 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
This week’s rainfall should help the Southeast continue to gain needed moisture and overcome its current drought conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate and abnormally dry conditions still cover most of Florida, various parts of Georgia and central and northern parts of Alabama. The driest part of Florida remains in the northern area of the state. Moderate drought …
By Clint Thompson Spotted wing drosophila remains a concern for South Georgia blueberry growers. Ash Sial, University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist, stressed during the blueberry update held in early January that the best approach in managing the pest is not just a reliance on insecticides. Repeated applications of insecticides can lead to resistance and secondary pests. “We recommend against just …
By Clint Thompson It is better for fruit and vegetable organizations to implement a “one voice” mentality in advocating for specialty crop producers to legislative leaders. One of the by-products of the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is that it allowed members from multiple organizations, like the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, to come together and formulate …
WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, announced the Committee’s vice chair and subcommittee leadership for the 119th Congress last week. Here’s what he had to say: “I’m thrilled to welcome both returning and new subcommittee leadership for the 119th Congress, who will lead with strength, expertise and a shared commitment to advancing the …
By Clint Thompson Pecan season has concluded in Georgia. That means the University of Georgia Extension meetings will soon be held throughout southern and central Georgia. The meetings are slated to start on Jan. 28 in Tattnall County and conclude on March 20 in Dougherty County The complete list of dates and locations include: Jan 28: Tattnall; Jan 30: Appling; Feb 4: Crisp; …
By Clint Thompson Blueberry growers in northern Florida are eyeing freezing temperatures next week and could be implementing freeze protection strategies as a result. According to weather.com, low temperatures in Gainesville, Florida, are expected to drop in the low 30s on Sunday through Wednesday, with 31-degree (Fahrenheit) temperatures expected Tuesday night and Wednesday night. That is a potential concern for …
January temperatures have been cold for South Georgia citrus growers. They are about to get colder, however, beginning early next week. According to weather.com, low temperatures in Tifton, Georgia, are forecast to drop into the high 20s, Sunday through Wednesday, with high temperatures only reaching the mid-30s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Similar weather conditions are expected across the region, so …
By Clint Thompson A cold January that has already featured multiple days with sub-freezing temperatures should help vegetable growers combat the ongoing whitefly infestation. At least that’s the hope shared by Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties. “We’re still seeing a fair amount of whiteflies, even for the cooler temperatures. They’re …
Thrips (T.) parvispinus remains a concerning pest for Florida’s pepper farmers, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. T. parvispinus population levels are currently low in pepper fields along the east coast. However, at a few locations, infestation levels are moderate to high, especially at field edges located by ornamental nursery operations. Crop scouts report heavy foliar feeding …
By Clint Thompson Next week’s potential stretch of prolonged cold temperatures means Alabama strawberry growers need to protect this year’s crop. That means the use of row covers to protect against temperatures that are expected to drop well below freezing for multiple days, says Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. …
