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Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida”
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 …
By Clint Thompson Tuesday’s tariffs implemented by the Trump Administration is helping level the playing field for Georgia’s fruit and vegetable industries. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed the trade war which resulted in tariffs levied on China, Mexico and Canada. “We have tried everything we know to level the playing …
Whitefly infestations are low but mostly increasing across areas in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. In central Florida, scout reports indicate low whitefly population levels in tomatoes. In southwest Florida, scouts report low to moderate whitefly population levels. Some newly planted tomato, cucurbit and potato fields are being infested early, within a few days …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is highlighting the Florida Farm Bill and its proposal to protect Florida’s farmers and hunters from drone harassment. The proposal will prohibit the drones on designated agricultural lands designated without the property owner’s approval and will prohibit drones on or near private property, state-hunting lands, or shooting ranges with the intent …
By Clint Thompson Most North Florida watermelon growers are on the cusp of another planting season. While some acres across the region are planted in late February, most are planted, beginning in March, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think the majority of our …
By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) berry farmers should be mindful of thrips. Not normally a problem for growers in North Carolina in past years, thrips have been gaining traction as a concerning pest recently, says Lorena Lopez, N.C. State assistant Extension professor of entomology and plant pathology. “Western flower thrips are the major thrips species that we have infesting …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released key findings from a vegetable survey it conducted with growers in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Florida tomato production in 2024 totaled 638 million pounds, a decrease of 27% from 2023. The value of utilized production for tomatoes was $331 million, down 32% from last year. Sweet corn …
Thrips populations are increasing across multiple areas in southern Florida. This is according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts reported moderate levels of chili thrips and low levels of flower thrips in strawberry fields in central Florida. Population levels are increasing in Southwest Florida. Levels have increased from low to moderate for flower thrips and melon thrips. …
