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Citrus greening disease, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), is not yet widespread in Georgia. However, there’s no reason to think that it won’t become more of a problem for the state’s citrus growers. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association (GCA), hopes it doesn’t happen but cautions growers about the disease’s potential beyond Florida. “Something we have to …
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Upstate Briana Naumuk Andy Rollins
Up FrontBy Frank Giles We’ve preached to the choir and shouted from the rooftops about the importance of growers being active advocates on their behalf and making their voices heard by lawmakers at local, state and federal levels. That message is always important but probably now more than ever. With the Trump administration in place and a flurry of activity …
By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show was once again a success. It united the specialty crop industry, informed farmers about trends impacting citrus and vegetables, while preparing growers for the upcoming season. And it never hurts to enjoy tailgating treats that were prominent among participating vendors. It was an impactful event, says Morgan Assaf, show organizer for AgNet Media. …
By Clint Thompson Ambrosia beetle control this time of year is crucial for pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama. Young trees are most susceptible, as are those that are growing under stressed conditions. Apurba Barman, an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, is highlighting the insect’s management during the county winter meetings. “We started to …
Fruit and vegetable growers who use chlorpyrifos should be reminded that the insecticide can only be applied on food crops until June 30, after which continued use will be banned. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers advise producers that the products that contain chlorpyrifos are “unlikely to be available for sale and finding alternatives to …
By Clint Thompson The threat and subsequent implementation of tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico by the Trump Administration triggered hard feelings and retaliatory tariffs. But it’s a necessary evil so support can be rallied for American businesses, including specialty crop farmers in Florida and Georgia. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), …
By Clint Thompson The main theme of University of Georgia Extension pecan meetings this winter is informing growers how to cut costs. It may be through variety selection or reducing irrigation and fertilizer inputs. Georgia growers need to reduce expenses if they are going to remain sustainable, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “I think we’ve got …
Now is the time for Florida citrus growers to implement management tactics to control the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), the insect that vectors citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB). ACPs are currently in low populations across Florida’s citrus-producing region. That means growers should act now to protect their crop from the insect’s impact, says Chris Oswalt, University of Florida …
By Clint Thompson California strawberry nurseries have been unaffected by Neopestalotiopsis (neo) disease impacting plants. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, hopes it remains that way. “Out of an abundance of ignorance, I would say, I hope it’s going to be okay. We’ve got to have hope in something,” Brannen said. Especially following this season’s outbreak …
