By Clint Thompson North Carolina State small fruits Extension specialist Mark Hoffmann confirmed that grapes in his state experienced frost damage during last weekend’s cooler temperatures. The state’s strawberries appear to have escaped damage. “We got lucky for the most part and didn’t see a lot of damage in strawberries. Still a pretty strong strawberry season,” Hoffmann said. “But we had …
Researchers Identify Romaine Lettuces That Last Longer
ARS News Service SALINAS, CALIFORNIA, May 13, 2020—Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have identified five Romaine lettuce varieties that both brown less quickly after fresh-cut processing and are slower to deteriorate postharvest. They also are determining the genetic basis for deterioration. The researchers have identified the location of genes associated with postharvest deterioration of fresh-cut lettuce, and are in the …
Florida Pesticide License Testing Resumes May 18
By: Tory Moore, torymoore@ufl.edu Due to COVID-19, all pesticide license testing in Florida was suspended for more than six weeks. Now that the state has started to reactivate services, testing will resume at select UF/IFAS Extension offices on Monday, May 18. Not all testing locations will open on May 18. Due to the number of COVID-19 cases in certain regions, …
Specialty Crop Industry Protocols Keep Workers Safe During COVID-19
A national coalition of 64 organizations representing specialty crop producers sent a letter to Congressional leadership this week on safety protocols within the industry during COVID-19. They want Congress to know the steps agricultural employers are taking to protect their workers. “Farmers and ranchers across the country moved quickly to implement new employee safety protocols early in the crisis,” says …
Coming Soon to a Store Near You: Florida Finger Limes
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — Sweet oranges. Ruby red grapefruit. Sugar Belle mandarins. When one thinks of Florida citrus, these fruits immediately come to mind. But finger limes? A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher believes that finger limes maybe the next food trend that will continue to fortify Florida’s role as a citrus producer for the …
Florida Farmer: People Are Buying and Supporting Us
By Clint Thompson Paul Allen’s point of emphasis has been clear recently: Support the American farmer. He believes the message has been received loud and clear. “We’re thinking all of the local and national attention we’ve gotten about us destroying our crops has brought the American public to the forefront to supporting the American farmer. I really believe that,” said …
Yield Scientific Establishing Operations in South Carolina
More than $30 million investment to create 107 new jobs COLUMBIA – Yield Scientific, a subsidiary of GEM Opportunity Zone Fund, today announced plans to establish operations in Hampton County, South Carolina. The company’s $30 million-plus investment is projected to create 107 new jobs. Founded in 2017, Yield Scientific is a hemp growing and processing operation that specializes in clinical-grade …
Sweet Results for Florida Peach Farmer
By Clint Thompson Florida’s peach season has come and gone. David Wheeler, peach farmer in Lake Placid, Florida, said his season started early and finished earlier. From a marketing standpoint, that was as good as he could have hoped for. “The marketing window, that was very good this year, yes,” Wheeler said. Wheeler produces 120 acres of peach trees and …
Cover Crops for Summer Nematode Management
By Abolfazl Hajihassani and Josiah Marquez Multiple cover crops are excellent candidates for vegetable growing systems in the southern United States due to their ability to fix nitrogen, build and maintain soil organic matter, and suppress soilborne pathogens, nematodes and weeds. In addition, cover crops can be a valuable strategy for improving microbial diversity and soil health when properly implemented. …
Hot, Dry Weather Impacts Florida’s Tropical Fruits
By Clint Thompson Florida’s hot and dry weather this winter and spring has impacted its tropical fruits, according to Jonathan Crane, University of Florida tropical fruit crop specialist. From lychees to avocados and mangos, none were immune to high temperatures over the past few months. Lychee requires exposure to cooler temperatures. If they don’t get much of that, they don’t …