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, “Crops are generally looking good in the area. Strawberries are coming to harvest with good volumes. Keep scouting for spider mites and thrips. Thrips were found late last week in low numbers. …
2022 Hurricane Season Predicted to be Above Normal
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane season outlook. According to the outlook, hurricane season activity will be above the 1991-2020 average. The 2022 season is projected to have nine hurricanes (7.2 is average), 19 named storms (average is 14.4), 90 named storm days (average is 69.4), 35 hurricane days (average is 27.0), four major (Category 3-4-5) hurricanes …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Gummy Stem Blight Concerns
Gummy stem blight disease has increased in recent weeks in cucurbit fields across southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. It has become the predominate disease in some watermelon fields in the area. The disease remains moderate in cucumber crops on the east coast. Gummy stem blight’s symptoms appear as light to dark brown circular spots …
Florida Strawberry Producer: Chilli Thrips, Spider Mites Were Major Problems
By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions led to diseases being a non-factor in Florida strawberry production this year. But two insect pests were very impactful, says one Florida farmer. “What we did have problems with were the chilli thrips. They just ate us up from day one and we never gained control of it in some blocks,” said Dustin Grooms, …
Pecan Growers Should Delay Fungicide Applications, Unless Crop is Highly Vulnerable to Scab Disease
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall last week had pecan producers feeling antsy about applying fungicide sprays for scab disease. But that should only apply to a small percentage. Most growers still can wait to start their fungicide applications, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Pecan Specialist Lenny Wells. “I’ve had calls from some (growers), and some of them I agree, …
Potato Grower Provides Perspective to Water Debates
By Frank Giles The 2022 Florida legislative session had a lot to do with water rules and regulations. For the most part, the legislation that passed was favorable for agriculture and now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. In a state of 21 million people, the number of people involved in and able to speak on behalf of agriculture is small. …
Strawberry Growers Be Wary of Potential Frost
A potential for a frost event this weekend should have strawberry growers in North Carolina on high alert. North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension says that producers will need to protect their crop if the weather forecast predicts frost. The greatest potential for frost will be Sunday and Monday mornings, though some regions in the western part of the state could …
Survey Seeks Input on Florida Citrus Quality Problems
By Frank Giles John Chater joined the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) in January as an assistant professor of horticultural sciences. His job also comes with a significant Extension component, which will allow him to work closely with growers. “Extension helps make the research conducted at the university worthwhile, because this is how that knowledge …
Citrus Prices Rise on Declining Production
Everyone is talking about inflated prices for just about everything. Citrus is among those items. Why? Because orange production is way down in Florida. HLB, fruit drop, poor quality and a freeze are all conspiring to keep prices rising. Total U.S. orange juice production in the current 2021–22 season is forecast at 286 million single-strength equivalent (SSE) gallons, the U.S. …
Blueberry Management: What to Remember for April
Blueberry harvests are well underway across Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts provide blueberry management tips that growers need to be mindful of in April. Since it is harvest season, farmers need to harvest their crop promptly and cool the ripe fruit. Growers can use the Blueberry Advisory System (BAS) at www.agroclimate.org/BAS, to determine if …