By Clint Thompson Plant bugs are making their way into some watermelon fields in the North Florida region. Producers need to take action to avoid having a small population explode into a much larger one, according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “There’s spots where we’re …
Pheromones Essential in Leafminer Management
By Clint Thompson 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 …
South Florida Growers Seeing Higher Whitefly Populations
Whitefly infestations are higher than normal in certain areas across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts have reported adult whiteflies are present on all crops in southwest Florida. Nymph populations are starting to build and becoming high enough to create sooty mold. Population levels are moderate on beans in the Everglades Agricultural Area but are …
Thrips Parvispinus Levels Range Throughout South Florida
Thrips parvispinus levels in bell pepper fields range from low to high along the east coast, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Infestation levels depend on neighboring crop conditions, as well. Populations are still high in certain areas, although not as high as originally seen last fall at the location of first detection. As many as eight adults …
New Weevil Pest of Celery and Related Crops
By Julien Beuzelin and Anna Mészáros Florida produces apiaceous crops, which include celery, parsley, cilantro, dill and carrots, from the fall to the spring. The production of these vegetables and herbs complements the production from the West Coast to supply national markets, playing a key role during the winter, particularly when unfavorable environmental conditions decrease production in California. The major …
UGA’s Sparks Provides Insect Update
By Clint Thompson The recent hot and dry weather conditions that were prevalent across the Southeast could factor into how widespread insect pressure is heading into April. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, discussed the insect pests growers should be wary of during planting season across the region. “Diamondback moth is starting to build up. We’ve …
Quarantine Established in Lee County Due to Giant African Land SnailÂ
(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/March 16, 2023) — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and its Division of Plant Industry (DPI) announced that a quarantine has been established in specific areas of Lee County in response to previously detected Giant African Land Snails (GALS). Under the quarantine, it is unlawful to move a giant African land snail or a regulated article, including, but not limited to, plants, plant parts, plants in …
Leafminer Management Vital for Freeze-Impacted Trees
Cold-hardy citrus growers need to protect their trees against the citrus leafminer this year, more so than ever. A lack of control could have negative consequences for trees still recovering from the Christmas freeze last December. 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, spoke on leafminer …
Thrips Update in South Florida Crops
Thrips are reported to be observed at low to moderate levels overall in southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Thrips palmi populations are at moderate levels and increasing. Populations are dense enough that they are causing some leaf and fruit scarring in some crops. Populations remain low in beans. Asian bean thrips are the dominate species …
Whitefly Pressure Mostly High in South Florida
South Florida vegetable producers should be wary of increased whitefly pressure, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Whitefly infestations are high and increasing on multiple crops in southwest Florida. Levels of tomato yellow leaf curl virus are high as well. Whitefly populations are low to moderate on cucumber on the east coast. Pressure is also high in …