By Clint Thompson A hot month of May is expected to stay that way as the weather outlook calendar turns to June. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, provided a weather outlook for what temperatures should feel like over the next week. “The (upcoming) forecast continues to show us in above normal temperatures across all of the …
USDA Announces Food Purchase Assistance Agreement with Alabama
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today has signed a cooperative agreement with Alabama under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). “USDA is excited to partner with Alabama to promote economic opportunities for farmers and producers and to increase access to locally sourced, fresh, healthy, and nutritious food in underserved communities,” …
Recent Rains Helping with Spider Mite Infestations
By Clint Thompson This week’s rainfall in South Georgia should help alleviate the current pest pressure associated with spider mite infestations. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, confirmed the spider mite infestations have been impactful this spring, mostly due to the prolonged drought throughout most of the region. “The only thing I’ve had reported recently is …
Important Clarifications on the Florida Citrus Research Order Referendum
As the voting period for the Florida Citrus Research Order winds down, it is important that growers have a clear understanding what the vote is for and the role the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) plays in the process. Rick Dantzler, chief operating officer of CRDF, says this clarification is important to be sure growers have the correct information, …
Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Teams to Host Vegetable Field Day
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.— Join the Alabama Cooperative Extension commercial horticulture team for a conventional and organic vegetable crop field day on May 31. The field day will be held at the E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter, Alabama from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Tours will begin at the plant breeding unit at the railroad track …
Downy Mildew in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson What was inevitable has now become reality for North Florida watermelon producers – downy mildew disease in this year’s crop. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) regional specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed the presence of the disease in Levy County during his weekly email alerts. “It’s something that …
Florida Tomato Conference Set for Sept. 7
Florida tomato producers and industry leaders can mark their calendars for Wednesday, Sept. 7. The Florida Tomato Conference will be held at the LaBelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. The Florida Tomato Institute will present industry and research updates. There will also be a session highlighting a food safety workshop/T-GAP renewal. The event will start at 9 a.m. and conclude …
More Efficient Way to Apply Genome Editing to Plant Breeding
New research led by a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientist shows a development regulator can help plants grow. The study’s results also may help genome editing and as a result, plant breeding. Development regulators are genes that regulate plant development and growth. UF/IFAS scientists have discovered that one such gene can help deliver DNA …
Florida First Detector Training
Registration is ongoing for a Florida First Detector training, scheduled for June 3 at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Everglades Research and Education Center. It will last from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The free Florida First Detector training will highlight identification and management for pests of concern that could impact sugarcane, rice and leafy …
Citrus Canker Discovered in Georgia
The discovery of citrus canker disease in Georgia last week has prompted industry leaders to caution growers about where they buy their trees. Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association, said hundreds of trees had to be removed from a grove infected with citrus canker. The trees were not from a Georgia certified nursery. She said the best way …