Alabama Extension reminds vegetable producers to be on the lookout for yellowmargined leaf beetles. They are a threat to turnips, cabbages and other cool season crops. According to the Alabama Vegetable IPM Facebook page, yellowmargined leaf beetles have returned in large numbers this season. They can cause significant leaf and root damage. Alabama Extension reports that the adult beetles are …
Florida Farmer: Strawberry Market in Shambles
By Clint Thompson The strawberry season is nearing an end for Florida growers. To say that producers have had their share of challenges would be an understatement. Input costs have spiraled out of control, and the strawberry market is in “shambles,” according to Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida. “As an industry, I think we’re …
Researchers Find Pathway to More Tasty Tomatoes
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers helped discover a way to enhance tomato smell and taste. Breeding efforts over the last half century have emphasized traits that are important to producers – yield, disease resistance, appearance and post-harvest shelf life among them. While those traits are important, modern commercial varieties tend to fall short of …
Russian Invasion of Ukraine Reverberates Through Global Agriculture
By Frank Giles As the Russian invasion of Ukraine stretches into its second week, growers in the United States and globally are feeling the fallout. Fuel price hikes are being felt by all consumers, including growers. Last week, the U.S. main price for oil topped $110 per barrel. That is the highest price in more than a decade. Over the …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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, “Starting with strawberries, the development of plants is taking off with little in the way of disease pressure currently. Flower formation and fruit set are beginning. Keep monitoring crops for botrytis development …
Registration Ongoing for N.C. State Extension Turfgrass Short Course
The N.C. State Extension Turfgrass Short Course will be held April 11-14 at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh, North Carolina. Landscape managers, golf course personnel, sports turf managers, master gardeners, homeowners and residents seeking more information are encouraged to attend the four-day course. Faculty in N.C. State’s turfgrass program will cover all aspects of turfgrass management. Topics include …
Industry Leader Optimistic Despite Oversupply of Florida Tomatoes
By Clint Thompson An oversupply of Florida tomatoes has led to suppressed market prices for growers. That hasn’t deterred the optimism of one industry leader, however, who believes brighter days are on the horizon. “You can’t be in agriculture if you’re not an optimist. Damn right, we’re assuming that right beyond that ugly cloud is a beautiful rainbow, warm skies …
Who Should Be the Next Citrus Achievement Award Winner?
It is that time of year again when we seek nominations for the next Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner. Since 2000, the honor has grown into the gold standard of industry recognition for those who have made and continue to make a significant impact within and even beyond the Florida citrus community. The Citrus Achievement Award is presented to …
Integrated Pest Management of Chilli Thrips in Strawberries
By Sriyanka Lahiri Currently, strawberry production in Florida is particularly susceptible to infestation by chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis). Although chilli thrips had been reported as a pest of ornamentals in Florida before, it wasn’t until 2015 when strawberry fields started to be severely impacted by this invasive pest. CHEMICAL CONTROLSChemical control is the predominant tool to manage chilli thrips. However, …
Florida Company Pays Back Wages to H-2A Workers
A Florida company has entered into a settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor over violations to the H-2A program. The violations occurred on a Missouri farm where the employer failed to provide proper, sanitary housing and failed to pay the visa workers their full wages. Under terms of a settlement agreement signed by the U.S. Department of Labor and …