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 …
Thrips Pressure Expected to Increase in Florida
Thrips pressure is currently low across the South Florida region. But this is the time of year when populations are expected to increase, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Vegetable growers, especially those with crops susceptible to thrips-vectored viruses, need to monitor populations and start management options early. Thrips pressure is starting to increase in most crops …
Row Crop Farmers Starting to Grow Citrus
Citrus acreage continues to increase across the North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama regions. Interest has expanded to large row crop farmers, who see citrus as a viable alternative crop, said Kim Jones at the Feb. 17 Citrus Health Forum meeting at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences North Florida Research and Education Center. Jones …
Whitefly Severity Varies Across Florida
Whitefly populations continue to vary in Florida vegetable fields. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, adult whiteflies are being observed in melons, eggplant, tomatoes and peppers in Southwest Florida. Respondents in Homestead indicate that whiteflies are present in tomatoes, beans and squash. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus is widespread in tomato, though most fields are still under …
A Recipe for Sustained Success
By Clint Thompson There are multiple ingredients in John L. Hundley’s recipe for agricultural success: hard work, a capable supporting staff and willingness to adapt to the changing times. This is what has sustained Hundley Farms for more than 50 years and why Hundley will be inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame on Feb. 15. “The bottom line …
Plan Now, Reap Rewards Later
By Clint Thompson Now is the time for growers to make preparations for the upcoming spring season. Jessie Rowan, Alabama regional Extension agent, who specializes in commercial horticulture and farm and agribusiness management, explains why. “Come end of February, March and early April, they’ll do a lot of that physical preparing of the land, of the crops. Now they’re doing …
ABT Populations Low Across South Florida
According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations continue to show a downward trajectory in South Florida. The only scouting reports with ABT detected in blooms were observed in both the Clewiston and Loxahatchee areas. Both reported at 0.1 per bloom. Respondents in Homestead indicate that populations seem to be lower …
Gov. DeSantis Requests USDA Disaster Declaration for Producers Impacted by Freeze
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis requested last week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issue a Disaster Declaration for counties impacted by freezing temperatures. DeSantis also requested in his letter any assistance available under the Farm Service and other USDA programs to assist recovery efforts for agricultural producers. The letter is available here. More information about the …
Rabbit Problem to be Discussed at UF/IFAS Meeting
Rabbit populations have spiked in the Florida Glades. A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) workshop on Friday, Feb. 18 will address the current problem and what management options are available for producers. Richard Raid, a professor in plant pathology at UF/IFAS , and Robert McCleery, an associate professor in the UF Wildlife Ecology and Conservation …