By Clint Thompson It is expected to be an “exciting year” for mango research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida. That is the mindset of Alan Chambers, an assistant professor, who discussed the future of the industry. “We are going to be doing some very exciting …
No More Satsumas: The Time Is Ripe to Diversify
South Georgia and North Florida industry leaders preached diversification to citrus growers at the Georgia Citrus Association annual conference. The event took place Feb. 28 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Conference Center. No longer should satsuma mandarins be the crop of choice for potential growers. There are other viable options for farmers to choose from, said Lindy Savelle, …
Grafting in Tomato: A Practical Tool for Root-Knot Nematode Control
By Abolfazl Hajihassani Control of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) is a severe challenge for growers because the pests have abroad host range and can survive in the soil for several years. This makes crop rotation impractical and inefficient for nematode management. Other major management options for root-knot nematodes in tomato include chemical controls using fumigant and non-fumigant nematicides and resistant varieties/rootstocks. …
Rabbit Management: Conserve Habitat for Predators
By Clint Thompson Management of a South Florida pest starts with conserving the habitat for its predators. That’s what sugarcane and vegetable producers need to keep in mind when managing rabbit wildlife. “I’m going to quote a gentleman who heard about our (rabbit) workshop. He’s a producer in the western United States, and he said they had similar problems out …
Vidalia Onions Official Packing Date Slated for April 12
The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Vidalia Onion Committee announced on Wednesday that April 12 will be the official pack date for the 2022 Vidalia onion season. “Each year, I along with the Vidalia Onion Committee, look forward to sharing when Vidalia onions will be on their way to stores, so I’m pleased to announce April 12 as the …
Industry Expert: Number of Georgia Hemp Licenses to Decline in 2022
By Clint Thompson The number of Georgia producers applying for a license to grow hemp is expected to decrease in 2022. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said the level of interest among growers has dropped significantly from previous years. “It’s marketing and the financial side of things. Basically, there’s so …
La Niña Effect: February Ends Warmer, Drier
February ended warmer than usual for most of the Southeast region, according to the University of Georgia Extension Climate and Agriculture blog. This was typical of a La Niña winter. Other than Alabama and areas near mountains, the region was also drier than normal. “The warm and dry conditions this year are contributing to the expansion of dry conditions and …
Fire Ant Control Key in Young Citrus Groves
Fire ant management is essential to the long-term sustainability of citrus groves. This is particularly true for young trees still trying to develop root systems, said Xavier Martini, assistant professor of entomology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC). Martini spoke on insect management at the recent UF/IFAS …
Alabama Tomato Production: Optimal Planting Period Begins This Week
By Clint Thompson Planting dates are an important factor to consider when planning for tomato production this year. Alabama Extension reminds interested producers that this week begins the optimal planting period for South Alabama. Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, encourages growers in the southern part of the state to plant their crop between March 1 and April 30. …
Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference 2022
The UF/IFAS food and resource economics department (FRED) Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference is back in-person this spring. The conference explains critical policy issues Florida agribusiness leaders face and provides insights on economic factors that can inform business and policy decisions. WHAT: The annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference. Topics include local food trends, crop outlooks and disaster assessments, and …