By Clint Thompson It is time for petiole-sap testing or leaf tissue analysis for watermelon producers in North Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the testing service that UF/IFAS Extension provides to growers. “We collectively provide a service of going out and running petiole …
Watermelon 2021: Domestic Production Down, Imports Up
Domestic watermelon production was down in 2021, though imports from other countries like Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras rose. Domestic production totaled 3.37 billion pounds last year, a decrease of 2% from 2020. This was mostly attributed to a 7% decrease in Georgia production because of a cooler spring and 35% decrease in Texas due to Winter Storm Uri. Florida’s watermelon …
Powdery Mildew: What Cucurbit Growers Need to Know
By Clint Thompson Powdery mildew is a disease all cucurbit farmers need to be familiar with this spring season. Unlike other pathogens that need wet, rainy conditions to flourish, powdery mildew prefers a drier environment. If weather conditions turn dry this spring, powdery mildew could be most concerning, says Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of …
Blueberry Production in Florida
Florida’s blueberry production, harvest and shipping season is well under way. Doug Phillips, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) statewide blueberry Extension coordinator, discusses blueberry production in Florida. Q: In addition to Sentinel, what are some the latest blueberry varieties from UF/IFAS? What makes them interesting to the consumer? How about for the producer? A: …
What’s Happening: 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. Weekly Field Update Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “It finally feels like spring in the fields. The strawberry crop is really behind schedule this year. Most farms have plants with 3-to-4 crowns on them. In most years, we have …
Budgeting for Specialty Crop Success
By Clint Thompson At a time when input prices are historically high and availability a serious concern for specialty crop producers, growers need to ensure budgeting is a priority for the spring season. Jessie Rowan, Alabama regional Extension agent, who specializes in commercial horticulture and farm and agribusiness management, discusses the importance of understanding and planning for the different expenses. …
Improving Pre-emergent Herbicide Use in Vegetable Row Middles
By Ramdas Kanissery, Ruby Tiwari and Nirmal Timilsina Weeds are problematic in vegetable production as they compete with crops for nutrients, water and other resources. Weeds that emerge in the spaces between the raised beds (row middles) not only serve as hosts for pests and diseases but can potentially interfere with farm operations (Figure 1). Weeds can negatively affect field …
PRVCGA: Florida Growers Score Wins During Legislative Session
By Frank Giles Members of Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association gathered in Arcadia last week for its annual meeting and dinner. Updates were provided on association business, orange juice marketing and citrus Extension activities. Matt Joyner, executive vice president/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, also gave an update on the 2022 state legislative session. He said the citrus industry scored …
USDA Seeks New Members to Serve on Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it intends to renew the charter of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). It is also seeking nominations from specialty crop stakeholders to serve on the FVIAC. The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2022. USDA is set to reestablish the committee’s charter for two years as required by the Federal Advisory …
2022 Florida Women’s Leadership Conference Focused on Outreach
The Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) hosted more than 100 women from across the state for the 2022 Women’s Leadership Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Melbourne, March 24-26. The conference featured keynote speakers, an awards banquet, breakout sessions and farm tours. Keynote speakers included Lorenda Overman, vice-chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee; national speaker Betty …