By Ramdas Kanissery and Yiannis Ampatzidis Weeds are a significant problem in horticultural production and must be controlled to maintain good crop yield. Concerns related to non-judicious use of herbicides, which include ground and surface water contamination and pesticide residues in food, has sparked public awareness and restrictions on herbicide use. For these reasons, alternative and integrated systems for weed …
‘A Big Leap in the Insect-Monitoring World’
All insect management usually begins with some sort of monitoring technique. Traditionally, growers have used sticky wing traps or bucket traps. But, according to Ayanava Majumdar, entomologist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension system, there are insect-monitoring technologies that could be helpful to growers. Majumdar says that there are two automated insect traps on the market right now that he has …
Whitefly and Diamondback Moth Management in South Florida
By Karla Arboleda Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are looking into products that are effective against whiteflies and diamondback moths in South Florida. Hugh Smith, vegetable entomologist at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), works to apply information growers share about their experiences toward better insect management in crops. …
New UF Extension Specialist Aims to Assist Small Fruit Growers
By Karla Arboleda Southwest Florida growers can expect help from new small fruit Extension specialist Sriyanka Lahiri. At the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), Lahiri works with strawberries and blueberries to develop a pest management program that uses less broad-spectrum insecticides. Appointed in February, Lahiri helps the small …
Muscadine Grape Pest Problems
By Karla Arboleda Muscadine grapes are native crops to the deep Southeast and are naturally resistant to some pests. Among other pests, grapevine aphids and grape root borers tend to be the most common problems when growing muscadine grapes. Oscar Liburd, a professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and fruit and vegetable entomologist, says …
Dealing with Spider Mites During Drought
By Karla Arboleda Spider mites will feed on crops when the weather is hot and dry, but growers should use cultural control tactics before considering pesticides. Droughts raise the likelihood of seeing spider mites, but so does using pesticides that kill beneficial spider mites. Ayanava Majumdar, Extension entomologist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University, says spider mites …
Be on the Lookout for These Summer Pests
Pests are relentless on crops all season long. However, during the hot summers, there are a few specific insects southeastern growers should be on the lookout for. Ayanava Majumdar, Extension entomologist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, recently collected data from sticky wing traps in the field. He reports that he found high levels of moths. Majumdar says the traps …
New Watermelon Rootstock Proves Pest, Disease Resistant
By Karla Arboleda Southeastern watermelon growers have struggled with fusarium wilt and nematodes for decades. A new rootstock may be the light at the end of the tunnel. Carolina Strongback, a new watermelon rootstock, is resistant toward fusarium wilt and nematodes. Researchers developed the watermelon line at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Clemson University. They …
How to Deal with Blueberries in Summer
By Karla Arboleda Summer weather is in full swing in affecting Florida crops, and blueberries are no exception. During the summer, algal stem blotch can dominate blueberry fields if not handled quickly and properly. Doug Phillips, blueberry Extension coordinator for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, explains the important steps to take. “In the summer when …
Scouting and Managing Spider Mites in Vegetables
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Summertime can be a productive season for growing vegetables. However, it is also a time that can be hot and dry. These are the perfect conditions for spider mites, pests that can cause widespread damage quickly. When present in high numbers, they can be pests for many aspects of farming. There are many species of spider …