Florida Strawberry Acreage Increased in 2023

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Florida’s strawberry acres increased in 2023 and so did subsequent production. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, Florida’s acreage totaled 14,200, an increase from 12,800 in 2022 and 12,300 in 2021. Total production reached 2.9 million cwt in 2023, compared to 2.8 million cwt in 2022 and 2.83 million cwt in 2021. …

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Rain, Rain, Rain: Wet Weather Impacting Central Alabama Strawberries, Peaches

Dan CooperAlabama, Peaches, Strawberries, Weather

Central Alabama peach and strawberry producers have been challenged with rain events that are impacting this year’s crops. Disease pressure has been widespread in both crops, according to David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama. “We’ve seen a lot of disease this year. The diseases that we normally see more in the mid-summer, we’re seeing those this time of …

Georgia Strawberry Diseases Widespread, Devastating

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Strawberries

Strawberry diseases are devastating Georgia’s strawberry crop, which could lead to one of the worst production years ever, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “Many strawberry sites are now suffering substantial plant mortality as the season progresses. Losses are not uniform, and some sites look pretty good. But unfortunately, many do not,” Brannen wrote …

Fresh Strawberry Imports, Exports Up

Clint ThompsonExports/Imports, Strawberries

Southeast strawberry growers continue to be threatened by fresh strawberry imports from other countries, mainly Mexico. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service Situation and Outlook Report, fresh strawberry import volume increased 4% in 2023, from 564 million pounds to 589 million pounds. It marked the fifth straight year that import volumes have increased. The nominal value of …

Alabama Strawberry Disease Update

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Alabama’s strawberry crop has progressed this year with minimal disease impact. Yes, diseases have been present in some fields, but their severity has been lessened this year. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, believes the lack of consistent rains have made certain diseases less impactful …

Under Attack: Strawberry Diseases Impacting Georgia Crop

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Disease development is normally synonymous with wet weather. It is no different with Georgia’s strawberry crop, which is under assault from multiple diseases. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, highlighted some of those diseases that Georgia growers are already observing. “The thing that we’re seeing already is this neopestalotiopsis. We’re just trying to …

U-Pick Strawberry Seasons Kicks Off Spring Agritourism Activities in South Carolina

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina, Strawberries

COLUMBIA – U-pick strawberry farms across South Carolina are preparing to welcome visitors onto their farms to fill their buckets with sweet, sun-ripe, bright red strawberries. Strawberries are among the earliest widely available spring crops in South Carolina. Many strawberry farms are already open for U-pick activities, while others plan to open in the next week or two. As the …

Alabama Strawberries Progressing Well

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Alabama strawberries are progressing well, according to one industry expert. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, liked how his state’s strawberry crop has progressed and believes plant timing is a big reason why. “What I’ve seen, it’s pretty hopeful, pretty positive. Plants have got really good size …

Weather Challenges for Strawberry Producers in North Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Fluctuating temperatures have made strawberry production a challenge in North Alabama, according Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “Right now, everyone is focused on strawberries. We get these days where I believe it was 71 degrees (Fahrenheit), but it was 31 that morning. It’s like you’re scraping frost in the evening and then thinking about …

Neopestalotiopsis: The Latest Tips in Managing Strawberry Disease

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberries remains a concern for Southeast growers. Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, provided producers tips on how to control the disease during her presentation at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. …