Florida is on track to receive heavy rainfall thunderstorm activity through this weekend, says Gary England, UF/IFAS Extension Agent Emeritus. In his email, England alerted producers that the main precipitation accumulation is expected Saturday through early next week, mainly Monday and Tuesday. Most of north and north central Florida could receive at least two inches of rainfall with some locations …
Pepper Weevil Pressure Increasing in South Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevil pressure is high in Palm Beach County. Pepper weevil numbers are also increasing around the Homestead, Florida area. Respondents report that weevil pressure continues to increase around southwest Florida. Older fields are hosting high populations, while adults are now showing up in most younger pepper plantings. Weevil numbers remain …
Drought Monitor: South Florida Remains Abnormally Dry
South Florida received a substantial amount of rainfall last weekend, but it still remains dry across the region. According to the Thursday’s release of the US Drought Monitor the majority of south Florida and parts of central Florida are abnormally dry. Even counties like Monroe, Collier and Palm Beach are classified ‘D1’ or in a moderate drought. The abnormally dry …
AI: UF Researchers Using Artificial Intelligence to Study Nematodes
Artificial intelligence (AI) may help Florida producers combat one of the most destructive pests farmers encounter every year. University of Florida (UF) scientists are using AI to identify parasitic nematodes more rapidly. Some nematodes live in the ground and harm plants, while others are beneficial. It is important to distinguish which ones are which, said Peter DiGennaro, a UF/IFAS assistant …
UF/IFAS Extension Agent: Cold Damage Was Close on Watermelons
Almost two weeks after a cold Easter weekend, North Florida watermelon producers are still counting their blessings. They understand the minimal damage their crop sustained during a chilly Easter weekend could have been a whole lot worse. “It was really, really close,” said Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Because a lot of those plants …
Labor Shortage? Not According to Southeast Farmers, Industry Leaders
One of the focal points of the U.S. International Trade Commission hearing on the impact imports of cucumbers and squash have on the domestic industry is labor; how much it costs and the availability of it. Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of Americas, insists the lack of workers has led to a quality issue with produce grown …
Peachy: UF Scientists Find Rootstocks That Survive Flooding
Flooding can be problematic for Florida peach producers. It can cause permanent damage to peach trees and lead to tree death. Ali Sarkhost, a UF/IFAS Assistant Professor of Horticultural Sciences, said floods will increase as climate change continues to challenge growers across the world. “If peach farmers experience flooding, the fruit size and quality can be adversely affected, and the tree …
Timely Rainfall Just ‘What the Doctor Ordered’ for South Florida Region
South Florida was thirsting for rainfall prior to last weekend. The abnormally dry conditions were alleviated a little bit with steady moisture that soaked the region, says Gene McAvoy, University of Florida/IFAS Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus. “We got about an inch and a half down around Immokalee (Florida). Some places were a little better,” McAvoy said. “It was …
Farming’s Future: How Will Technology Impact the Industry?
What does the technological future look like for vegetable and specialty crop producers? In an era where they compete in a global marketplace against rising imports, producers can no longer rely on cheap land or labor; they must compete on the basis of technology and innovation. What does that future look like? Come find out at the Ag Tech Expo, hosted …
Market Manipulation: Vegetable Farmers Vulnerable to Increasing Imports
The vegetable and specialty crop sector is vulnerable to market manipulation. That makes what Mexico is accomplishing through its increased imports of cucumbers and squash dangerous for the future of the American farmer, claims Georgia farmer Dick Minor. “In 2018, the combined acres planted into fresh market cucumbers of the top five producing states was less than 30,000 acres,” Minor …