FLORIDA — Growing lettuce in a PVC hydroponically can provide better tasting producer and a longer refrigerated shelf life. Lettuce, which is harvested on more than 342,000 acres across the country, represents a $2 billion industry, mostly situated in California, Arizona, and Florida, according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census Data. In Florida, more than 10,000 acres of lettuce are harvested during cool and short …
Arthropod Pest Management in Conventional Strawberry Production
By Sriyanka Lahiri Crop rescue through a well-planned pesticide rotation program currently remains the most effective method of pest management in conventionally grown strawberries. However, close monitoring for pests should be conducted as the first line of defense, especially since most strawberry pests are not visible through unaided vision. Thrips Flower thrips immatures and adults can feed on the fruit …
100 Years of Impact: NFREC Instrumental in Helping Tomato Industry
By Clint Thompson The University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy, Florida has enjoyed 100 years of impact. Part of that success is attributed to the vegetable program, in particular, with tomatoes. Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate Professor in Horticultural Science, discusses the impact his predecessors …
Florida Producer: It’s Always a Chess Match This Time of Year With Strawberry Plants
By Clint Thompson The strawberry disease that has decimated plantings in Florida and Georgia has already caused some nursery plants to be destroyed. However, there are enough plants for producers to fill their quota, says Kenneth Parker, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “There’s not going to be a shortage of strawberry plants. Somebody said the same thing …
Georgia Economist: Most of Increased Input Costs are Temporary
By Clint Thompson Input costs remain high for vegetable and specialty crop producers. But they are not permanent, stresses Jeff Dorfman, University of Georgia Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and State Fiscal Economist for Georgia. “I think most of this is temporary. People need to understand, we basically took a worldwide supply chain for every industry …
Hemp Pests: UF/IFAS Offers ID Tool
The first step in tackling a pest problem in hemp is proper identification. A new University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agriculture Services (IFAS) hemp pest identification tool helps producers take the guesswork out of identifying some of those pests. The hemp pest identification guide, available for purchase through the UF/IFAS Extension Bookstore, includes 20 of the most …
Weekly Field Updates from Clemson Extension Agents
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “We had near perfect conditions for working in the fields this week compared to past weeks. Muscadine harvest is near complete and watermelons are beginning to be harvested. I sampled a good …
UF Citrus Breeder: Greening Inevitable for North Florida, South Georgia
By Clint Thompson It’s not a question of if citrus greening disease will be an issue for North Florida and South Georgia citrus producers but when will it be. Fred Gmitter, a University of Florida citrus breeder, believes the disease’s impact in both areas is inevitable. He shared his assessment during Thursday’s Cold Tolerant Citrus Production Workshop in Perry, Florida. …
CFAP 2 Deadline Approaches
Vegetable and specialty crop producers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama have until Oct. 12 to sign up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) 2. The deadline allows for eligible farmers to either apply or modify their existing CFAP 2 applications. The program provides financial assistance to agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and related costs due to …
AFVGA Set to Host Annual Conference, Trade Show
By Clint Thompson Registration is ongoing for the upcoming Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) annual conference and trade show on Nov. 18-19 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. After having last year’s conference canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials and industry leaders in Alabama are excited to reunite in November, says Hunter McBrayer, executive director of the AFVGA. “We’re excited …