 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
The first chore for growers in the cold-hardy citrus region when managing citrus greening is scouting for the disease and its vector, the Asian citrus psyllid. The next step is prompt removal of any trees infected with the disease, says Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “At this point, we think greening is still …
By Clint Thompson Prolonged dry weather conditions across Alabama means minimal scab disease pressure on the state’s pecan crop. That’s positive news for growers who have already begun harvests this season, says Bryan Wilkins, Auburn University research associate. “The scab really didn’t hurt us this year. I’ve got people that didn’t spray at all. But even some of the homeowners, …
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion industry is currently strong for the state’s farmers. For one farming operation, it just shipped what remained of last year’s crop. That explains why Steven Shuman, GM/VP of sales at G&R Farms in Glennville, Georgia, was all smiles when he discussed the state of the industry at last week’s Global Produce and Floral Show …
Whitefly populations remain concerning throughout central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Despite low whitefly populations in watermelon in central Florida, virus incidence is in medium to high range. In Southwest Florida, scouting reports indicate low whitefly populations in beans and watermelon. Virus incidence in watermelon is in the medium to high range despite …
WASHINGTON – The National Potato Council (NPC) has responded to unscientific recommendations by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), which encourages Americans to eat fewer starchy vegetables, despite data showing that consumers do not eat enough vegetables. Kam Quarles, NPC CEO, said, “The National Potato Council has commented extensively on all elements of the Dietary Guidelines process, demonstrating the nutritional and …
By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry farmers may be planting this year’s crop, but multiple farms were in Atlanta last week during the Global Produce and Floral Show. The annual event attracted more than 3,000 buyers and attendees from more than 70 countries. A large contingent of Florida’s strawberry producers were in attendance, including Wish Farms and Director of Marketing Amber …
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene’s financial devastation to Georgia’s agricultural sector is already staggering. Unfortunately, those numbers will likely increase, especially to specialty crops, says Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “What we’re looking at now is the immediate crop losses to the fall crop, but we’re just as concerned with problems that …
By Clint Thompson Northeast Alabama remains considerably dry. Some areas have not received any measurable moisture for more than a month, according to Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “We’re going on 42 days at my farm (without rain), and since May 25, I’ve had 2.3 inches of rain,” Schavey said. “It doesn’t look like any rain for …
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene left its mark on agriculture in the Southeast, impacting farms in South Carolina. Andy Rollins, county Extension agent, said his area’s muscadine production was especially impacted by the major flooding and high winds that accompanied Helen’s trek through the Carolinas. “Our muscadine crop, we only have a few growers, but the ones that grow for …
GAINESVILLE, FL – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida announced it will begin accepting applications for disaster assistance funding through Emergency Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to provide technical and financial assistance to agricultural landowners and producers in recovering from damages caused by hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. Approximately $26 million will be made available for …
