Whitefly infestations in South Florida range from low populations to high populations, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Pressure is low to moderate depending on the crop and location in the central part of the state. Pressure is extremely high on all crops in southwest Florida. Frequent sprays have helped manage the pests, but adults are continuing …
Alabama Christmas Tree Grower Workshop
Alabama farmers and Christmas tree enthusiasts can learn more about Christmas tree production during a grower workshop scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m. EDT. Alabama Cooperative Extension is coordinating with the Southern Christmas Tree Association to host the workshop which will be held at the Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm at 3071 Dexter Road, Wetumpka, Alabama, 36092. Attendees will …
Vidalia Onion Harvests Underway Across Southeast Georgia
By Clint Thompson The Vidalia onion harvest season is in full swing across Southeast Georgia. After a production season that’s experienced multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures during Christmas, along with an occurrence of downy mildew disease this spring, producers are thankful for the crop they’re harvesting. Cliff Riner, Vidalia Onion Committee chairman, discussed what growers are experiencing during this early …
USDA Partners to Foster Economic Growth for Small Farming Businesses in Southern States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is partnering with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC), to host a series of regional economic development workshops on the “Path to Prosperity” in Mississippi, Kentucky, and Georgia to provide small businesses, including farmers and ranchers, with the resources and tools they need to grow. “These independent businesses, …
The 2023 Florida Grower Citrus Show Tailgate Party Is Almost Here
The 2023 Florida Grower Citrus Show is this week! Exhibitors are preparing their tasty tailgate dishes for the tailgate party. Make sure to swing by the following exhibits and fill up in between seminar sessions.
Moving Forward With a New HLB Treatment
By Peter Chaires I am a big fan of Robert Fulghum’s famous book titled “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” This little gem started out with lightweight calls to play fair and wash your hands before you eat. But soon it turned up the heat and waxed somewhat philosophical with a couple heavy hitters. One of …
New CRAFT Funding Aimed at Tree Therapies
The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation has announced a new Existing Tree Therapies Program for Florida citrus growers. The program is designed to provide the citrus industry with a better understanding of the best use patterns, combinations and timing of newly developed therapies. Therapies eligible for the program show promise in restoring health and improving juice quality and quantity, …
Florida Remains Mostly Severe Dry
Drought conditions continue to worsen in Florida, especially in the central and southern areas of the state. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of the central and southern regions of Florida are in a severe drought, though portions of Lee, Hendry and Collier counties are in an extreme drought. Most of the northeastern and northwestern parts of the state …
Research Updates on Diseases in Georgia Cucurbits
By Bhabesh Dutta Cucurbit production in Georgia is affected annually by a variety of pests and diseases. Two diseases in particular, fusarium wilt and cucurbit anthracnose, have been a cause of concern for the last five years. This article gives a brief update on the progress the University of Georgia (UGA) vegetable team1 of scientists has made studying these diseases …
Trunk Injection Inspires Interest in Planting
The Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute, presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, was held in Avon Park on April 4. The annual educational event drew a good crowd of growers and allied industry. After nearly two decades of fighting HLB, and more recently fallout from hurricanes, those in attendance expressed a renewed sense of optimism as …