By Clint Thompson The final watermelon harvests in North Florida have growers combatting a plethora of diseases. Those attempting to stretch another picking from their fields this week will have to overcome any number of diseases. These include downy mildew, powdery mildew, Alternaria leaf spot, gummy stem blight and watermelon mosaic. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and …
Pumpkin Plantings Under Way Across North Georgia
By Clint Thompson Pumpkin plantings have begun in North Georgia. One farmer is hopeful for another successful season that can maybe take some of the sting out of a disappointing peach year. Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in north Georgia, provided his outlook for the upcoming season which started with last week’s initial plantings. “Pumpkins are one of those …
Hops Research: Plant Establishment Key in Controlling Nematodes
By Clint Thompson Successful control of nematodes in hops production is feasible in Florida. But potential growers need to ensure their hops production is firmly established, says Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “We know that hops is a good host …
USDA Assisting Small Businesses and Individuals in Identifying Procurement Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the release of a tool to assist industry and small disadvantaged entities in identifying potential opportunities for selling their products and services to USDA. USDA’s Procurement Forecast lists the types of anticipated solicitations that small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned businesses, HUBZone businesses, service-disabled veterans, and other businesses may be able to participate …
FFVA Emerging Leader Program Applications Close June 16
Attention industry leaders who want to be more involved in the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). Such individuals need to consider the FFVA Emerging Leader Development Program, administered by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation. The application period for Class 13 is currently open, though applications are due by Friday, June 16. More than 100 participants have graduated from the program …
CAES Researchers Find Solution to Keep Produce Fresh
By Emily Cabrera Despite technological advances, food loss continues to be a problem throughout the U.S., says Angelos Deltsidis, assistant professor of horticulture in the University of Georgia’s (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). “It’s not only environmentally unsustainable, but economically as well. Farmers pay to grow and harvest their produce, and they are also the ones who …
FFVA Leader Program: Application Period Closes June 16
Attention industry leaders who want to be more involved in the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). Such individuals need to consider the FFVA Emerging Leader Development Program, administered by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation. The application period for Class 13 is currently open, though applications are due by Friday, June 16. More than 100 participants have graduated from the …
Beneficial Insect: Green Lacewing Key Management for Aphid Control
Clint Thompson Sometimes the best management strategy for a producer hoping to control an insect is to release its predator. That is a tactic commercially available to specialty crop growers, according to Ayanava Majumdar, an Alabama Extension entomologist. Majumdar spoke about beneficial insects and how farmers can release them to control certain insect pests during a recent webinar. One of …
UGA Specialist: Peach Producers to Try to Minimize Costs Ahead of Next Season
By Clint Thompson Peach producers struggling to produce a crop this year are likely already starting to think about next season. It is all about reducing input costs at this point, believes Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “Going forward, they’re probably going to do as little as possible …
UF/IFAS to Host Summer Blueberry Meetings
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers should mark their calendars for various meetings scheduled this summer across the state. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has scheduled meetings for July 12 in Hardee County, July 14 in Lake County, July 19 in Polk County and July 21 in Alachua County. UF/IFAS scientists will address issues pertaining …