Multi-State Tomato Research Aimed At Studying Production in Hotter Weather Conditions

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Tomato research at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus should help growers determine if crop production in hotter parts of the year is a feasible alternative. Ted McAvoy, University of Georgia Extension vegetable specialist, is studying the heat effects on tomatoes that are planted two weeks to a month later than they normally would. “We’re not planting …

Risk Analysis May Be Needed for Grafted Watermelon Plants Against Fusarium Wilt

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt disease in watermelon fields causes Southeast growers to consider alternative management tactics to overcome this yearly challenge. Grafted plants is one of those options, though, it is not intended for all producers, explains University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Disease Specialist Bhabesh Dutta. “This is not for everybody, and this is not for every situation,” Dutta …

Pecan Growers Be On Alert: Increased Rains Could Lead to Spike in Scab Pressure

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The prolonged drought impacting the Southeast region has quickly become a weather event of the past. “Looks like we’re getting back into that regular summertime pattern where it’s like it’s been the last couple of years. June gets here and it starts raining so much that it gets hard to keep (pecans) sprayed,” said Lenny Wells, University …

Management Options for Grape Root Borer

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The time is now for Southeast grape producers to prepare for the initial emergence of grape root borer (GRB) adults. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, noted in the UGA Viticulture Blog that GRB adult activity starts to pick up in late June or early July. Weed …

Farmers Hoping, Waiting For Final Bill To Be Implemented Concerning AEWR

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The federal court’s decision to deny a challenge to the Department of Labor’s (DOL) interim final rule (IFR) on how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is calculated was a win for agricultural employers who utilize the H-2A program. But growers want more to be done to ensure the program remains sustainable long-term. South Georgia vegetable farmer …

‘Long Period of Above Normal Rain’ Needed to Eliminate Drought

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The winter-spring drought that impacted the Southeast spanned for nine months will not disappear overnight. Even as much of the region is experiencing increased rainfall in recent weeks, it will require time to completely wipe out exceptional drought conditions that were present in areas like South Georgia and North Florida. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension …

USDA Announces Enrollment Period, Payment Rates for Specialty Crops Program

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program will account for $1.625 billion in payments to eligible producers in response to high input prices and market disruptions resulting from unfair trade practices with foreign countries. The program was announced last week and drew praise from industry leaders, including Chris Butts, executive vice …

Rain Impact: Blueberry Splits a Concern for Georgia Growers

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The weather’s transition from prolonged drought to occasional rains has negatively impacted Georgia’s blueberry crop. Blueberry producer Johnny Allen, located in Alma, Georgia, said his crop encountered fruit splits with this year’s crop. “We went from dry to rains there a little bit, so that hurt us,” Allen said. “When you get in drought and then you …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: What’s New in Peach Varieties and Rootstocks?

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, South Carolina

By Frank Giles Peach breeders at Clemson University and University of Georgia (UGA) work to develop varieties that are suited for the Southeast climate and for resistance to various pests. Dario Chavez, UGA associate professor, describes a rootstock developed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ksenija Gasic, Clemson professor, describes three newer peach variety releases. P-22 Rootstock P-22 …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Georgia Grower Sees Strong Peach Production

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Harvest season is just around the corner for Southeast peach producers. For Lane Southern Orchards in Central Georgia, this means working round the clock this time of year. “The H-2A contracts start in February, so that’s when peach season starts,” says Tyler Wainwright, farm manager for Lane Southern Orchards. Wainwright oversees production practices in peach orchards west …