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 …

Rain Contingent: Bacterial Spot’s Yearly Threat to Southeast Peaches

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Bacterial spot disease remains a challenge for peach growers in the Southeast. Even after last year’s weather conditions were not conducive for the disease’s development, growers should consider it a threat every year. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, talked about the disease and its impact in an interview with AgNet Media. …

Wait and See: GFVGA Executive Director Advises Growers Following Court Ruling Regarding H-2A

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A federal court’s ruling that the Department of Labor’s (DOL) current adverse effect wage rate methodology is unlawful was a setback for producers and industry leaders. One of those leaders is Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) Executive Director Chris Butts. He advises farmers on what the next step should be in this frustrating process. “Take …

El Niño Impacting Tropical System Development in Atlantic

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson This year’s summer season is on its last leg with fall weather on the horizon. For the second straight summer, the Southeast, including Florida, Georgia and Alabama, did not experience a hurricane or tropical storm. It’s not a surprise to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, who attributes the lack of Atlantic tropical activity to …

Pecan Scab Disease High in Some Areas This Year

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Pecan scab disease was high this year in some areas in Georgia. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, highlighted what pecan-producing areas have experienced more scab than others. “On the eastern side of the state, it’s been a little drier and so the pressure has not been as bad. We didn’t see nearly as much …

GPGA Fall Field Day Brings Together Specialists, Growers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) Fall Field Day on Thursday provided an outlet for researchers and industry specialists to meet with growers on the cusp of this year’s harvest season. The field day was held at Southern Hills Orchards in Leesburg, Georgia. University specialists provided farmers an update on various topics impacting this year’s crop. That …

Hurricane Helene Block Grant Funding Expected This Fall

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene block grant relief is on its way, according to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. Harper made the announcement at the Joint Ag Issues Summit on Aug. 20 in Perry, Georgia. He said the goal is to have the block grant funding start to roll out this fall. “We’re working on that timeline as we speak. …