By Clint Thompson Georgia strawberry producers may not have had to deal with much of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot this year, but phytophthora root rot is a different story. “Right now, this year, I’ve seen quite a few samples with phytophthora come in, unfortunately,” said University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist Phil Brannen. Brannen discussed some of the possibilities …
Pecan Nutrient Management: Cut Costs, Not Corners
By Clint Thompson Nutrient management is a way pecan producers can decrease their input costs heading into the 2022 harvest season, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. It starts with soil samples, which can be done any time of the year. But Wells stresses that growers do it at the same time every year. “If you take …
Vidalia Onion Crop Update on Feb. 10
Vidalia onion producers mark your calendars. There will be a Vidalia onion crop update on Thursday, Feb. 10 at the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. The event will last from 10 a.m. to noon. UGA specialists and industry leaders will provide an update on the current crop’s status as well as any timely …
Peach Rootstock Research at the University of Georgia
By Dario J. Chavez, Jeff Cook and Tom G. Beckman Rootstocks are important for fruit production as they provide required protection for soil pests and pathogens. The most predominant peach rootstocks in the Southeastern United States are Guardian (Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina) and Flordaguard (Florida). Guardian (BY520-9) was released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA …
So Far So Good: Blueberry Growers Still Evaluating Crop After Frigid Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Frigid temperatures this past weekend had blueberry growers across the Southeast on high alert. Some applied frost protection, others did not. Some emerged mostly unscathed, while others experienced some damage. The full extent of the impact will not be fully known until later this week, says Renee Holland, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension area blueberry agent and …
Georgia Weather: Warmer, Wetter Conditions in 2021
By Pam Knox Georgia experienced its coldest year in 2021 since 2014, with an average temperature of 64.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F). But the temperature was still well above the long-term average of 63.4 F. It ranked the 20th warmest year since statewide records began in 1895. Lower temperatures than recent years The year started off warmer than normal, with above-average …
Georgia Strawberry: Minimal Reports of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot So Far
By Clint Thompson Minimal reports of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease in Georgia strawberries this year has one University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist encouraged. But the real test will come when temperatures warm up and row covers are removed, believes Phil Brannen. “Other than the one (farmer) that had it early who got his plants from one of those …
Georgia Ag Forecast on Friday, Jan. 28
University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension reminds specialty crop producers that this year’s Georgia Ag Forecast meeting will be held on Friday, Jan. 28 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The meeting will be held just one day this year and will include the latest economic projections for the U.S. and state agriculture to inform farmers …
Georgia Peach Producer: We’re Racking Up Chill Hours
By Clint Thompson Cold January temperatures have brought increased chilling hours for Georgia’s peach crop. Growers like Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, are elated about the recent cooler temperatures being felt throughout the state. “All the peach growers, we’re pretty excited. Chill hours, that’s been the question mark for …
Fungicides Key During Grape Pruning
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist Phil Brannen reminds grape producers that fungicides need to be applied as they prune their crop ahead of next season. “While they’re pruning and during the time they’re pruning, we do have some concerns about pruning wound injuries and pathogens that come in on pruning wounds. We do recommend …