By Clint Thompson University of Georgia (UGA) Extension advises grape producers to remain diligent with their fungicide applications. Phil Brannen, UGA Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed disease management, with harvests slated to commence soon across the region. “We’re starting to see some downy mildew coming out right now, so we are getting some disease as we’re looking towards the latter …
Row Covers a Costly but Effective Management Strategy for Whitefly Control
By Clint Thompson An expensive but effective management solution for whiteflies involves vegetable farmers implementing row covers. They can be used to protect the crop for the first couple of weeks of the season, delaying whitefly feeding. It can be a vital management decision, though the economics of its implementation still need to be improved, says Stormy Sparks, University of …
Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo a Sweet Success
By Clint Thompson The annual Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo was once again a sweet success for AgNet Media, organizers of the show, which was held Wednesday and Thursday in Tampa, Florida. Farmers, research specialists and industry experts flocked to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, to learn about research pertaining to citrus production and trendy topics affecting citrus …
UF/IFAS Scientists Use AI to Improve Strawberry Disease Detection
Florida’s strawberry season doesn’t return until December. But University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers work year-round to support an industry with a $500 million-a-year farm-gate value in Florida. Among their research endeavors, UF/IFAS scientists search for ways to help growers control diseases that threaten strawberries. Most of Florida’s 13,500 acres of strawberries are grown in …
Growers Reminded About Dangers of Floodwaters
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Debby’s recent trek through North Florida and South Georgia serves as a reminder about the dangers of floodwaters contacting fruits and vegetables in the field. With the potential for additional storms over the next couple of months, growers are reminded that any crop that is on the ground and comes in contact with floodwaters cannot be …
Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo Day One: ‘Agriculture Matters’ for Florida Sen. Collins
By Clint Thompson Florida Sen. Jay Collins’ presence at this year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo emphasized the importance he’s placing on helping specialty crop producers to remain sustainable; now and into the future. Collins joined Florida Rep. Danny Alvarez in discussing agriculture and its impact in legislative issues during Wednesday’s general session of the Expo at the Florida State …
Dacthal Done: Onion Growers Lose Effective Herbicide
By Clint Thompson Onion producers should be aware that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency order suspending all uses of Dacthal. The order became effective on Aug. 7 and the herbicide can not be sold or used in any manner, according to Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia Extension weed scientist. “Even it’s sitting in your barn, you …
Sweet Surprise: Muscadines a Treat in Southeast
By Clint Thompson All it should take for consumers to enjoy a muscadine grape is to just give it a try. Getting to that point, however, remains a challenge for Georgia producers. University of Georgia (UGA) pecan breeder Patrick Conner discussed the future of muscadines during a field day on Aug. 17 at the UGA Tifton Campus. “We’ve got to …
Debby Aftermath: Georgia Pecan Crop Quality in Question
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s pecan crop was vulnerable to Hurricane Debby and its trek through the Southeast the week of Aug. 5. The nuts that did not fall to the ground because of Debby’s high wind speeds may have been victimized with poor quality as a result. It’s an issue that producers in Southeast Georgia are not likely to see …
Vidalia Onion Committee is Seeking New Member Nominations
Vidalia, GA — The Vidalia® Onion Committee (VOC) is seeking nominations from industry producers to serve on the committee. The VOC elects eight new nominees annually as part of an annual process. Four members and four alternate seats are currently available on the committee. The VOC administers the federal marketing order locally and consists of eight producer members and their …