Georgia Vidalia onion growers will resume planting this year’s crop following rainfall from Hurricane-turned-Tropical Storm Sally this week, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. Tyson said the heavy rains that pummeled the Southeast on Wednesday did not impact his area as much in southeast Georgia. …
As Weather Cools, Prepare for Fall Insects
By Emily Cabrera for CAES News As the weather cools across the state, several fall insects will begin to take center stage around Georgia homes. Be on the lookout for these nuisance pests and make preparations to deter them from entering your home for the winter. Asian Needle Ants University of Georgia entomologist Dan Suiter tells homeowners to be on …
Georgia Pecan Producers Wary of Storm’s Impact
Georgia pecan farmers are once again vulnerable to a fall storm as Hurricane Sally slowly moves across the state this week. Its presence reminds growers of Hurricane Michael in 2018. While Hurricane Sally is not expected to bring similar damage, it still is a subtle reminder of the impact a storm can have on the state’s pecan crop, especially this …
Challenging Grape Season Nearing End for Georgia Producers
A challenging season for Georgia grape producers is nearing an end as harvest is in full swing across the state. Grapes have been harvested for a month now with others maturing and ripening up. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, said the excess rainfall has not impacted the quantity of the crop but the quality remains …
Vidalia Onion Farmers Already Planning for Bacterial Disease Management
Vidalia onion farmers are expected to begin planting the crop this week. Disease management is already on the minds of Georgia growers, following last year’s tough season with bacterial diseases, according to Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “We had some bacterial disease issues this past …
Soon-to-be Hurricane Sally to Bring Lots of Rain to Georgia
The latest tropical system to impact the Southeast is expected to bring lots of rain to Georgia this week. Tropical Storm Sally is forecast to become a hurricane by tonight, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agricultural Climatologist. In her blog, Knox said Tropical Storm Sally is bearing down on the Southeast and is expected to become …
USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for 2020
ATHENS, GA – During the last week of September, pecan growers will receive a survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information from this survey will be used to forecast pecan production for 2020. “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in southern states and it is crucial for us to …
Georgia Farmers to Begin Harvesting Pawnee Pecans Next Week
Some of Georgia’s pecan farmers will begin harvesting their crop during the week of Sept. 14, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. Wells estimates that the Pawnee pecan, which is typically the first variety harvested in Georgia every year, is on track to be picked sometime this week. “We’re usually harvesting Pawnee towards the end …
Whiteflies Impacting Georgia Blueberries
Whiteflies are not just impacting vegetables and cotton this year. According to the University of Georgia Integrated Pest Management blog, whitefly populations are impacting blueberries in Georgia. Since harvest season ended, University of Georgia blueberry entomologist Ash Sial has fielded calls of whitefly infestations in major blueberry-producing counties in Georgia. In the past, UGA blueberry experts have identified heavy infestations …
Use Resistant Varieties When Possible to Protect Against Whiteflies
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks paints an ominous picture of the potential devastation whiteflies will have on this year’s fall vegetable crop. “We’re probably a month ahead of the last two years. This is going to be challenging fall for whiteflies,” Sparks said. Vegetable producers across the Southeast have either planted or are currently planting their …