By Clint Thompson Southeast specialty crop producers are eyeing a potential storm nearing the Gulf of Mexico that could impact the Southeast later this week. The potential development of the storm, named Helene, along with its current path means Florida, Georgia and Alabama are all in its crosshairs. “The whole state of Georgia right now is in the cone. It …
Peach Management Tips for Southeast Growers
By Clint Thompson Peaches in Georgia and Alabama may not be in season, but their management is a year-round job for growers. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, discussed the current management strategies growers should be implementing on the heels of a bumper crop. “This time of year, we’re …
Big Year Expected for Diverse Georgia Citrus Crop
Georgia’s citrus industry is growing and so are the diverse varieties producers are planting every year. Jake Price, University of Georgia citrus agent, said at the Citrus Grower’s Summer Update meeting last week in Valdosta that there were 4,400 citrus acres planted in South Georgia. At approximately 145 trees per acre, this equates to about 638,000 trees. What started out …
Increased Rain Helps Region’s Pecan Crop
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall in recent weeks not only provided much needed relief from the prolonged drought across the Southeast, it boosted the region’s pecan crop, just weeks before the start of harvest season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed how additional moisture has impacted the region’s pecan trees. “We had been terribly hot and dry …
HLB and Psyllids in Georgia Commercial Citrus
One of Georgia citrus growers’ worst fears is slowly becoming a reality. Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), was observed in a Georgia commercial citrus grove for the first time in 2023. This is alarming news for the industry, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “We knew HLB was here in residential …
Insect Management Update for Pecan Producers
By Clint Thompson Southeast pecan producers are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. Growers should stay vigilant with their insecticide sprays, especially in areas that have been void of the rainfall in recent days. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, discussed pest management and what insects that producers should currently be mindful of. “Right now, …
Muscadine Research on UGA Tifton Campus
By Clint Thompson Muscadine research is essential to the industry’s long-term sustainability in Georgia. University of Georgia (UGA) muscadine breeder Patrick Conner is using his research on the UGA Tifton Campus to help make the industry more viable and profitable. He talked about what is at the forefront of his research studies during a recent field day on the UGA …
UGA Hires Sutton as Citrus Extension Specialist
By Clint Thompson Citrus has a bright future for specialty crop growers in South Georgia. The University of Georgia sees that potential and wants to help producers achieve production success – now and into the future. Its recent hiring of Mary Sutton as the new citrus Extension specialist should aid in that process. Sutton started on Aug. 1 and is …
UGA Extension Strawberry Blog: Management Options for Neopestalotiopsis
Neopestalotiopsis fruit rot and leaf spot disease is already expected to impact next year’s strawberry crop. The question is how can growers minimize the potential damage the disease will likely have on plants ahead of next growing season? Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, outlined how producers can navigate next season’s expected increase of Neopestalotiopsis. …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Announces Appointments to Commodity Commissions
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper has announced appointments to Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions. Appointments are made by the Ex-officio Committee, which includes Harper, Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall; Russ Moon, an appointee of the Georgia Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs; and Al Pearson, an appointee of the Georgia House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. Georgia’s Commodity …