By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers in Georgia, Florida and Alabama are reminded that registration is ongoing for the upcoming Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, scheduled for Jan. 6, 2022 through Jan. 9, 2022, at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia. Late registration for the event ends Jan. 5. Interested attendees can register for the full four-day conference …
Dry Conditions Helping Georgia Strawberry Producers with Disease Pressure
By Clint Thompson The extended dry conditions before this past weekend across various parts of Georgia benefited the state’s strawberry producers. The less rain and wet conditions meant fewer instances of diseases being a factor, says Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “If it gets dry, they can water …
Bacterial Spot Disease a Significant Problem for Florida Producers
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, bacterial spot disease remains a problem in tomato and susceptible pepper plants around the southwest Florida area. In some instances, bacterial spot and speck have been observed moving to the top of the plant and infesting stems, new growth and fruit. Bacterial spot also remains a significant issue in multiple locations …
Freeze Protection: Overhead Irrigation Efficient Strategy for Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Frost protection will be an essential management plan for blueberry producers in the Southeast during the upcoming months leading up to harvest. Eric Stafne, a Mississippi State Extension/Research Professor, highlights the benefits and importance of using overhead sprinkler irrigation when temperatures drop below freezing. “The benefit of using that is it’s the most effective way to prevent …
Proclaim Insecticide a Valuable Option for Growers Against Diamondback Moth
By Clint Thompson One of the leading insecticide treatments for diamondback moth could still be vulnerable to overuse and eventual resistance. That’s why John Taylor, agronomic service representative for Syngenta, implores producers to rotate different modes of action so resistance does not develop. “Proclaim® is one of the stalwarts, so to speak, of diamondback moth management. With that being said, …
UF/IFAS Research: Controlled-Release Fertilizer a Valuable Option for Farmers
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research could solve a problem aimed at preventing leaching of fertilizer in the soil for vegetable crops. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, says research with controlled-release fertilizers have generated encouraging results. “In …
Pesky Pest: Diamondback Moth Remains Concern for Georgia Growers
By Clint Thompson One pest that Georgia vegetable growers can bank on for the upcoming season is diamondback moth. Its high resistance to insecticides makes it an annual pest that growers need to be wary of, according to Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. “We have products that when they first come out, they were probably …
Pecans Prices, Demand Remain Strong for Georgia Producers
Pecan prices remain strong, while demand is good for Georgia farmers. That’s the latest from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Pecan Report, which was released on Thursday. Temperatures are expected to warm back up to the mid-70s by next Tuesday, which should provide favorable harvesting conditions for those producers hoping to collect what’s remaining in their orchards. “Domestic buyers …
Heat Management Strategies for Tomatoes in High Tunnels
By Juan Carlos Diaz-Perez, Sudeep Bag and Tim Coolong Protected agriculture technologies such as high tunnels (HT) are increasing in popularity in the United States, particularly with small and organic growers. High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, typically have a pipe framework covered by a single-layer plastic film (4 or 6 mil thickness). In contrast to greenhouses, high tunnels …
Drought Conditions Persist in Southeast
Abnormally dry conditions are persisting across the Southeast, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The majority of Georgia is abnormally dry, with even a few counties in east-central Georgia experiencing moderately dry conditions. This includes Burke, Jefferson, Washington, Richmond, Glascock , McDuffie, Columbia, Wilkinson and Lincoln counties. Southeast Georgia counties have received sufficient rainfall. Abnormally dry conditions are being experienced …