The 2022 BeSure campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition is once again helping to support the implementation of practices focused on pollinator protection. “Pollinators have obviously taken a lead in the industry and how we can protect and steward that resource. This campaign is looking at how can we promote awareness for applications and protect pollinator safety out there,” said Jeff Marvin, …
New Viruses to Watch for in Watermelon and Other Cucurbits
By Pamela D. Roberts Whitefly-transmitted viruses are the major disease problem for watermelons grown in South Florida. For the past few decades, whitefly-transmitted viruses have included squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV). A HISTORY OF VIRUSESAlthough SqVYV was first identified from squash in Florida in 2005, it had most likely been …
Disaster Programs a Must for Southeast Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers are always at risk for natural disasters in the Southeast. Especially in the late summer and early fall when conditions are ripe for a potential hurricane or severe thunderstorm, growers need to be prepared. Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist, discusses the importance of government-assistance programs. “I think in particular in this area we experience …
Giant Pestiferous Lizards a Threat to Fruits and Vegetables in South Georgia
By Rick Lavender for CAES News Warming temperatures will have tegus on the move in southeast Georgia. Residents and farmers are asked to report sightings of tegus, alive or dead. This is needed to keep the big, South American lizards from gaining a foothold in the state, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These reptiles, the largest …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly 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, “Crops are generally looking good in the area. Strawberries are coming to harvest with good volumes. Keep scouting for spider mites and thrips. Thrips were found late last week in low numbers. …
2022 Hurricane Season Predicted to be Above Normal
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane season outlook. According to the outlook, hurricane season activity will be above the 1991-2020 average. The 2022 season is projected to have nine hurricanes (7.2 is average), 19 named storms (average is 14.4), 90 named storm days (average is 69.4), 35 hurricane days (average is 27.0), four major (Category 3-4-5) hurricanes …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Gummy Stem Blight Concerns
Gummy stem blight disease has increased in recent weeks in cucurbit fields across southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. It has become the predominate disease in some watermelon fields in the area. The disease remains moderate in cucumber crops on the east coast. Gummy stem blight’s symptoms appear as light to dark brown circular spots …
Florida Strawberry Producer: Chilli Thrips, Spider Mites Were Major Problems
By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions led to diseases being a non-factor in Florida strawberry production this year. But two insect pests were very impactful, says one Florida farmer. “What we did have problems with were the chilli thrips. They just ate us up from day one and we never gained control of it in some blocks,” said Dustin Grooms, …
Pecan Growers Should Delay Fungicide Applications, Unless Crop is Highly Vulnerable to Scab Disease
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall last week had pecan producers feeling antsy about applying fungicide sprays for scab disease. But that should only apply to a small percentage. Most growers still can wait to start their fungicide applications, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Pecan Specialist Lenny Wells. “I’ve had calls from some (growers), and some of them I agree, …
Potato Grower Provides Perspective to Water Debates
By Frank Giles The 2022 Florida legislative session had a lot to do with water rules and regulations. For the most part, the legislation that passed was favorable for agriculture and now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. In a state of 21 million people, the number of people involved in and able to speak on behalf of agriculture is small. …