By Johan Desaeger The importance of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) in agriculture was first demonstrated in the mid-1800s with the discovery of sugar beet cyst nematodes in Europe and root-knot nematodes in Europe and the Americas. Experiments with nematicides in the early-mid 1900s demonstrated the significant yield loss caused by these nematodes. Yet to this day, PPN’s true impact on crop …
Neopestalotiopsis on the Move in Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis disease has been widespread across strawberry fields in the Southeast. It started in Florida and has continued in South Carolina. Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, said the increase in disease infestations is not surprising. “It’s not surprising considering we’ve had some weather like some rain and …
Dry Conditions Spread in Florida
Drought-like conditions continue to lessen in Alabama and Georgia, though dry conditions are now prevalent in most of Florida, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. A severe drought is observed in north Florida, in Taylor, Madison, Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Dixie and Levy counties. A moderate drought is also observed in surrounding counties in north Florida, including, Baker, Nassau, Duval, …
Flavors of Florida Returns for 8th Year
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Flavors of Florida, the premier University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tasting showcase, is now an annual event on the UF campus. The March 23 event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the Champions Club at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field. Tickets are available at early bird pricing …
Thompson Joins in Cosponsoring WOTUS Resolution of Disapproval
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, cosponsored a Waters of the United States (WOTUS) resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act. Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, and Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07), Chairman of the T&I Water Resources Subcommittee and senior Member of the House …
Neopestalotiopsis Widespread in Southeastern Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis disease has been widespread across strawberry fields in the Southeast. It started in Florida and has continued in South Carolina. Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, said the increase in disease infestations is not surprising. “It’s not surprising considering we’ve had some weather like some …
Resolution Gives WOTUS Thumbs Down
By Frank Giles The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule has burbled back up from the regulatory depths. On Dec. 30, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a final rule to redefine WOTUS under the Clean Water Act. This marks the third attempt to define the term that started with …
Registration Is Now Open!
Registration is now open for the Florida Grower Citrus Show! AgNet Media is introducing a new look, location and format for the event. The 2023 trade show design is a tailgate gathering. Exhibitors will be showcasing tailgate-style food items to share with growers and industry attendees. The show will take place on April 13 in Fort Pierce in the parking …
Legislation Introduced in Hurricane Relief Effort
Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Block Grant Assistance Act of 2023, a critical bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide needed relief to agriculture producers devastated by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. This bill will provide the agriculture secretary needed authority to provide block grants to …
H-2A Housing a Hurdle for Many Growers
By Clint Thompson A small group of people can sometimes boast the loudest voices. For some specialty crop producers, that can impede progress. David Hill, president of Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Fla., and chairman of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, recently testified to the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee on the state’s fruit and vegetable industry. One of his …