Pepper weevil populations continue to be high across South Florida. Growers should be scouting as populations are expected to intensify when warmer temperatures return to the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are high around Southwest Florida and along the East Coast where weevils are being observed not long after fruit development. Respondents also report …
Blueberry Freeze Impact: More Accurate Assessment Expected Next Week
By Clint Thompson The impact from last week’s sub-freezing temperatures on Georgia blueberries will not be known until late next week. Jerome Crosby, chairman of the Georgia Blueberry Commission, said more detailed scouting next week should yield an accurate assessment of where the crop stands heading into the upcoming harvest season. “We’re trying to get some numbers together, field scouting …
Little Impact from Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot This Season for Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson A calm disease year for Florida’s strawberry growers meant fewer instances of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease. After the previous couple of seasons, producers welcomed the break, says Natalia Peres, professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “It’s been pretty quiet with few exceptions from growers that got plants that …
UF/IFAS to Host Lettuce Advisory Committee Meeting
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will host a lettuce advisory committee meeting in Belle Glade, Florida on Tuesday, March 22. The meeting will be designated to discussing lettuce and other leafy vegetable production issues. It will start at noon and conclude at 3 p.m. Click here to register.
Freeze Impact: Watermelon Growers Still Determining Extent of Damage
By Clint Thompson Thursday’s expected sunshine should help shine a light on the damage inflicted on North Florida’s watermelon plants from last weekend’s sub-freezing temperatures. How much acreage will need to be replanted is still a question for growers impacted by temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the Suwanee Valley. “Because this was not necessarily a frost situation, …
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Applauds USDA’s Investment in Domestic Fertilizer Production
In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcing plans for a $250 million investment to support additional domestic fertilizer production for American farmers facing rapidly rising prices, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried offered the following statement: “Florida farmers help feed families across our state, nation, and world, even in the face of unprecedented challenges in recent years. But …
USDA to Invest in Domestic Fertilizer Production
During a speech at the Commodity Classic, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced USDA will make available $250 million through a new grant program this summer to support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertilizer production to supply American farmers. Additionally, to address growing competition concerns in the agricultural supply chain, USDA will launch a public inquiry seeking information regarding …
Rains Alleviate Some of North Florida’s Dry Conditions
Heavy rains last week alleviated some of the abnormally dry conditions in North Florida. But Central and South Florida remain moderately dry as are South Georgia and South Alabama. Moderate dry conditions are still being experienced in the Florida Panhandle from Escambia County eastward to Madison County. Levy and Marion counties are also moderately dry, which stretches as far south …
Inputs a Major Concern for Potato Producers
By Clint Thompson Potato producers are not immune to the supply chain woes befallen other specialty crops. Kam Quarles, Chief executive officer of the National Potato Council, discusses the issues that are concerning to the potato sector. “For this past year, it’s been a really tight market. I think the challenge going forward is in regard to inputs. Fertilizer prices …
Thrips Pressure Expected to Increase in South Florida
Thrips pressure is expected to increase in South Florida vegetable fields. Growers are reminded to monitor populations and implement management tactics early, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. This is especially important for commodities that are vulnerable to viruses vectored by thrips. Populations are reportedly low in central Florida, though they are expected to increase as the …