By Clint Thompson Temperatures were expected to increase dramatically for New Year’s weekend across the Southeast. That’s not an ideal scenario for Florida strawberry producers still recovering from sub-freezing temperatures over Christmas weekend. According to weather.com, temperatures were expected to reach the 80s in Plant City, Florida, on New Year’s Eve. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, …
Florida Strawberry Growers Preparing for Freeze
By Clint Thompson Florida’s strawberry crop could be damaged by the sub-freezing temperatures in the forecast for this weekend. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, discusses the scenario he and other producers are facing with potential temperatures in the 20s scheduled for Friday night and Saturday night. “We’re going to be running water, but it’s …
Neopestalotopsis Back in Florida Strawberry Fields
By Clint Thompson A familiar disease has already made its presence known in South Florida strawberries this season. Growers in Alabama and Georgia should be aware about neopesatlotiopsis being an issue. A familiar disease has made its presence known in South Florida strawberry fields this season. A rainy start to the growing season contributed to neopestalotiopsis being a problem already. …
Using Light to Control Strawberry Pest
With about 11,000 acres — mostly in west-central Florida — strawberries are worth $399 million annually in Florida. That represents 10% of the national strawberry value and most of the domestically produced winter crop in the United States. Those economic figures make it vital for the state’s strawberry growers to manage pests and diseases effectively. While producers began planting for …
Delayed Planting Save Headaches from Hurricane Ian
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry producer Dustin Grooms almost started planting his crop on Monday, two days ahead of Hurricane Ian. But he delayed, possibly saving his crop in Plant City where he’s located. Now he just needs the fields to dry out so he can get his strawberry plants in the ground. Time is of the essence. “I had plants …