By Clint Thompson There is potentially a bright future for the vanilla industry in South Florida. Strengthened by a recent grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and renowned research from Alan Chambers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Tropical Research and Education Center, the prospects of vanilla production …
A Recipe for Sustained Success
By Clint Thompson There are multiple ingredients in John L. Hundley’s recipe for agricultural success: hard work, a capable supporting staff and willingness to adapt to the changing times. This is what has sustained Hundley Farms for more than 50 years and why Hundley will be inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame on Feb. 15. “The bottom line …
NIFA Grant a Vote of Confidence for UF/IFAS Vanilla Research
By Clint Thompson A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will help grow the vanilla industry in South Florida. Alan Chambers, plant geneticist at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, said the $300,000 grant is a vote of confidence from NIFA that it values his research and the potential future success …
Specialty Crop Producers Needed for UF/IFAS Survey
Attention Florida’s specialty crop producers. Researchers and Extension agents at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are seeking participants to complete a brief survey regarding the use of high tunnels for specialty crop production. Specialty crop producers will provide information to help identify research and Extension needs to improve the industry in Florida. The survey …
Certis Product Effective Against Plant Parasitic Nematodes
By Clint Thompson One of the worst pests of specialty crops in the Southeast has met its match with a new product from Certis Biologicals. It recently announced the launch of MeloCon® LC, which helps control plant-parasitic nematodes, says Karla Medina, Certis Regional Field Development Manager. “Nematodes are one of the worst hidden enemies that you don’t see on …
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 …
NCDA&CS Accepting Applications for the 2022 Specialty Crops Block Grant Program
Attention those in North Carolina (N.C.) with an interest in specialty crops. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Nonprofits and government agencies have until March 4 at noon to apply. Applicants can submit a draft application for staff review by Wednesday, Jan. 26 to receive feedback on …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss Various Crops
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “In our area, crops are developing well with few pest or disease issues currently. Some brassicas are displaying a reddening to the older leaves associated with reduced phosphorous …
Algal Stem Blotch Becoming Widespread in Georgia
By Jonathan Oliver Wet weather during 2021 contributed to the development of several significant disease issues on Georgia blueberries. Throughout the summer of 2021, rainfall across Georgia’s blueberry production belt was considerably above normal, and issues with phytophthora root rot and algal stem blotch were widely reported across southern Georgia during late summer and fall. Phytophthora root rot is one …
ADAMA’s Cormoran® Effective Against Larval Stages of Insect Pests
By Clint Thompson One insecticide from ADAMA could be a secret weapon for Southeast producers hoping to reduce pest pressure in various specialty crops. Cormoran® attacks the larval stages of insect pests, which makes it a vital part of a grower’s insecticidal rotation, says Jorge Menocal, territory sales representative for ADAMA. “When you refer to specialty vegetables, it’s critical to …