By Clint Thompson University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells reminds producers about the susceptibility that young trees have to ambrosia beetle damage. “This is the time that they’re out, with the warm weather that we’ve had. They’re out flying. We’ve had reports of some out and hitting trees already. It’s not surprising,” Wells said. “This is when they …
ABT Populations Low Across South Florida
Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations remain low across the South Florida region, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Scouting detected ABTs at a rate of less than 0.1 per bloom across most of the monitored fields. The one exception was eastern Immokalee, where populations reached 0.5 per bloom late in the crop cycle. …
Mite-y Big Concern: Mites a Problem for South Florida Producers
Mites are widely present in crops across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Spider mites have increased in cucurbits, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and potatoes around Southwest Florida. Some fields have even required treatments by farmers. Spider mite populations are also high in some cucumber, pepper, tomato and eggplant in fields on the east …
Pepper Weevils a Problem in South Florida
Pepper weevil populations continue to be high across South Florida. Growers should be scouting as populations are expected to intensify when warmer temperatures return to the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are high around Southwest Florida and along the East Coast where weevils are being observed not long after fruit development. Respondents also report …
Thrips Pressure Expected to Increase in South Florida
Thrips pressure is expected to increase in South Florida vegetable fields. Growers are reminded to monitor populations and implement management tactics early, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. This is especially important for commodities that are vulnerable to viruses vectored by thrips. Populations are reportedly low in central Florida, though they are expected to increase as the …
Whitefly Pressure Varies Across Florida
Whiteflies are increasing to high levels in Southwest Florida, which is normal this time of year. It is especially true for older tomato plants and melon crops, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. However, population levels are much lower in other areas, including in tomato and squash plants in central Florida. Whiteflies have only been observed occasionally …
Alabama Cucurbit Producers: Be Mindful of Cucumber Beetles
Alabama cucurbit producers need to be mindful of looming insect pests they are likely to encounter this growing season. It starts with cucumber beetles, usually the first pest farmers will see this year, according to Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. “They’ll jump onto the plants right when they’re young. They will start feeding …
Clemson Extension Cautions Growers About Spider Mites
By Clint Thompson Fruit production is well under way in South Carolina’s coastal region. Rob Last, Clemson horticultural Extension agent for Bamberg, Barnewell, Allendale and Hampton counties, provided production updates for various crops, which includes minimal pest and disease pressure. “Everything’s looking very good at the moment,” Last said. “Peaches, blueberries and strawberries are all flowering nicely. We’re looking very …
ABT Populations Remain Low
Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations remain low across the South Florida region, except for a few fields in Homestead, Florida, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Even though ABTs were observed in southeastern Hendry County, they were only at a rate of 0.2 per bloom. Populations are reported at less than 0.1 per bloom …
Pest Alert: Be Mindful of Yellowmargined Leaf Beetles
Alabama Extension reminds vegetable producers to be on the lookout for yellowmargined leaf beetles. They are a threat to turnips, cabbages and other cool season crops. According to the Alabama Vegetable IPM Facebook page, yellowmargined leaf beetles have returned in large numbers this season. They can cause significant leaf and root damage. Alabama Extension reports that the adult beetles are …