Lettuce downy mildew disease has been discovered for the first time this season in the Everglades Agricultural Area by Glades Crop Care scouts. As environmental conditions are favorable for the disease’s development, fungicide applications should begin at about the 1- or 2-leaf stage and continue through the crop’s lifespan. Applications must be made prior to infection if adequate control is …
FFVA Submits Letter to EPA Regarding TM Fungicide
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) submitted comments last week to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in response to the agency’s proposed interim registration review decision for thiophanate-methyl (TM) fungicide. Strawberry, cucurbit vegetable, succulent bean, potato and peach producers, including FFVA members, benefit from the fungicide, as it manages and suppresses key diseases. These include white mold, crown rot, …
Sweet Corn Prices High for Florida Growers with a Crop
By Clint Thompson Florida sweet corn producers experiencing high volume right now are reaping the rewards of a depressed supply. Prices are extremely high right now, though, Florida’s spring crop should be ramping up production soon, says Tori Rumenik, commodity services and supply chain manager for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. She highlighted why farmers are able to ask …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “After a warm week in the Lowcountry, we received some welcomed showers. The rainfall will aid in cultivating and bed formation for spring crops. Beds should be firm, level …
FBGA Spring Field Day and Meeting 2023
The Florida Blueberry Growers Association welcomes all Growers and Industry Suppliers to the 2023 Spring Field Day and Meeting, Thursday March 9th at the UF-IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida. Get the latest updates from University of Florida IFAS Researchers. Featured sessions will include: Dr. Rachel Mallinger – Assessing honeybee hive strength, pollinator activity and pollination …
New Miss Florida Citrus Crowned
Casana Fink of Ocala was crowned the 2023 Miss Florida Citrus Feb. 25 in Winter Haven. She will help promote the Florida citrus industry over the next year. Fink was chosen during the Miss Florida Citrus and Miss Winter Haven Program held at Polk State College. Fink, 24, is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she was a …
USDA Predicts: Exports Decreasing, Imports Increasing in 2023
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable producers in the Southeast will be disappointed to learn that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) revised Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 trade forecast projects lower exports and a record imports, according to Seth Meyer, chief economist with the USDA. He provided the update during the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum held last week. Exports are …
USDA Seeks Nominees for National Watermelon Promotion Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) seeks nominations of qualified watermelon producers, handlers, importers and one public member for nine seats on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint individuals to succeed members whose terms of office expire on Dec. 31, 2023. All appointed members will serve three-year terms. Nominees are needed …
Blueberry Producers: Manage Leaf Spot Diseases to Protect Next Year’s Crop
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about next year if you are a blueberry producer. In fact, growers need to manage for leaf spot diseases if they expect to make a crop the following season. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, discussed the situation during the Alabama Fruit and …
USDA Projections: Exports Decreasing, Imports Increasing in 2023
By Clint Thompson Fruit and vegetable producers in the Southeast will be disappointed to learn that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) revised Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 trade forecast projects lower exports and a record imports, according to Seth Meyer, chief economist with the USDA. He provided the update during the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum held last week. Exports are …