Freezing Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Sub-freezing temperatures impacted North Florida’s newly planted watermelons. But the impact was not as severe as it could have been, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “There are a few fields that probably will have to be replanted or at least partially …
Imports Not the Issue for Tomato Producers This Year
By Clint Thompson Normally, tomato producers can point the blame for suppressed market prices to rising imports, especially those arriving from Mexico. That is not the case this year, however. Florida farmers can only blame themselves for an oversupply of produce that has led to low prices, according to Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida. “This …
Decreased Disease Pressure for Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Of all the challenges that Florida strawberry growers had to overcome this year, it appears that disease pressure was not a major threat. Natalia Peres, professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, confirmed that normal diseases have not been as prevalent in most fields this season. Weather conditions favored …
Freeze Effect: Rain This Week Should Help with Cold Weekend
Watermelon plants are in the ground in North Florida. Producers must now guard against potential sub-freezing temperatures that are in the forecast for the upcoming weekend. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said forecasts are predicting temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s Fahrenheit. “Rain ahead of the …
South Florida Turfgrass Field Day Scheduled for March 31
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Turfgrass research will be highlighted as part of the 33rd Annual South Florida Turfgrass Field Day and Exposition, scheduled for March 31 at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center in Fort Lauderdale. The event is organized in partnership with the South Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. The field day will include tours …
ABT Populations Remain Low
Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations remain low across the South Florida region, except for a few fields in Homestead, Florida, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Even though ABTs were observed in southeastern Hendry County, they were only at a rate of 0.2 per bloom. Populations are reported at less than 0.1 per bloom …