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By Clint Thompson Much will be on the ballot when voters flock to the polls for the mid-term elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3. For Floridians, it will present an opportunity to vote on Amendment 2, which could significantly impact the state’s row crop and specialty crop growers. Amendment 2 is a proposed amendment to Florida’s Constitution and addresses tangible personal …
Citrus under protective screen (CUPS) provides citrus growers with a way to overcome the challenges of huanglongbing (HLB) disease. While grapefruit is the predominant variety grown in CUPS, research is underway to expand the varieties grown under screen. That’s one of the remaining CUPS research hurdles for Arnold Schumann, professor of soil fertility and water quality at the University of …
By Clint Thompson Botrytis disease is an annual problem for Southeast strawberry producers. It is even more problematic since it has developed resistance to the newer fungicides that the growers utilize. That leaves farmers to depend on older fungicides to manage botrytis, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “It’s a challenge for many …
By Clint Thompson Natural disasters are unfortunately a common occurrence in the Southeast, especially in Florida. The Sunshine State can experience most any type of natural disaster event in any given year. These range from the annual threat of tropical storm or hurricane to the generational freeze event that crippled the state earlier this year. No matter what event that …
Whitefly populations remain high in some areas across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. In central Florida, scouts are reporting low to moderate population levels in tomatoes and moderate to high levels in squash and cucumbers. Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus incidence remains a little more than 1%. Whitefly populations vary by crop and location …
By Clint Thompson Much-needed rainfall continues to alleviate some of the drought being experienced across the Southeast. This is according to the Oct. 22 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Florida All of the Florida Panhandle has sufficient moisture, while most of North Florida has abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions. All of the counties along the east coast in …
By Clint Thompson The transplant production system in the Vidalia onion industry is a management practice implemented by most growers in Southeast Georgia. Growers plant seed in high density beds, grow them for 8 to 9 weeks, then pull the young plants by hand and transplant them into fields. But is there the potential for direct seeded planting? It is a …
By Clint Thompson Georgia may be known as the Peach State, but blueberries have proven to be a bountiful and profitable venture for growers willing to take the plunge. But how long will that profitability last, especially amid today’s challenging economic conditions? Grower Perspectives Two Georgia blueberry producers, each with different experiences and paths to the specialty crop sector, discussed …
By Clint Thompson The Sunbelt Ag Expo’s return to South Georgia this week allows farmers, industry experts and legislative leaders to reconvene once again, discuss topics pertinent to the agricultural industry and learn about technological innovations that could impact all sectors of Ag. One of those leaders in attendance on Tuesday was Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. He spoke at …
By Clint Thompson Long-term management of Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease in strawberries may hinge on research breeders developing new varieties that are resistant to the disease. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, is especially encouraged by the progress of new cultivars being developed in the Southeast. “There is some research now coming out of Florida and …
