By Clint Thompson One of the leading insecticide treatments for diamondback moth could still be vulnerable to overuse and eventual resistance. That’s why John Taylor, agronomic service representative for Syngenta, implores producers to rotate different modes of action so resistance does not develop. “Proclaim® is one of the stalwarts, so to speak, of diamondback moth management. With that being said, …
UF/IFAS Research: Controlled-Release Fertilizer a Valuable Option for Farmers
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research could solve a problem aimed at preventing leaching of fertilizer in the soil for vegetable crops. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, says research with controlled-release fertilizers have generated encouraging results. “In …
High Populations: Pepper Weevils a Concern for South Florida Producers
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevils remain moderate to high in various vegetable crops across south Florida. Respondents along the east coast report that weevil populations are high around St. Lucie County. They are moderate at other locations. Populations remain a concern in Manatee and Hillsborough counties. Weevils are showing up in other locations around …
Minimal Diseases so far for Florida Strawberry Producers
By Clint Thompson The extended dry period in South Florida has been a boost for strawberry production. Natalia Peres, Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, believes weather conditions have been favorable for strawberries early in the season and diseases have been minimal so far. “It’s been pretty quiet. We’re good, I …
Drought Conditions Persist in Southeast
Abnormally dry conditions are persisting across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The majority of Georgia is abnormally dry, with even a few counties in east-central Georgia experiencing moderately dry conditions. This includes Burke, Jefferson, Washington, Richmond, Glascock , McDuffie, Columbia, Wilkinson and Lincoln counties. Southeast Georgia counties have received sufficient rainfall. Abnormally dry conditions are being experienced …
UF/IFAS GCREC Welcomes Tomlin Middle School STEM Students
Faculty, staff and students at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) welcomed 65 seventh graders Tuesday from Tomlin Middle School in Plant City on Tuesday. The annual tour provides the students exposure to labs, greenhouses, fields and up-close demonstrations of techniques and research at the center. The morning began with …
Adult Whitefly Populations Increasing Across South Florida Vegetables
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whitefly numbers remain low in most crops for this time of the season. But according to growers and scouts, adult populations have increased in multiple places, and nymphs are being observed in older tomato, eggplant and watermelon. The spikes seen in some melon fields have led to cucurbit viruses. Populations will …
Asian Bean Thrips Populations Continue to Vary Across South Florida
According to the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations continue to vary throughout south Florida. The highest populations were detected in south Hendry County, though populations were very low in the Palm Beach County region. In south Hendry County, infestations were numbered at 0.2 adult per bloom. Larvae have been observed at …
Anthracnose Awareness: UF/IFAS Encourages Growers to be Wary of Disease
By Clint Thompson Incidences of anthracnose are on the rise in cucurbits in the Southeast. They’ve already impacted production in Georgia. Experts in Florida want producers to be wary of the disease. While this past season’s dry spring spared Florida production, anthracnose is still a concern for Gary Vallad, professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida Institute of …
North Florida Watermelon Growers Depending on Strong ’22 Market
By Clint Thompson There’s never been a question of North Florida watermelon growers being able to produce a crop. The question always lies with what the market is when that crop is ready for harvest. Maybe more than any other year, that market needs to be productive for farmers in 2022, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food …