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 …
Effects of Heavy Rain on Pre-Emergent Herbicides in Vegetables
By Ruby Tiwari, Nirmal Timilsina and Ramdas Kanissery Heavy rainfall received in vegetable-growing regions of Florida frequently creates standing water in fields (Figure 1). These farms are often in an early or mid-growing season during such severe weather events. Pre-emergent (residual) herbicides that are integral to vegetable production to suppress weed emergence are applied during this period. Most pre-emergent herbicides …
Ideal Weather Last Week for North Alabama Production
By Clint Thompson Colder temperatures and additional rainfall were just what the doctor ordered last week for North Alabama specialty crop producers. Temperatures in Guntersville, Alabama where Alabama Regional Extension agent Eric Schavey works, were as high as 79 degrees on Jan. 1. But rain helped dropped temperatures to the 30s and 40s this week. This week’s wet weather also …
How La Niña Could Impact Weather and Crops
By Pam Knox In October 2021, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that a La Niña event had begun. It has an 87% chance of continuing through the winter. Since that time, the event has affected weather across the world, including many crop-growing areas of the United States. This article looks at what La Niña is and how …
Warming Up: Unseasonable Temps Not Helping Chilling Requirements for Fruit Trees
By Clint Thompson Unseasonably warm conditions this winter is normal for a La Niña weather pattern. But it’s not what Southeast fruit tree producers want to experience. Not with chilling hours a vital part of the maturation process. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, said producers will keep an eye on what temperatures the new year brings – …
Hurricane Michael Aftermath: Pecan Producer Still Reeling Amid a Down Year
By Clint Thompson A down year in pecan production was especially impactful for one Georgia producer who is still recovering from Hurricane Michael three years ago. “We didn’t make but about a 10% crop, so not good at all,” said Eric Cohen, co-owner of Pecan Ridge Plantation in Decatur County. “It’s a real short crop in Georgia this year.” A …
Dry Conditions Helping Georgia Strawberry Producers with Disease Pressure
By Clint Thompson The extended dry conditions before this past weekend across various parts of Georgia benefited the state’s strawberry producers. The less rain and wet conditions meant fewer instances of diseases being a factor, says Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “If it gets dry, they can water …
Freeze Protection: Overhead Irrigation Efficient Strategy for Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Frost protection will be an essential management plan for blueberry producers in the Southeast during the upcoming months leading up to harvest. Eric Stafne, a Mississippi State Extension/Research Professor, highlights the benefits and importance of using overhead sprinkler irrigation when temperatures drop below freezing. “The benefit of using that is it’s the most effective way to prevent …
Minimal Diseases so far for Florida Strawberry Producers
By Clint Thompson The extended dry period in South Florida has been a boost for strawberry production. Natalia Peres, Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, believes weather conditions have been favorable for strawberries early in the season and diseases have been minimal so far. “It’s been pretty quiet. We’re good, I …