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Abnormally dry weather conditions are more prevalent in one area of the Southeast, though the region remains mostly drought free, according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The southwest corner of Alabama and part of the Florida Panhandle are abnormally dry. The dry area in Alabama starts in Mobile and Baldwin counties and expands northward to include …
Vegetable farmers should be aware that whitefly populations are increasing across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts are reporting medium to high levels in watermelon, eggplant, tomatoes and brassicas across Southeast Florida. All life stages of the insect are present. Following the late fall tomato crop, scouts noticed an increase in younger plantings as …
The March issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine puts weed management in the spotlight. Amid concerns over a lack of a dependable workforce and need to reduce input costs, growers need to be more efficient in their production strategies like weed control. Nathan Boyd, weed scientist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), along with …
WASHINGTON – The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the report this week, Intent to Establish the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program (PDF, 248 KB), authorized under the Growing Climate Solutions Act (GCSA). The GCSA was signed into law on December 29, 2022, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This report justifying the …
The citrus industry has found footing in Georgia and needs continued support as this promising industry marches toward the future. Events like the Georgia Citrus Association annual meeting on Feb. 27 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center provided information tailored to protecting growers’ investments. “One of the things we wanted to do differently this year is remind …
By Clint Thompson Ambrosia beetle damage on vulnerable young trees is a concern for pecan producers in the Southeast. Trees that are most vulnerable are young and stressed, especially those under flooded conditions. Apurba Barman, an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, is cautioning growers about beetle damage during this winter’s pecan production meetings throughout …
By Clint Thompson Persistent rains in the North Florida region amid the current El Niño weather pattern is a potential concern for the region’s watermelon producers. But as long as growers stay on top of their fungicide applications, any disease inoculum should be controlled, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension …
WASHINGTON – The National Potato Council (NPC) revealed its latest report on the economic impact of the U.S. potato industry. The report assessed the economic contribution of U.S. potato and potato product exports and analyzed the role that expanded trade opportunities would have on U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and jobs. “The Current and Potential Impact of Expanded Potato Exports,” …
By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show is no longer an event catered just to the citrus industry. This year’s show, scheduled for April 3 in Fort Pierce, Florida, will feature a seminar session specific to specialty crops. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media, talked about what specialty crop producers can expect when attending this year’s event, which will …
By Clint Thompson A week of expected sunshine should boost strawberry volume in central Florida, according to one grower. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, said multiple days of sunshine are needed to help boost what has been a stagnant crop. “This weather this week should help dry everything out, get some berries off the …
