commercial

HLB and Psyllids in Georgia Commercial Citrus

Dan CooperGeorgia, Psyllids

One of Georgia citrus growers’ worst fears is slowly becoming a reality. Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), was observed in a Georgia commercial citrus grove for the first time in 2023. This is alarming news for the industry, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “We knew HLB was here in residential …

Insect Management Update for Pecan Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Southeast pecan producers are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. Growers should stay vigilant with their insecticide sprays, especially in areas that have been void of the rainfall in recent days. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, discussed pest management and what insects that producers should currently be mindful of. “Right now, …

Muscadine Research on UGA Tifton Campus

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Grapes

By Clint Thompson Muscadine research is essential to the industry’s long-term sustainability in Georgia. University of Georgia (UGA) muscadine breeder Patrick Conner is using his research on the UGA Tifton Campus to help make the industry more viable and profitable. He talked about what is at the forefront of his research studies during a recent field day on the UGA …

UGA Hires Sutton as Citrus Extension Specialist

Clint ThompsonCitrus, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Citrus has a bright future for specialty crop growers in South Georgia. The University of Georgia sees that potential and wants to help producers achieve production success – now and into the future. Its recent hiring of Mary Sutton as the new citrus Extension specialist should aid in that process. Sutton started on Aug. 1 and is …

UGA Extension Strawberry Blog: Management Options for Neopestalotiopsis

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Strawberries

Neopestalotiopsis fruit rot and leaf spot disease is already expected to impact next year’s strawberry crop. The question is how can growers minimize the potential damage the disease will likely have on plants ahead of next growing season? Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, outlined how producers can navigate next season’s expected increase of Neopestalotiopsis. …

Georgia Ag Commissioner Announces Appointments to Commodity Commissions

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper has announced appointments to Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions. Appointments are made by the Ex-officio Committee, which includes Harper, Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall; Russ Moon, an appointee of the Georgia Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs; and Al Pearson, an appointee of the Georgia House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. Georgia’s Commodity …

Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Intensifying Across Alabama, Georgia, North Florida

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Drought, Florida, Georgia

The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows worsening drought conditions across the Southeast, especially in Alabama, Georgia and North Florida. Severe conditions are prevalent in southern Alabama, starting in Clarke and Baldwin counties and stretching eastward to Barbour, Henry and Houston counties. Northwest Alabama is also severely dry, starting in Pickens County and stretching northward to Colbert, …

EPA’s Potential Mancozeb Cancellation a Major Threat to Grape Industry in Southeast

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Grapes

By Clint Thompson The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed cancellation of mancozeb is a potential threat to the grape industry in the Southeast. According to the University of Georgia Extension Viticulture Blog, Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, encourages growers to submit a letter to the EPA concerning this potential action. The deadline for comments has …

Spotted Lanternfly’s Potential to Transmit PD a Problem for Georgia Grape Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Grapes

By Clint Thompson The potential of spotted lanternfly (SLF) to transmit Pierce’s disease (PD) is a problem for Georgia grape producers. That’s because the insect will eventually make its way to Georgia, believes Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “It’s another thing that may be able to vector Pierce’s disease. This is very early in …

Strawberry Plant Shortage? Neopestalotiopsis Wreaking Havoc on Supply

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson The recent revelation that Neopestalotiopsis impacted multiple nurseries from Prince Edward Island will affect the supply of strawberry tips and plug plants that are available for Southeast growers. Producers are likely to experience a shortage as well as a spike in costs per plants that are available, says Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and …