Asian bean thrip (ABT) populations have increased in recent weeks Homestead, Florida and have been at thresholds since the beginning of the growing season. Intensive insecticide programs are needed to minimize losses, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). In other areas, though, populations are very low. No more than one Asian bean thrip …
Florida Ag Expo Once Again a Success
By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo was once again a success. Attendees flocked to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center on Thursday, a year after the event was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic. Josh McGill, Florida Ag Expo show director, estimated around 800 were in attendance, between vendors …
Florida Ag Expo Underway
The Florida Ag Expo is underway at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. The event returns after last year’s cancellation amid COVID-19. It includes a tradeshow with vendors and multiple seminar sessions from industry leaders and university scientists. The event will conclude this afternoon with field tours. Sponsored ContentNuseed …
Alternative Approach: Grape Producers Use Mating Disruption Treatment for Pest
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to ban the use of chlorpyrifos (lorsban) means grape producers need an alternative treatment for grape root borers. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Viticulture Blog, an effective treatment is pheromone-based mating disruption. The dispensers should be set out prior to the adult emergence of the borer. This is usually in …
Bacterial Spot: Tomato Disease a Problem in Various Fields in South Florida
A pair of tomato diseases are causing issues for South Florida producers. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, bacterial spot disease has slowed in the Manatee Ruskin area but has flared up in other various locations. It continues to move up in tomatoes around Southwest Florida and is severe for some pepper varieties. Bacterial spot is reportedly …
UF Researchers Identify Broccoli Genes That Impact Freshness
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The clock is ticking. As soon as a head of broccoli is harvested, an internal freshness clock starts the countdown. Eventually, that crisp, green broccoli crown wilts and yellows. A study published in the journal Postharvest Biology and Technology from a team of scientists at the University of Florida, Kansas State University and Virginia Tech offers new …
Standing in Opposition: AFBF Opposes Build Back Better Act
Count the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) as one organization that opposes the Build Back Better Act currently is being discussed in the House of Representatives. AFBF President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday outlining some of the concerns he has with the pending legislation. “I write to urge you to oppose the …
Neopestalotiopsis Management: Send in Samples to Ensure Disease is Present
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot in Florida strawberries is inevitable this year, based on previous years of production. But because symptoms manifest themselves similarly to other diseases, growers need to make sure the disease is actually present in their fields before taking action. Vance Whitaker, strawberry breeder at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, encourages …
Early Diagnosis is a Timely Diagnosis
From Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath and The South Carolina Grower. Plants are a rich source of food for microorganisms — for aggressive plant pathogens, for weak pathogens and for common saprophytes (the 90% of microorganisms that feed only on dead plant parts). Once a pathogen kills parts of leaves or side roots and we see dark brown spots, things …
Pepper Weevils Increasing in South Florida
One vegetable pest that has been a problem this fall is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevils are showing up in multiple areas around South Florida. Significant populations are being reported in the Fort Pierce area in early pepper plantings. Infestations have also increased significantly in peppers in Manatee and Hillsborough counties …