By Clint Thompson An essential component of fumigation is likely to be in short supply this year. The ramifications will impact specialty crop producers across the Southeast. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, updated attendees at last week’s Florida Grower …
U.S. House Ag Committee to Host Farm Bill Listening Session in Newberry
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee will host a Farm Bill listening session in Newberry, Florida, on Monday, April 24. Glenn “GT” Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, along with U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack and Rep. Darren Soto, will host the session. The U.S. Ag Committee is in the process of reauthorizing the Farm Bill. The listening session will …
Rain, Rain Stay Away: Vidalia Onion Producers Need Dry Weather During Harvest
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion harvests continue across the Southeast Georgia region. Producers are yearning for dry weather over the next several weeks. Not only will a lack of rainfall allow growers to harvest their crop in a timely fashion, it will also decrease the potential for disease development as onions are harvested and placed into cold storage. Cliff Riner, …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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 Zack Snipes reports, “I took what seemed like 100,000 calls, emails and texts last week about some odd symptoms on the older leaves of plants. The symptoms included interveinal chlorosis and what …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Caterpillar Pressure Increasing
Caterpillar populations are increasing in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Southern armyworms are observed anywhere between moderate and high levels in some tomato fields in central Florida. Worm pressure has increased to moderate levels in some locations across Southwest Florida. Southern and beet armyworms are most numerous, with some fruit damage reported in tomato. …
North Florida Melons Progressing Quicker Than Previous Seasons
By Clint Thompson It should come as no surprise, but North Florida watermelons are progressing at a faster pace than in previous production seasons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, attributes the progression to the early planting dates that most growers started with this year. A …
Neopestalotiopsis Confirmed in Georgia Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis disease has been confirmed in Georgia strawberries this year. While the confirmation is isolated to one South Georgia field, growers should be wary that the pathogen is present in the region. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed what the discovery means for the state’s producers. “So far this year we …
Thrips Populations on the Rise Throughout Southern Florida
Thrips populations continue to build across central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Pressure is moderate to high on tomato in central Florida, while chili thrips are a problem in strawberries. Thrips have increased in intensity in southwest Florida as well. Overall pressure is moderate, but there are locations with high pressure and lots of …
Thrips Populations Increasing in Southern Florida
Thrips populations continue to build across central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Pressure is moderate to high on tomato in central Florida, while chili thrips are a problem in strawberries. Thrips have increased in intensity in southwest Florida as well. Overall pressure is moderate, but there are locations with high pressure and lots …
Redesigned Florida Grower Citrus Show a Sweet Success
By Clint Thompson The reinvigorated Florida Grower Citrus Show was a crowd-pleaser in its first year hosted by AgNet Media. The annual event was relocated to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) facilities in Fort Pierce. It was streamlined from a two-day format to a one-day event. The show brought …