Whiteflies are not the only insect wreaking havoc on vegetable crops this fall. According to Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, broad mites are a problem for vegetable producers. “I’ve had several calls on broad mites, which are a problem primarily in peppers and eggplant,” Sparks said. “Unlike spider mites, spider mites like the middle of the …
Whiteflies Flaring Up in Florida Vegetables
According to the South Florida Vegetable Pest and Disease Hotline, whiteflies are flaring up in tomatoes and watermelons in Southwest Florida. In the Central Florida area, growers indicate that whiteflies are present in tomatoes low numbers, although some of the early plantings were hit hard by whiteflies. Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus pressure remains less than 1% but it is …
Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference to be Virtual in 2021
It has proven almost impossible to hold in-person conferences and trade shows amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is the latest to announce its intention to transition to a virtual event in 2021. Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association confirmed in an announcement on Monday that the event scheduled …
Sign-Up Begins Today for CFAP 2
Agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs due to the coronavirus pandemic can sign up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) beginning today. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 11, 2020. Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension economist Adam Rabinowitz discusses the impact of this new program and how it is much different than …
Use Resistant Varieties When Possible to Protect Against Whiteflies
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks paints an ominous picture of the potential devastation whiteflies will have on this year’s fall vegetable crop. “We’re probably a month ahead of the last two years. This is going to be challenging fall for whiteflies,” Sparks said. Vegetable producers across the Southeast have either planted or are currently planting their …
Proper Sanitation Remains Key Management Tactic Against Whiteflies
One of the best management tactics for vegetable growers when dealing with whitefly infestations is to get rid of any plants left in the field once harvest season is done. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks continues to preach proper sanitation to producers amid the worst whitefly outbreak in Georgia since 2017. “This is really for all …
Supplemental Fumigation Strategies for Tomato Production
By G.E. Vallad, J. Desaeger, J. Noling and N. Boyd Vegetable and strawberry growers have long relied on soil fumigants to contend with various soilborne pathogen and pest complexes, as part of an integrated management strategy that includes crop resistance, cultural control and pesticides. However, with the loss of methyl bromide (MBr), many growers have struggled to maintain consistent soilborne …
Wait Until Mid-September to Plant Turnip, Mustard Greens in Alabama
While the normal time to plant turnip and mustard greens is now, Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, advises farmers and homeowners to wait a few weeks so temperatures can cool off. During a webinar on Aug. 19 that can be accessed on the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page, Kemble said growers typically plant both greens in August through …
Citrus and VSC Expos Start Wednesday
The 2020 Citrus Expo and Vegetable & Specialty Crop (VSC) Expo will be held Wednesday and Thursday, August 19-20. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event has transitioned to a virtual format, but growers can still get the same great Expo experience they are accustomed to. Both the citrus and VSC seminar programs will debut online at CitrusExpo.net at 9:30 a.m. …
Fumigants for Nematode Management in Vegetables
By Abolfazl Hajihassani and Chinaza Nnamdi The majority of vegetable production in Georgia is located in multiple counties in the southern region of the state. Vegetables are grown year-round on both raised beds covered with polyethylene plastic mulch and on bare ground. Using a comprehensive survey conducted in 2018, we have documented that root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., are the No. …