By Clint Thompson Southeast producers with blueberries impacted by last weekend’s sub-freezing temperatures need to survey any damage to their crop before applying fungicides to protect against subsequent diseases, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “As far as the blueberries go, we’re going to have to see where things stand. The fungicides …
North Carolina Strawberry Producers Be Prepared for Cold Temperatures
North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension reminds strawberry growers that while temperatures will be cold this weekend, not all need to apply row covers to their crop. Dormant plants that are acclimated to colder weather usually do fine without protection even when temperatures are in the teens. Plants that are in an advanced crop status, however, could be damaged at higher …
Fried Reminds Producers of USDA Assistance Ahead of Weekend Cold Front
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried reminds producers about federal disaster assistant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ahead of frigid temperatures this weekend. Growers need to keep accurate records of any losses and damages. Producers should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to file a Notice of Loss or to learn more about available programs and required …
Frigid Weather Deep into Florida has Growers on Alert
By Frank Giles The coldest temperatures in years predicted for Florida over the weekend has fruit and vegetable growers worried and preparing to protect their crops. Temperatures in the 20s and 30s are expected deep into the peninsula of Florida. And the freezing weather could persist for up to four hours or more. Gene McAvoy, associate director for stakeholder relations …
Freeze Protection Vital for Florida Blueberry Growers This Weekend
By Clint Thompson Low temperatures in the forecast this weekend means Florida blueberry producers need to apply freeze protection to their crops, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “It’ll definitely get low enough to where folks will be freeze protecting. I know in central Florida, depending on the site because …
Georgia Weather: Warmer, Wetter Conditions in 2021
By Pam Knox Georgia experienced its coldest year in 2021 since 2014, with an average temperature of 64.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F). But the temperature was still well above the long-term average of 63.4 F. It ranked the 20th warmest year since statewide records began in 1895. Lower temperatures than recent years The year started off warmer than normal, with above-average …
Georgia Peach Producer: We’re Racking Up Chill Hours
By Clint Thompson Cold January temperatures have brought increased chilling hours for Georgia’s peach crop. Growers like Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, are elated about the recent cooler temperatures being felt throughout the state. “All the peach growers, we’re pretty excited. Chill hours, that’s been the question mark for …
Cool October Impacts Development of South Carolina Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Cooler fall temperatures in South Carolina have delayed the development of some of the state’s strawberry crop. It is evident in most of the crop, says Bruce McLean, Clemson Extension Area Commercial Horticulture Agent in the Pee Dee Region. “The strawberry crop, for the most part, is looking behind from where it should be. There’s a lot …
Rainfall Alleviates Dry Conditions in Southeast
By Clint Thompson Much needed rainfall this past week alleviated much of the dry conditions being felt across the Southeast, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. In Florida, much of the Panhandle now has sufficient moisture. Escambia County and Santa Rose County are either abnormally dry or moderately dry. Okaloosa County is also abnormally dry. …
Dry Conditions Linger in Florida Panhandle
By Clint Thompson Dry conditions in Florida continue to persist along the Panhandle. It could linger amid the current La Niña weather pattern, says Florida State Climatologist David Zierden. “We are in the La Niña phase in the Pacific Ocean where it’s colder than normal water along the equator. The La Niña phase is opposite of El Niño, where it …