According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations continue to show a downward trajectory in South Florida. The only scouting reports with ABT detected in blooms were observed in both the Clewiston and Loxahatchee areas. Both reported at 0.1 per bloom. Respondents in Homestead indicate that populations seem to be lower …
How to Protect Young Peaches from Plum Curculio
The onset of spring means preparing for insect pests if you are a fruit tree producer. Plum curculio is the most destructive insect that attacks early-season fruit. “If you have fruiting trees, especially peaches, now is the time to ramp up your monitoring efforts for plum curculio to determine if and when management decisions will need to be made,” urged …
Florida Blueberry Management: February Points of Emphasis
Blueberry management in Florida in February is critical with harvest season just around the corner. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reminds producers of various tips to keep in mind this month. From a disease standpoint, growers need to monitor for botrytis and control when need. Farmers also need to apply fungicides in rotation for control …
Asian Bean Thrip: What to Know for Snap Bean Growers
By Clint Thompson The emergence of the Asian bean thrip (ABT) is an added concern for specialty crop producers in the South Florida. While there are effective insecticides available, snap bean growers should still be wary of ABT, says Hugh Smith, an associate professor of entomology and nematology at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “Asian bean thrips …
Alabama Extension to Host Online Vegetable Production Meetings
Alabama Extension has scheduled vegetable production meetings via zoom, starting on Feb. 23 through March 30. Every Wednesday, from noon to 1:30 p.m., a different vegetable topic will be discussed with specialists at Alabama Extension. Andre da Silva, assistant professor in horticulture, and Ayanava Majumdar, Extension professor in entomology and plant pathology, will discuss tomato varieties and tomato insect management …
Cold Weekend Helps with Pest Control
By Clint Thompson Sub-freezing temperatures this past weekend impacted specialty crop production across the Southeast. But they also helped producers with managing the pest populations, specifically whiteflies. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the significance that the cold temperatures had on the pest. “This is …
Aphid Update in South Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, aphid populations are starting to build up in certain areas. Respondents on the east coast report a few aphids are showing up in pepper and squash. Along the Everglades Agricultural Area, aphids are present in celery, cabbage and other crucifers, though pressure is light to moderate. Aphids are also present in …
Pepper Weevil Management: Be Proactive Instead of Reactive
By Clint Thompson It is better for growers to be proactive instead of reactive when managing pepper weevils in their vegetable crops. That is the approach Southeast growers should utilize this spring, says Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Extension vegetable entomologist. “Pepper weevils, we are definitely overwintering them. We’ve documented that for the last three or four years now where …
Whiteflies Impacting South Florida Vegetables
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, adult whiteflies are in abundance in melons, eggplant, tomatoes and peppers around the Immokalee, Florida area. Immature whiteflies are active in older plantings. Wind, rain and cold temperatures knocked them back for a few days, but are expected to worsen again once temperatures improve. Whiteflies are present in pepper, tomato and …
UF/IFAS Research Helps Reduce Whiteflies in Tomatoes
QUINCY, Fla. — University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are helping tomato producers successfully manage whiteflies. Previous studies helped narrow scientists’ focus to a white clay, kaolin, and an essential oil, limonene. Each is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for agricultural use. “These products are easily found and relatively inexpensive, and they can be …