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Chilli thrips’ damage in Florida citrus under protective screen (CUPS) should motivate growers to manage weeds more effectively. Lauren Diepenbrock, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor and entomologist, shared that advice during this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Fort Myers, Florida. Diepenbrock said chilli thrips feed on citrus trees but they also …
By Clint Thompson Alabama Extension’s Grow More, Give More 250 Pound Challenge yielded 124,414 pounds of donated produce this year. The annual campaign allows Alabama gardeners to give back produce to those in need, which numbered 24,000 individuals and families that face food insecurity across the state. Bethany O’Rear, Alabama Extension home horticulture agent and leader of the Grow More, …
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable growers must be aware of an important comment period for five important neonicotinoid insecticides under review. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, noted in the UGA Peach Blog that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is deciding whether five insecticides should continue to be allowed …
By Clint Thompson Scab disease plays a pivotal role in the success of Southeast pecans every year. It has impacted how one South Georgia farmer has planned for future crops. “What we’ve started doing on our operation is we have started planting new groves entirely with newer varieties, mainly scab resistance and then also timing on when they harvest, stuff …
By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill Mike Joyner is an optimistic ag leader as president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). But his optimism is tested when discussing reform in the H-2A program. “I will tell you this has got an uphill battle. It hurts for me to say that. It’s painful for me to say it out …
By Tacy Callies, Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo provided vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. After a brief stint in Tampa, the annual event returned home to Fort Myers, Florida, its original location. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, convened Aug. 12–13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention …
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions are worsening along the Gulf in South Alabama. Some areas are experiencing it worse than others. It largely depends on the soil type which varies in the area, says Jacob Kelley, regional Extension agent in Southwest Alabama. “I’ve got some guys that have some more clay soils and they’re kind of okay. As long as …
After a summer of troubling headlines, the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history has been declared over by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There were nearly 13,000 reported Cyclospora cases in the multistate outbreak. CDC announced on Sept. 11 that the agency was confident any affected produce was now off the market and had moved through the …
By Clint Thompson Diesel prices have hit a new all-time high which makes it a new low for fruit and vegetable farmers. The national average price of a gallon of diesel surpassed $6 for the first time, a sobering statistic for producers already coping with high input costs. According to AAA, diesel costs on Friday in Alabama were recorded at …
By Clint Thompson The lingering dry conditions being experienced across some areas in Georgia and Alabama means insect pressure is high in pecan orchards. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed what insects are most problematic for Southeast growers in an interview with AgNet Media. “Black aphids have been horrible over the last month, I would say, and …
