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A lack of adequate soil moisture could make an already challenging situation for Florida citrus growers worse. It is imperative that producers keep applying irrigation amid any prolonged dry period, says Chris Oswalt, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus agent. Oswalt noted that many citrus-producing regions in Florida have had little, if any, rain in …
By Clint Thompson Thanksgiving Day feasts across the Southeast this week means people are consuming plenty of delicious foods like turkey, ham, fruits and vegetables. While food safety is essential Thanksgiving Day, it is also important for those leftovers and how long people can wait before consuming them. Keith Schneider, a food safety professor in the University of Florida Institute …
By Clint Thompson Thanksgiving is a time for food, family and fellowship. Getting sick is never part of the equation this time of year. That is why food safety should be prioritized. More food is being prepared for more people, emphasizes Keith Schneider, a food safety professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) food …
A recent tour of Brazilian citrus provided Georgia growers with valuable information on how to capitalize on production amid huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association and owner of JoNina Farm, was one of seven producers who attended the week-long tour this fall. One of the main observations was Brazil’s strong production despite the prevalence …
By Clint Thompson It felt like spring during November in Northeast Alabama. That was not ideal if you are a strawberry producer needing cold temperatures so the plants will go dormant. But that’s the scenario that growers faced, not only in Alabama, but also throughout the Southeast region. Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, discussed the situation facing …
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions remain a concern across the Southeast, according to the Nov. 20 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Conditions have worsened across South Georgia and North Florida. Exceptional drought conditions are observed in the southern halves of Decatur, Grady, Thomas and Brooks counties. They are also seen in the northern halves of Gadsden, Leon, Jefferson and …
By Clint Thompson Pecan production is down this year across the Southeast; mostly due to adverse weather conditions. Steady summer rains led to scab disease development, while the current dry period led to lighter pecans than expected. Also disappointing this year are the uneven market prices growers are receiving for this year’s crop. Georgia pecan farmer Randy Hudson discussed the …
Caterpillar pressure varies across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Overall worm pressure varies from low to high in southwest Florida. It mostly depends on location, crop and date of planting. Scouts indicate that sweet corn fields experienced low to moderate, but constant pressure from fall armyworm on young and silking corn. Beet armyworm laid …
By Clint Thompson A looming La Niña weather pattern means the current dry conditions across the Southeast are likely to worsen over the next couple of months, according to, Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “We’re going into a La Niña winter, and typically a La Niña winter means we are more likely to have a warmer …
By Clint Thompson Strawberry growers normally do not have to be as aggressive with their fungicide sprays in the fall. That mindset changes, however, with Neopestalotiopsis (Neo). Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, said growers can not wait as long between fungicide sprays if they have the disease present in their fields. “Generally, if it’s …
