By Clint Thompson The strawberry season is nearing an end for Florida growers. To say that producers have had their share of challenges would be an understatement. Input costs have spiraled out of control, and the strawberry market is in “shambles,” according to Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida. “As an industry, I think we’re …
Integrated Pest Management of Chilli Thrips in Strawberries
By Sriyanka Lahiri Currently, strawberry production in Florida is particularly susceptible to infestation by chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis). Although chilli thrips had been reported as a pest of ornamentals in Florida before, it wasn’t until 2015 when strawberry fields started to be severely impacted by this invasive pest. CHEMICAL CONTROLSChemical control is the predominant tool to manage chilli thrips. However, …
Early Start for North Florida Watermelon Planting
By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions meant an early start to watermelon planting for Florida producers in the Suwanee Valley area. Hopefully, it will translate to early harvests that meet the Memorial Day window. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the impact, which included some …
Oversupply Hurting Florida’s Tomato Industry
By Clint Thompson An oversupply of tomatoes this season has led to decreased market prices for Florida producers. Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida, said prices for tomatoes are an estimated $5 to $7 FOB (freight on board) compared to desired prices of $9 to $11. It stems from increased acreage. “The problem we’re experiencing right …
Asian Bean Thrips Population Down Compared to Last Year
Good news for South Florida vegetable producers, Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations are less widespread than last year and are only being reported at moderate levels in some locations. According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Asian Bean Thrips are only being observed at 0.4 to 0.6 per bloom in a limited number of fields. …
Dry Conditions Worsen in Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson The abnormally dry conditions are sweltering across much of the Southeast, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of Florida is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The conditions are worse in the north-central part of Florida, in Jefferson, Madison and Hamilton counties and extending southward to Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. In Georgia, …
Caterpillar Pressure Varies Across South Florida
Caterpillar pressure varies among crops and regions in South Florida, according to the most recent South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Respondents in the Everglades Agricultural Area report most worm pressure on sweet corn is low, but lesser corn stalk borers are moderate in some sandy areas. Caterpillar pressure is low around the southwest Florida area, though there appears to …
‘Exciting’ Year for UF/IFAS Mango Research
By Clint Thompson It is expected to be an “exciting year” for mango research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida. That is the mindset of Alan Chambers, an assistant professor, who discussed the future of the industry. “We are going to be doing some very exciting …
Advances in Corn Silk Fly Management and Ecology
By Julien Beuzelin Fall armyworms and corn silk flies are the main insect pests of sweet corn in Florida. Management relies primarily on insecticides, but the two pests represent different challenges. Fall armyworm infestations can be devastating if left unmanaged. However, several registered insecticides such as methomyl (Lannate, Nudrin), chlorantraniliprole (Coragen, Vantacor) or spinetoram (Radiant) are very effective at maintaining …
‘Unknown’ Future for Florida Tomato Industry Following Freeze
By Clint Thompson The Jan. 30 freeze event that impacted numerous specialty crops across Florida has created an ‘unknown’ outlook for the tomato industry. Josh Freeman, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor in horticultural science, discusses what the damage sustained by tomatoes in the southern part of the state means for production in north …