By Clint Thompson Strawberry growers are risking this year’s crop by growing plug plants impacted by Neopestalotiopsis disease. One industry expert applauds the communication between the nurseries and potential buyers about the risk to this year’s crop. “For one thing I really appreciate the nurseries for being up front and transparent as they’re being. I don’t think we used to …
Correct Diagnosis Needed to Differentiate Phytophthora From Neopestalotiopsis
By Clint Thompson Strawberry production is underway across the Southeast. Though much of the region is in the midst of prolonged dry conditions, disease management figures to play a pivotal role for growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. One disease that producers need to be mindful of is phytophthora. Amid the overwhelming concerns farmers had about neopestalotiopsis prior to planting …
Weather Conditions Remain a Key Factor in Neopestalotiopsis’ Impact in Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Alabama strawberry producers are at greater risk than ever of planting a crop impacted by Neopestalotiopsis. But Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, contends that the weather next spring will be an ‘X’ factor in determining the disease’s impact on the state’s crop. “I think …
Fall Fungicide Sprays a Must for Southeast Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Some Southeast strawberry producers are not prone to applying fungicides during the fall after planting. That is likely to change with the high potential for Neopestalotiopsis, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “Generally, we have not sprayed very much in the fall at all. But now it’s starting to be one …
UGA Extension Strawberry Blog: Management Options for Neopestalotiopsis
Neopestalotiopsis fruit rot and leaf spot disease is already expected to impact next year’s strawberry crop. The question is how can growers minimize the potential damage the disease will likely have on plants ahead of next growing season? Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, outlined how producers can navigate next season’s expected increase of Neopestalotiopsis. …
Strawberry Plant Shortage? Neopestalotiopsis Wreaking Havoc on Supply
By Clint Thompson The recent revelation that Neopestalotiopsis impacted multiple nurseries from Prince Edward Island will affect the supply of strawberry tips and plug plants that are available for Southeast growers. Producers are likely to experience a shortage as well as a spike in costs per plants that are available, says Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and …
Attention Strawberry Growers: ‘Alarm Bells’ for Neopestalotiopsis Disease
By Clint Thompson A disease that first impacted Florida strawberry fields in the 2018-2019 season is already causing trouble for next year’s crop. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, is cautioning growers about the high potential risk for Neopestalotiopsis with plants originating from Prince Edward Island. “As many strawberry producers are aware, some nurseries are …
Challenging Crop: Florida Grower Highlights Strawberry Production Challenges
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry production is as challenging as it has ever been. Dustin Grooms, with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida, outlined the obstacles that producers are faced with, as another planting season looms. “We had a hard time selling fruit there last year, so that’s going to be a problem. The chilli thrips, we don’t have a …
Alabama Strawberry Producer Dodges Devastating Disease
By Clint Thompson One Alabama strawberry grower dodged one disease that plagued many of her colleagues this year. Taylor Hatchett, who produced two acres in Chilton County, talked about Neopestalotiopsis, which was a problem across the Southeast this year. “We had not that, thankfully on the farm this year, but I do know that has been one that’s been more …
Lack of Late Spring Freeze Benefits Alabama Strawberry Producer
By Clint Thompson It is amazing how the absence of a late-season freeze event will impact strawberry plants in Alabama. For producer Taylor Hatchett, it meant all the difference in this year’s crop. “It’s a thousand times better than last year. It was very unusual in that, normally you start small with your harvests, then get up to your maximum …