By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers in Southwest Alabama have experienced the highs and lows of the extended drought this spring. Jacob Kelley, Alabama regional Extension agent, described the impact the prolonged dry period has had on his growers. “It had been really dry, which was good for a lot of our blueberry and fruit producers. A lot of my …
Vidalia Onion Producers ‘Happy’ with Season
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onions are harvested for the 2022 season. Growers are ‘happy’ with the results, says Bob Stafford, manager of the Vidalia Onion Committee. Most of their contentment stems from a dry spring, meaning less potential disease pressure for this year’s crop. “It was kind of an awkward start, but it cranked up and we had a …
Reps. Franklin, Soto Request EPA to Reconsider Ban of Thiram Fungicide
WASHINGTON — Representatives Scott Franklin (FL-15) and Darren Soto (FL-09) sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency on May 20 urging reconsideration of a ban on the usage of Thiram, an important fungicide used in the cultivation of strawberries. A ban of Thiram would be devastating to the strawberry production, according to industry experts. In December, the EPA proposed …
UF Research Produces Information on Which Compact Tomatoes Grow Well Indoors
A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientist is researching which fruits and vegetables can flourish indoors. Celina Gómez, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of environmental horticulture, led a recently published study in which she found that several compact tomato varieties grow well indoors. “Most of the compact plants we’ve grown are short and narrow, making them …
Sneak Peek: June 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The June issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine focuses on Bill Brim, a Georgia producer fighting for the future of U.S. farmers. The Tifton, Georgia, grower discusses his educational effort in promoting domestic grown produce while expressing concern over where future generations will receive their food. Yiannis Ampatzidis, associate professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …
Downy Mildew Disease in South Carolina
Cucurbit downy mildew disease was identified this week in South Carolina, according to the The South Carolina Grower. The disease was observed in a cucumber field in Bamberg County. Clemson Extension reminds producers to make fungicide applications every seven days. Any stretch longer than this increases the potential that the disease will spread. Recommended fungicides for cucumbers include Omega (Fluazinam, …
Budmoth Impact on Young Pecan Trees
By Clint Thompson Pecan producers with young or newly planted trees may be experiencing budmoth damage where insecticide applications were not made at budbreak. Andrew Sawyer, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area pecan agent in the Southeast district, confirmed the impact budmoths are having on his research trees in the UGA Pecan Extension blog. “The trees with good leaf growth …
Delay in Disease Pressure Helps Melon Production, Farmers Save Money
By Clint Thompson The extended delay of certain diseases occurring in North Florida watermelons was a much-needed blessing for producers. The hot and dry conditions were a big reason why. Only last week was the first case of downy mildew observed in Levy County. Gummy stem blight pressure only became problematic within the last couple of weeks. Those diseases thrive …
Florida Field Day Features the Potential of Blackberries
By Frank Giles In late May, the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) hosted growers interested in the prospect of producing blackberries in Florida. Several University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists have been studying the crop in recent years. Zhanao Deng, UF/IFAS professor of environmental horticulture, is conducting trials of existing blackberry varieties at …
Florida Field Day Features the Potential of Blackberries
By Frank Giles In late May, the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) hosted growers interested in the prospect of producing blackberries in Florida. Several University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists have been studying the crop in recent years. Zhanao Deng, UF/IFAS professor of environmental horticulture, is conducting trials of existing blackberry varieties at …