By Bhabesh Dutta The climate prevalent in the Vidalia onion zone (southeastern Georgia) is conducive to many diseases. Among the diseases, those that are caused by bacteria and fungi are the prominent ones. Some of the diseases caused by water molds or oomycetes (Pythium damping-off and downy mildew) can also be seen periodically. Based on my experience as a vegetable …
Cutting Costs: Pecan Producers Can Save Money by Avoiding Unnecessary Phosphorus Applications
In a time when prices are low and expenses are high, pecan producers need to cut costs, not corners. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, believes farmers can hold back in applying certain nutrients this year, if there is an abundant supply already in the orchard. Take phosphorus for example. “Most of our orchards are high in …
Seed Facility: Bayer Opens Distribution Center in South Georgia
A new fruit and vegetable seed distribution center will provide seed to Southeast produce farmers in a timely and efficient fashion. Bayer Vegetable Seeds announced the opening of its new distribution center in Valdosta, Georgia, located about 10 minutes from the Georgia-Florida state line. It will provide access to its Seminis branded large seed portfolio. Currently, the distribution center is …
Less Efficacy: UGA Onion Trials Show Reduced Impact on Botrytis Leaf Blight
University of Georgia research trials show that two fungicides may be losing their efficacy in the control of Botrytis Leaf Blight of Vidalia onions. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, informed onion producers and industry leaders during a webinar last week that Scala and Luna Tranquility …
Snowball Effect: Wet Weather Could Impact Fall Plantings
Weather forecasts call for sunshine every day but Monday this week in South Georgia. It’s not a moment too soon for vegetable farmers itching to get in the field. Unfortunately, the excessive winter rains have delayed work for producers. It could have a snowball effect heading into next fall, says Sam Watson, managing partner of Chill C Farms in Colquitt …
Frozen: Peach Producers Have Limited Options Against Late Freeze
Some things are inevitable every year for Southeast peach producers. That late-season frost event that could damage peach production for the upcoming season unfortunately tops the list. Even though chill hours are no longer a concern, peach farmers are worried that if temperatures warm up in the next several weeks their crop would be vulnerable to a late freeze. “Unfortunately, …
Be Prepared: Vidalia Onion Producers Need to be Ready for Downy Mildew Disease
It was March 23 in 2020. In the prior season it was Feb. 28. In 2018 it was March 19. All were dates that Downy Mildew disease was initially discovered in Georgia Vidalia onions. If past seasons are any indication, the disease could soon be ripe for a problem for Vidalia onion producers. “Downy is always on our minds this …
Water-Logged: Well-Drained Soils Key to Pecan Trees’ Health
Torrential rains this year have impacted farmers across the Southeast. Vegetable farmers are unable to get in the fields to apply plastic in preparation for the upcoming season. One commodity group that could also feel the sting of excessive rainfall this winter are pecan producers. While trees are currently dormant, their production could be affected this year and years to …
Arbor Day: Celebrate with Fruit Trees
By Becky Griffin for CAES News Americans recognize Arbor Day in April. However, Georgia celebrates Arbor Day on the third Friday of February each year because this is a better time to plant trees, giving roots time to grow before the heat and drought of our summer months. Georgia’s Arbor Day falls on Feb. 19 this year and University of …
Liking Lakota: Pecan Variety Generates Interest in UGA Trial
One pecan variety could be a valuable option for producers seeking a low-cost input variety to plant. Lakota is a low-input variety where producers don’t have to spray much to manage it throughout the season. It has thrived in research trials on the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton campus, according to UGA Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “The yields …