Phony Peach Disease Annual Problem That Could Worsen If Tree Not Destroyed

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Management of phony peach disease remains simple for Southeast growers – destroy the infected tree before it becomes more of a problem than it already is. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, said in a prior interview that the disease is caused by a bacteria and reduces production to nearly zero. The …

Cooler Temperatures On The Horizon

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Cooler temperatures are on the way in the Southeast. It’s not a moment too soon for farmers and residents in Florida, Alabama and Georgia who have endured high temperatures well into September. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the heat and what’s on the horizon during an interview with AgNet Media. “It looks …

UGA Extension Pecan Specialist Discusses Use of Scab Resistant Varieties

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Scab resistant pecan varieties are popular among Alabama and Georgia growers these days. Varieties like Lakota, Avalon and Creek are used so producers can minimize the amount of fungicide sprays they must make during a growing season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, cautioned producers about overwhelming an orchard with one or more of a …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Online Fraud Targeting Farmers Reported in Georgia

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Frank Giles In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) can make images and videos that look real, scammers are taking advantage of the technology and all the ways potential victims can be reached through their phones, emails and social media accounts. A Specialty Crop Grower article last month featured Gene McAvoy, a well-known agriculturalist, whose Facebook page was hacked. …

Protect Citrus From Getting Sunburn

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson It will not be long before citrus producers in the cold-hardy citrus region start harvesting this year’s crop. But there are still weeks left of production where growers must manage their fruit. Much of that management will center on protecting the crop from the sun, a problem that’s only intensified in recent weeks, according to Mary Sutton, …

Pecan Quality Issues A Concern If Weather Conditions Turn Dry

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Quality issues remain a concern for Georgia and Alabama pecan farmers who are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, talked about nut issues like sprouting and embryo rot during the Georgia Pecan Growers Association field day on Sept. 3. Pecan quality is vulnerable if weather conditions turn …

UGA Peach Disease Specialist Provides Update on Brown Rot

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Brown rot disease is a concern every year for Southeast peach producers. If not for effective fungicides, the disease would have a far lasting impact on the region, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension fruit disease specialist. “Brown rot for us right now, I mean, it’s always a potential concern. Left to itself, it is …

EPA Comment Period for Five Insecticides

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable growers must be aware of an important comment period for five important neonicotinoid insecticides under review. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, noted in the UGA Peach Blog that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is deciding whether five insecticides should continue to be allowed …

Grower Testimonial: South Georgia Pecan Farmer Discusses Pecan Scab Disease

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Scab disease plays a pivotal role in the success of Southeast pecans every year. It has impacted how one South Georgia farmer has planned for future crops. “What we’ve started doing on our operation is we have started planting new groves entirely with newer varieties, mainly scab resistance and then also timing on when they harvest, stuff …

Attention Pecan Producers: Insect Sprays Needed in Dry Areas

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The lingering dry conditions being experienced across some areas in Georgia and Alabama means insect pressure is high in pecan orchards. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed what insects are most problematic for Southeast growers in an interview with AgNet Media. “Black aphids have been horrible over the last month, I would say, and …