By Clint Thompson It would not be a strawberry season in South Florida if chilli thrips were not a nuisance for growers. But that appears to be the case again, according to one producer. “This year it seems like they’re moving into fields earlier,” said Dustin Grooms with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida. “We’ve already put some sprays out …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Mite Pressure Update
Mite pressure is low but increasing in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Southern red mites were reported in blueberries in central Florida. Broad mites were reported in a few pepper fields across Southwest Florida. Broad mite infestation increased to low levels in pepper fields along the east coast. In eggplants, two spotted spider mites …
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Reinstates Use of Chlorpyrifos
There has been much concern in recent years on regulatory restrictions that are or could potentially limit crop protection tools growers have available to manage key pests. One such example was the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ban on the use of chlorpyrifos. The EPA revoked the tolerances for all uses of chlorpyrifos in 2021. The product had been an …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Caterpillar Pressure Increasing
Caterpillar pressure is low but increasing across areas in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Low worm activity was reported in central Florida. Worm pressure varies depending on crop and location in southwest Florida. Low to moderate levels of beet armyworms, southern armyworms, fall armyworms, loopers, hornworms, melonworms and fruitworms are being reported, with beet …
Cover Crops Recommended for Managing Nematodes
By Clint Thompson A multi-pronged approach to nematode management remains the best approach for Florida specialty crop producers. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed nematode management during the recent Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. “It just means that …
Be on the Lookout for New Thrips Pest
By Clint Thompson Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, implores vegetable farmers to scout diligently for Thrips (T.) parvispinus. The pest was most recently observed on cucumber, squash and zucchini for the first time last spring. Meszaros discussed the issue during Wednesday’s seminar session at the Citrus …
Management of Chilli Thrips in Strawberry
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research into chilli thrips provides a more accurate way for strawberry growers to manage this annual problem. Producers can now be more efficient in controlling thrips populations. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the …
UF/IFAS Hosts Lebbeck Mealybug Workshop
Researchers are offering a lebbeck mealybug detection workshop in Fort Pierce on April 25. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC). Register for the meeting here. Lebbeck mealybug (Nipaecoccus viridis) is an invasive pest that can cost the fruit …
Pheromones Helping Reduce Pest Populations
Citrus growers should emphasize leafminer management this year to preserve new flushes. This is especially important for those producers affected by the Christmas freeze event. The management strategy should include pheromone disruptions, which can help reduce pest populations. Xavier Martini, assistant professor of entomology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC), …
FFVA Sends Letter to EPA About TM Fungicide
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) submitted comments last week to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in response to the agency’s proposed interim registration review decision for thiophanate-methyl (TM) fungicide. Strawberry, cucurbit vegetable, succulent bean, potato and peach producers, including FFVA members, benefit from the fungicide, as it manages and suppresses key diseases. These include white mold, crown rot, …
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