By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease is present in cucurbits like squash and cucumber around South Florida and is getting worse. According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, respondents report that the disease is showing up in most watermelons and infections have increased in areas hit hard by rainfall. “Around Manatee County, respondents report that downy mildew …
High Whitefly Pressure Reported in Florida Vegetables
By Clint Thompson Florida vegetable farmers are struggling to manage high whitefly pressure amid trying to produce this year’s crop. According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, tomato growers in central Florida are really struggling with heavy whitefly pressure. It noted, “Some growers have already experienced whitefly and virus issues in spring crops and have pulled up …
Challenging Seasons for Georgia Blueberry Producers
By Clint Thompson Between natural disasters, a pandemic and unfair trade practices, Georgia blueberry farmers have taken one blow after another the past four years. For some farmers, a hailstorm on April 23 was the ultimate knockout punch. Russ Goodman, co-owner of Cogdell Berry Farm with 600 acres in Clinch and Lanier counties, lost between 60% and 70% of the …
COVID-19 Guidelines for Agricultural Operations
By Laurel L Dunn for UGA CAES Newswire Farmers and food processors take routine steps to reduce the likelihood of foodborne pathogens, like Salmonella and E. coli, contacting our food and causing illness. The procedures that our food industry takes on a daily basis are also effective in reducing the chances that the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 will come in …
Be Careful How You Store Certain Fruits, Vegetables
By Clint Thompson University of Florida post-harvest plant physiologist Jeff Brecht cautions consumers about putting some fruit and vegetables in their refrigerators. Quality commodities like tomatoes, melons, avocados and peaches are chilling sensitive. Consumers need to be wary that too much cooling can affect the quality of certain produce. “I hear complaints about all of those where people say, ‘They’re …
Control Options for Cowpea Curculio
By Ashley Robinson Southerners love cowpeas, also known as southern peas or black-eyed peas. Unfortunately, so do cowpea curculios, a weevil that wreaks havoc on peas grown in the Southeast. University of Georgia (UGA) researchers are working to eliminate the pest. History of the Pest David Riley, professor of Entomology at UGA, has been researching cowpea curculio for the past …
Ag Industry Hopes Georgia Grown Message Reaps Bountiful Harvest
By Clint Thompson Now more than ever, buy Georgia Grown. Georgia’s agricultural industries are highlighting this message during the state’s peak season of harvesting produce. Georgia Farm Bureau, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association are promoting Georgia Grown produce at a time when the state’s farmers need them the most. “We need folks asking their …
Spring Is a Perfect Time to Start Composting
By Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News With more time at home on many people’s hands these days, lots of yard work is being tackled, making this year’s International Compost Awareness Week, May 3 through 9, a perfect time to create a home composting system. For the new composter, first find an ideal spot on your property to locate your …
USDA Report Yields Results for 2019 noncitrus/nuts season
By Clint Thompson The United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service released its findings for noncitrus fruits and nuts in the Southern Region for the 2019 crop year. These estimates were based on grower surveys. Avocados: Florida’s production of avocados was up 88% from 2018. Its value of production was up 54%. Yields rebounded in 2019. Utilized production …
Let the Peach Harvest Season Begin
By Clint Thompson Those peach lovers ready for a ripe, juicy peach won’t have to wait too much longer. Peach harvest season is just a few days away, says Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “If they’re not picking any by Friday, they’ll be picking some by Monday,” Cook …