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Satsuma mandarins helped establish the citrus crop in Georgia. Alternate varieties will help the state’s industry continue to grow. Mary Sutton’s appointment as the new University of Georgia (UGA) citrus Extension specialist should help growers implement varieties that have been tested and are suitable for Georgia growers. Part of her role will be to research alternatives to satsumas to see …
According to Clemson Plant Pathologist Anthony Keinath in the The South Carolina Grower, cucurbit downy mildew was observed at the Coastal Research and Education Center on Sept. 13. It was found on cucumber and butternut squash that was transplanted Aug. 15. Symptoms on both cucumber and squash means that both strains of cucurbit downy mildew are here. Downy mildew appears …
Top Policy Priority is Labor Reform By George F. Szczepanski I was fortunate enough to take on the role of executive director of the National Watermelon Association at the beginning of 2023. The board’s decision to hire me was primarily influenced by the public policy work I had done as a part of the International Fresh Produce Association staff. As …
By Clint Thompson This year’s citrus crop in Southwest Alabama is nearing ready to be harvested. According to Jacob Kelley, regional Extension agent in Southwest Alabama, the production was impacted from the prolonged dry period in the area this summer. “Citrus is looking pretty good. Disease pressure has been low. We’ll see what that looks like here in a couple …
By Clint Thompson This year’s pecan crop in the Southeast is not in any danger from pecan scab disease any more this season. That’s a huge relief for Georgia and Alabama growers on the cusp of harvest season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed the disease and why it should not impact what remains in this year’s …
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 Midlands Phillip Carnley Rob Last Pee Dee Brittney King
By Clint Thompson The Specialty Crop Tracker is a record of this year’s crop progress based on observations from growers, Extension agents and other industry stakeholders on the ground throughout the Southeast. Hurricane Debby Floods Fields In early August, Hurricane Debby slowly rolled through the Southeast, dumping huge amounts of rain in certain areas. For some specialty crop growers, it …
By Clint Thompson The recent revelation that Neopestalotiopsis has infected strawberry plug plants originating from nurseries in Prince Edward Island will impact Alabama producers. Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), has heard various reports of the disease for the past several weeks. “When the plug growers that are here started receiving tips, all …
By Clint Thompson Agricultural imports are so commonplace that a projected increase is not a surprise to Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA); disappointing but not surprising. Ag imports in fiscal year (FY) 2025 are forecast at $212 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural …
Scientists throughout the South are using artificial intelligence (AI) to help growers save labor costs and time, spray with precision, detect diseases, control food quality, maintain animal health and help grow wheat. Among the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists helping growers save time and money is Yiannis Ampatzidis, an associate professor of agricultural and …
