An increase of Mexican tomato exports leads to decreased prices for U.S. producers. University of Florida (UF) research confirms that if imports increase by 50% in the coming years, it would cost farmers as much as $252 million per year. This equates to 27% in revenue. That decline is due to competition from Mexico and other challenges, said Zhengfei Guan, …
Alabama Extension Provides Tips for Controlling Pestalotia in Strawberries
Alabama Extension provides tips to strawberry growers looking to protect their crops this year against Pestalotia, a leaf spot and fruit rot disease caused by the fungus Neopestalotiopsis. The disease that has recently wreaked havoc on strawberry producers in Florida and Georgia is a threat to Alabama strawberries. It affects the plant roots, crown, leaves and fruit and eventually leads …
Whiteflies a Factor in South Florida Crops
Whiteflies are already being observed at high levels on tomatoes and watermelons in the South Florida region. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, up to eight whitefly adults have been observed on melons in the Immokalee, Florida area. Scouts report between 15% to 60% of plants having one or multiple adults. It’s a similar scenario facing tomato …
FDACS Budget Proposal Addresses Specialty Crops
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Legislative Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 includes proposals for various specialty crops. Included is $8 million for citrus greening research, funded in the Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund. Funding will be passed through to the Citrus Research and Development Foundation. There is also a request for $1.45 million for Citrus Crop …
Weed Control Essential for Container Nurseries
By Clint Thompson It is essential for container nurseries to keep plants weed free from start to finish. According to Alabama Extension, weeds can reduce the growth and marketability of nursery crops. Jeremy Pickens, Alabama Assistant Extension Professor in Horticulture at Auburn University, says when selling ornamentals, “aesthetics is everything.” “There’s really no margin for error. You’ve got to have …
UF/IFAS to Offer Citrus Nutrition Day Seminar in Lake Alfred
LAKE ALFRED, FLA — The University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is offering a Citrus Nutrition Day Seminar at the UF Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida on Oct. 26. Proper nutrition for citrus trees damaged by various diseases is essential to extending their productivity. Growers can learn more about UF research into …
Watermelons Produce Sweet Results for North Georgia Farmer
By Clint Thompson Drew Echols’ north Georgia experiment with late-season watermelons produced sweet results. If not for excessive rains, it could have been a lot sweeter. “We went pretty hard for a couple of weeks, and then probably with about a third of the crop left, we got about seven inches of rain in about a day and a half …
Mechanical Harvesters: Secret to Florida Blueberry Growers’ Future Success
By Clint Thompson The secret to Florida blueberry growers’ future success may rest with the advancement of mechanical harvesters. Especially as producers try to compete with rising imports amid the disparity between labor wages, farmers need the advantage of not having to depend on H-2A workers to harvest their crops. Doug Phillips, University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and …
New Class of FFVA’s Emerging Leaders Announced
MAITLAND, Fla. – The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) announced on Tuesday the selection of 15 up-and-coming agriculture industry leaders for Class 11 of its Emerging Leader Development Program. Administered by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, the creation of the Emerging Leader Development Program back in 2011 has provided more than 110 young leaders with an immersive experience on …
New UF Highlands County Extension Agent Excited to Work With Area Producers
LAKE ALFRED, FL – Lourdes Pérez Cordero, who recently started her position as the University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Science Extension agent for Highlands County, is excited to work with local citrus and vegetable growers. Originally from Puerto Rico, Pérez Cordero is completing her master’s degree in entomology with UF and expects to graduate in spring, …