By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion transplanting is either underway or about to be across Southeast Georgia, according to Chris Tyson, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area onion agent. Tyson said the prolonged dry spell this fall has allowed seedbeds to avoid disease buildup, a common concern if rains were persistent. “All of our seedbeds that we’re growing right now for …
Early Freeze Event Ends Georgia’s Fall Vegetable Season
By Clint Thompson Monday night’s sub-freezing temperatures in South Georgia impacted the region’s vegetable crop production. The effect of the impact varies from crop to crop, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He discussed the early-season freeze event, which impacted crops planted in the summer and fall. “I think …
Disappointing Start to Pecan Harvest Season
By Clint Thompson A disappointing start to the pecan harvest season has continued with the mid-season varieties, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. Wells noted in the UGA Extension Pecan Blog that issues like light loads, pops and stick-tights have been observed in mid-season varieties. “Most growers are reporting a lot of ‘B’ grade nuts …
Cotton Jassid’s Impact in Early Spring Would Be Significant
By Clint Thompson Vegetable growers had a new insect to manage this year with the cotton jassid. If it shows up in early spring next year, though, that challenge will be amplified for the 2026 season, according to Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Extension vegetable entomologist. “The big question’s going to be what happens during the winter going into the …
Attention Pecan Producers: Apply Irrigation Up Until a Few Days Before Tree Shaking
By Clint Thompson Just because pecan harvests have begun across the Southeast does not mean growers should stop applying water to their trees – not with the prolonged drought that has impacted the region, including pecan-producing areas in Georgia and Alabama. That’s the message that Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, wants producers to remember. Because the …
H-2A Application Processing Resumes Amid Government Shutdown
The U.S. Department of Labor’s resumption of the processing of H-2A applications amid the government shutdown is a win for domestic growers who utilize the system for a reliable labor force. Last week’s decision was welcomed by Southeast fruit and vegetable organizations who advocate for their respective growers, including the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and Georgia Fruit and …
‘Unusual’ Lack of Tropical System Impact on Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson One month remains in this year’s tropical season. The Southeast is one month away from not having a tropical system impact the region this year. It would be an unusual development, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “Certainly, in most years we get some impact from tropical storms. It’s not unprecedented. We’ve had …
Drought Monitor Update: Extreme Conditions Spreading Across Southeast Region
Drought conditions are worsening and expanding across most of the Southeast region. According to the Oct. 23 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme drought is present in western Alabama, southern Georgia and northern Florida. While most of Alabama is experiencing some level of drought conditions, the driest part of the state is in the western part of the state. …
Drought Effect: ‘Light’ Pecan Crop in Southeast
By Clint Thompson The pecan crop in the Southeast is light this harvest season, amid the prolonged dry spell impacting the region. It is not a surprising development, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. He noted in the UGA Pecan Extension Blog the problem was evident with the Pawnee variety, the first variety harvested this …
Fungicides’ Importance in Southeast Pecan Production
By Clint Thompson Fungicide applications are an essential management tool for pecan growers in Georgia and Alabama. Weather conditions are conducive to scab disease development in the region that, over time, can cause resistant trees to lose some of their resistance. Case in point: ‘Avalon’ was a variety researched by the University of Georgia (UGA) breeding program and provided excellent …


















