By Clint Thompson A La Nina weather pattern was declared a month ago for the second straight winter across the Southeast. Growers should anticipate warmer and drier conditions this year, especially compared to last season. At least that’s what statistics say, points out Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist. “Last year was a one off. All of these …
Alabama Hemp Application Deadline is Nov. 29
Hemp applications remain available through Nov. 29 for Alabama farmers wishing to become a grower or a processor/handler for the 2022 growing season. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, encourages interested applicants not to waste time in completing the application process. “The Department of Ag only has so many people on staff and now they’re working on …
UGA’s New Extension Vegetable Specialist
By Clint Thompson The new University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable specialist in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is no stranger to the vegetable and specialty crop industry and the challenges it currently faces. That’s why Ted McAvoy should be a wealth of knowledge and experience for South Georgia producers. McAvoy joined UGA after working at Syngenta …
Georgia Hemp Licenses: New Producers/Processors Can Apply in January
Georgia hemp producers and processors who were licensed this year can now apply for a license for the 2022 season. The 2022 Georgia hemp grower license and processor permit window will reopen in January for all new applicants. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, believes hemp acreage will not increase next …
ABT Populations Vary Across South Florida
Asian bean thrip (ABT) populations have increased in recent weeks Homestead, Florida and have been at thresholds since the beginning of the growing season. Intensive insecticide programs are needed to minimize losses, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). In other areas, though, populations are very low. No more than one Asian bean thrip …
Florida Ag Expo Once Again a Success
By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo was once again a success. Attendees flocked to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center on Thursday, a year after the event was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic. Josh McGill, Florida Ag Expo show director, estimated around 800 were in attendance, between vendors …
Florida Ag Expo Underway
The Florida Ag Expo is underway at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. The event returns after last year’s cancellation amid COVID-19. It includes a tradeshow with vendors and multiple seminar sessions from industry leaders and university scientists. The event will conclude this afternoon with field tours.
Alternative Approach: Grape Producers Use Mating Disruption Treatment for Pest
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to ban the use of chlorpyrifos (lorsban) means grape producers need an alternative treatment for grape root borers. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Viticulture Blog, an effective treatment is pheromone-based mating disruption. The dispensers should be set out prior to the adult emergence of the borer. This is usually in …
Southern Corn Leaf Blight Now a Problem Year-Round for Florida Producers
By Clint Thompson What was mainly a fall disease problem for sweet corn producers has transitioned into a concern for growers during winter and spring production as well. Southern corn leaf blight is an issue that now concerns Florida growers year-round, mostly due to warmer temperatures, said Richard Raid, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor …
Bacterial Spot: Tomato Disease a Problem in Various Fields in South Florida
A pair of tomato diseases are causing issues for South Florida producers. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, bacterial spot disease has slowed in the Manatee Ruskin area but has flared up in other various locations. It continues to move up in tomatoes around Southwest Florida and is severe for some pepper varieties. Bacterial spot is reportedly …