By Clint Thompson Most of Alabama has received its share of rainfall this spring. But with inclement weather, especially high winds, comes the potential for certain insect pests to be moved from field to field, says Ayanava Majumdar, Extension professor in entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University. “If there’s any moth flights that have already begun, these storms will …
Nematode Control Important for Turf Producers
By Clint Thompson The booming housing market in Florida means a spike in sod sales for the turfgrass industry. But it also means increased risk for nematode damage. Billy Crow, University of Florida professor of nematology in the entomology and nematology department, discusses the importance of nematode control. “You’ll have slower growth in which increases the amount of time the …
Supply Chain Emergency in Georgia
Georgia governor Brian Kemp’s executive order declaring a supply chain emergency for his state will remain in effect through Sunday, May 15. The main points of the executive order include: “No motor carrier operating under the terms of this State of Emergency will require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies …
Date Set for Southeast Georgia Pecan Field Day
Pecan producers in Southeast Georgia can mark their calendars for the next University of Georgia Extension Southeast Georgia Pecan Field Day. The event will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 17 in Baxley, Georgia. Equipment viewing will start at 8 a.m., while the field day will begin at 9 a.m. Those interested in attending can call 912-367-8130 to sign up. The …
Vidalia Onions Could Be Impacted by Rain at Harvest
By Clint Thompson Farmers of Georgia’s Vidalia onions are crossing their fingers and hoping for minimal impact from the rains the Southeast Georgia region has experienced in recent weeks. Onions are vulnerable to secondary pathogens during weather events, especially as the crop is being harvested. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, believes the impact could be felt …
Scouting a Huge Benefit for Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Scouting remains the best management strategy that specialty crop producers can implement during the growing season. It provides protection against pests and diseases and can also prevent growers from applying unnecessary sprays, an important benefit for farmers in an era marred by high input costs. Mathews Paret, associate professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida …
Freeze Effect: Alabama’s Early Peach Varieties Impacted With Uniformity Issues
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s peach producers are about a month away from harvesting this year’s crop. A lack of uniformity is being observed in early peach varieties. It is a result of freeze damage, says Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. “(The crop is) looking promising. They did have some …
Registration Alert: Deadline Today for UF/IFAS Stone Fruit Field Day
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reminds peach producers about the upcoming Stone Fruit Field Day, scheduled for Tuesday, April 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida. Current and interested peach growers, home gardeners, farm advisors and all those interested in stone fruit are …
Georgia Peach Producers Stay Diligent with Fungicide Sprays Amid Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Dry conditions that are prevalent in much of Georgia should not be mistaken as an opportunity for the state’s peach producers to let up on their fungicide spray program. Even as the crop nears harvest, farmers should stay diligent with their fungicide applications, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist. “The spray program, cover …
Potato Production: Demand is Greater Than Supply
By Clint Thompson Demand for potatoes is high, while supply remains low. That could be good news for Florida producers hoping to take advantage this spring, said John Toaspern, chief marketing officer for Potatoes USA. “(Florida’s) just coming into the market right now. They’re coming into a strong market for table-stock potatoes. Reds and other potatoes coming out of there …