The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation has announced a new Existing Tree Therapies Program for Florida citrus growers. The program is designed to provide the citrus industry with a better understanding of the best use patterns, combinations and timing of newly developed therapies. Therapies eligible for the program show promise in restoring health and improving juice quality and quantity, …
Florida Remains Mostly Severe Dry
Drought conditions continue to worsen in Florida, especially in the central and southern areas of the state. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of the central and southern regions of Florida are in a severe drought, though portions of Lee, Hendry and Collier counties are in an extreme drought. Most of the northeastern and northwestern parts of the state …
Research Updates on Diseases in Georgia Cucurbits
By Bhabesh Dutta Cucurbit production in Georgia is affected annually by a variety of pests and diseases. Two diseases in particular, fusarium wilt and cucurbit anthracnose, have been a cause of concern for the last five years. This article gives a brief update on the progress the University of Georgia (UGA) vegetable team1 of scientists has made studying these diseases …
Trunk Injection Inspires Interest in Planting
The Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute, presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, was held in Avon Park on April 4. The annual educational event drew a good crowd of growers and allied industry. After nearly two decades of fighting HLB, and more recently fallout from hurricanes, those in attendance expressed a renewed sense of optimism as …
FoodTransport App Assists in Transporting Foods
FoodTransport, a new free smartphone application from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) postharvest experts, provides brief but authoritative recommendations for shipping perishable foods via truck or rail. The user-friendly app is the next step in a years-long project that started in 2017 when UF/IFAS scientists began working to revise and digitize a USDA handbook last updated in …
Organic Onion Production is a Challenge in the Southeast
By Bhabesh Dutta and Timothy Coolong Organic onion production in diverse weather conditions in the United States is challenging due to numerous biotic and abiotic factors. The challenges are more extreme in states with year-round warm climates which includes Georgia. Although these states grow onions in the spring, mild winter temperatures can increase challenges related to plant pathogens, insect and …
UF/IFAS Research: Intercropping Reduces Pest Abundance
Intercropping – the practice of planting mixtures of crops – can be an effective pest management tool worldwide, a new University of Florida (UF) study shows. The analysis compiled results from 44 field studies across six continents and focused on four crop types – cabbage, squash, cotton and onion – planted on their own and mixed with a companion plant …
No Fusarium Wilt So Far in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Overall disease pressure in North Florida watermelons remains low. A big reason for that is the lack of fusarium wilt. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, believes the unseasonably warm weather conditions in late February and early March contributed to the lack of …
New App is Quick Reference for Perishable Transport Pros
FoodTransport, a new free smartphone application from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) postharvest experts, provides brief but authoritative recommendations for shipping perishable foods via truck or rail. The user-friendly app is the next step in a years-long project that started in 2017 when UF/IFAS scientists began working to revise and digitize a USDA handbook last …
Florida Watermelon Season Has Arrived
By Clint Thompson Watermelon season is in full swing throughout Florida. The South Florida crop is currently being harvested, while the North Florida plantings are progressing with an aim towards the Memorial Day harvest window. Laura Land, a watermelon farmer from Branford, Florida, and member of the Florida Watermelon Association, discussed the harvest timeline that Florida growers can expect over …