By Clint Thompson North Florida’s watermelon crop is “pretty well done,” according to Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. The intense heat in recent weeks helped accelerate the crop’s harvest across the region. “I think we were on the way to winding down anyway but certainly …
UF/IFAS Begins Research to Update Best Management Practices Nutrient Recommendations
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) received $8.8 million to conduct new research that will provide farmers with new and improved nutrient recommendations for fertilization of key Florida crops. The funding, approved by the Florida Legislature, will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Farmers apply fertilizers to their crops …
Mid-Season Pest Activity in Alabama
Insect infestations vary among pests throughout Alabama, according to pest activity from monitoring traps by Alabama Extension. As of June 18, the mid-season pest activity lists beet armyworm moth numbers as doubling fall armyworms (FAW), which is normal in the state. Last year was abnormal with very high FAW activity. Beet armyworms are a threat to beans, beets, cabbage, corn, …
Lingering Drought Impacts Georgia Peaches
By Clint Thompson Count Georgia peaches as another crop impacted by the current hot and dry weather. Fewer disease instances with higher pest infestations are a common theme during this summer’s harvest season, says Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties “Diseases have definitely been at a minimum. Insects have …
Watermelon Producer: It’s Been a Downhill Slide
By Clint Thompson Various factors have contributed to a difficult watermelon season for Southeast producers. But it has been a challenge, says Carr Hussey, a watermelon farmer in Florida, Georgia and Alabama and chairman of the board of the Florida Watermelon Association (FWA). “From the beginning it’s been a downhill slide. These guys are actually probably selling stuff below production …
Management Update for Spotted-Wing Drosophila
By Clint Thompson Even in a year when hot and dry weather conditions prevailed across the Southeast region, spotted-wing drosophila was still a problem for blueberry producers. Ash Sial, University of Georgia entomologist, discusses the challenging characteristics of the spotted-wing drosophila and what growers should remember for future seasons. “This is the unique thing about this pest is that dry …
Heat’s Impact on Grape Production
By Clint Thompson The lingering heat wave sweltering the Southeast could impact grape production this season. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist Phil Brannen discussed the impact that temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit could have on grape production, especially the younger vines. “I suspect there’s a good bit of stress going on with the vines right now. Unfortunately, …
Charcoal Rot Showing Up in Cantaloupe
Charcoal rot was identified in a cantaloupe crop in South Carolina last week, according to The South Carolina Grower. The fungus responsible for the disease is Macrophomina phaseolina. It is a soil-borne fungus that survives as microsclerotia. Typically, the disease is more prevalent in hot, dry conditions, which has been the norm across the state in recent weeks. In cantaloupes, …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “It is hot and very, very dry in the Lowcountry. We desperately need some rain on the coast. Many irrigation ponds are at very low levels and may only have a …
UF/IFAS Begins Research to Update Best Management Practices Nutrient Recommendations
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) received $8.8 million to conduct new research that will provide farmers with new and improved recommendations for fertilization of key Florida crops. The funding, approved by the Florida Legislature, will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Farmers apply fertilizers to their crops within …