Ali Sarkhosh, assistant professor and Extension specialist at the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida, is researching how well pomegranates will grow in Florida’s climate. The economic potential for growing pomegranates in Florida is currently unknown at this time. Research continues on the possibility of finding pomegranate cultivars that can grow in Florida. Florida’s wet season, accompanied by hot …
UF Industrial Hemp Program Promotes Industrial Partnerships to Grow
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s pilot research program to explore the potential to grow industrial hemp across the state is advancing, with the engagement of an inaugural private partner. The initiative was supported and encouraged by the state but was not appropriated any funding. To move forward, the project needs sponsorships from private industry. Green Roads Inc. has …
Higher Prices Save Florida Watermelon Season
By Breanna Kendrick The 2018 Florida watermelon season posed challenges for most growers that resulted in lower yields and higher fruit prices. Bob Hochmuth, regional specialized Extension agent for vegetable crops at the University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences North Florida Research and Education Center in Suwannee Valley discussed Florida’s 2018 watermelon season. He addressed the …
Sneak Peek: October VSCNews Magazine
Labor is always top of mind for vegetable and specialty crop growers. The October issue of VSCNews magazine will address this ever-changing but always crucial topic. AgNet West’s Brian German discusses how labor contractors can help make the H-2A program an easier experience for growers. German spoke with a California grower who shares his positive experience with labor contractors. Zhengfei …
Varroa Mite Control Efforts Continue
By Breanna Kendrick Varroa mites have been in the United States since 1987, but there’s still not a good solution for controlling them. These mites impact honeybee colonies by feeding on the bees and vectoring viruses. The mites pass viruses around the colonies and make the bees very sick. Varroa control is tricky because the goal is to kill an …
Certified Crop Advisors Experience the Diversity of Florida Ag
Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) from around the United States and Canada gathered in Bonita Springs, Florida, this week for their annual board meeting. The meetings began on Sept. 18, but several attendees arrived a day early to embark on a tour of South Florida agriculture. Armando Campos, chairmen of the North American CCA board, says he wanted to showcase the …
University of Florida Aims to Improve Sweet Corn
By Breanna Kendrick There’s been a lot of advances in using genomics to help improve plant breeding. Most of the advances in corn have focused on field corn, but now researchers are aiming to improve sweet corn. Mark Settles, University of Florida (UF) horticultural sciences professor, and his team are working to find new traits for sweet corn growers and …
GMOs vs. Cowpea Curculios
By Breanna Kendrick A big issue growers in the Southeast are facing is a weevil called cowpea curculio. This New World insect is very harsh on Old World peas, such as cowpeas. Insects are typically controlled with an insecticide, but this particular weevil has become resistant to many insecticides and can devastate a crop. Cowpea curculio is so hard on …
Putting Florida Peaches in the Spotlight
Believe it or not, many consumers and retailers do not know that peaches are grown in Florida. However, thanks to a Specialty Crop Block Grant, the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation (FSCF) and Fresh From Florida (FFF) are working to raise awareness of Florida peaches. FSCF initially received the grant in 2017. After two successful seasons, the grant has been extended …
Hurricane Florence Damage Protocols
By Breanna Kendrick As Hurricane Florence is knocking on the Carolinas’ doorstep, Tom Dobbins, director of Cooperative Extension Service for Clemson University, has some information to share with South Carolina farmers: “Our agents are prepared to go out and assist the farmers who experience damages from Florence,” he says. Agents will assure proper documentation of hurricane damage is recorded. “It’s …