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The September issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights the recent Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo held on Aug. 20-21 in Tampa, Florida. Attendees learned from various researchers and industry specialists about information pertinent to the citrus and fruit and vegetable industries. Land-grant universities are gearing up for a technological revolution. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …
By Clint Thompson Georgia vegetable growers must be wary of a relatively new disease that is mostly impacting pepper production. University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Plant Pathologist Bhabesh Dutta cautioned producers about Choanephora rot, which has been very aggressive and concerning for pepper producers. “It is a problem now in this season,” Dutta said. “We have seen very little before, …
By Clint Thompson Tomato breeding research remains vital to the long-term sustainability of the industry in Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tomato breeder Jessica Chitwood-Brown provided an update for growers during the Florida Tomato Conference on Sept. 4. She emphasized the importance of grower interaction and learning what qualities are needed, such as fusarium …
Weekly Field Update 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 Anna Sara Hill Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King
Rick Dantzler, Citrus Research and Development Foundation chief operating officer, provided hope for citrus growers during the recent Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. He believes citrus greening disease could soon be a thing of the past. But to get growers to that “tree of the future,” they need short-term solutions to overcome the devastating disease. Dantzler continues to tout trunk …
By Clint Thompson Florida specialty crop producers should mark their calendars for Friday, Nov. 7 for the groundbreaking of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. The new AI Center will be located at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida. Scott Angle, UF/IFAS Senior …
Recent rains have helped alleviate some dry areas in the Southeast, according to the Aug. 28 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. It is especially evident in Georgia. Minimal abnormally dry conditions are observed in the southwest corner of the state, including Seminole, Decatur, Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Miller, Baker and Mitchell counties. A small area in Northwest Georgia is abnormally …
By Clint Thompson Insect management is an essential part of a growers’ plan of action, especially as they transition from summer to fall production. Paulo Gimenez Cremonez, Auburn Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, provided an update on what insects are present and should be a concern to fruit and vegetable growers. “Some of the insects we’re seeing right now mostly …
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop growers scored a significant win last week when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its intention to discontinue the Farm Labor Survey (FLS). The FLS helped the Department of Labor determine the AEWR, the minimum wage for H-2A workers in every state. Rates have spiraled out of control in recent years. Michael Marsh, president …
By Clint Thompson Back-to-back seasons of hurricane activity have significantly impacted pecan production for one Georgia grower. Instead of being down and out following Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Helene in 2024, though, Buck Paulk is rebounding with new and improved orchards and a new outlook on his farming life. “You just go through it and do it and still …
