By Clint Thompson Almost perfect weather conditions for Florida production of tomatoes should have had most growers reaping the rewards by now. But that’s not the case, due in large part to a multitude of factors, says Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and Executive Vice President of the Florida Tomato Exchange. “The weather throughout the Florida growing …
Organic Blueberry Production: Challenging but Profitable
By Clint Thompson Organic blueberry production can be a profitable venture for aspiring producers in the Southeast. While market prices are higher than in conventional systems, growers need to be mindful of the various production challenges. These range from weed control options to selecting the right fertilizer. Gerard Krewer, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia, discusses the obstacles …
Rainfall Alleviates Dry Conditions in Southeast
By Clint Thompson Much needed rainfall this past week alleviated much of the dry conditions being felt across the Southeast, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. In Florida, much of the Panhandle now has sufficient moisture. Escambia County and Santa Rose County are either abnormally dry or moderately dry. Okaloosa County is also abnormally dry. …
Downy Mildew in Lettuce: Growers Need to be on Preventative Program
By Clint Thompson One of the most important diseases of lettuce was found last week in a Florida field in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Richard Raid, a professor in plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, discusses the disease’s impact and why he encourages growers to be on a preventative program. “Lettuce downy mildew …
Corteva Ridgeback™ Insecticide Effective Against Whiteflies
By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles Specialty crop producers can never have too many insecticides in their management system. Growers will soon be able to add a new insecticide to the toolbox from Corteva Agriscience. Ridgeback™ insecticide should provide farmers in the Southeast another weapon in the arsenal in their annual fight against one destructive pest, says Nathan Alonzo, product …
GFVGA Responds to USITC Cucumber, Squash Investigations
By Clint Thompson The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) investigations into the impact of imports of cucumbers and squash on seasonal domestic markets generated a positive response from the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “They were never going to come out and make a recommendation or suggest any policy. It was really to provide the trade representative, Katherine …
ABT Hotspot Reported in South Florida
A new hotspot of Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations was reported this week along the Lee County/Collier County line in Florida, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Scouts indicated a population of 0.5 ABT per bloom was observed in one planting with pods forming and some flowers remaining. Another planting experienced 2.4 ABT per …
Bacterial Spot Disease Problematic in Florida Fields
Bacterial spot disease continues to be prevalent in tomatoes and susceptible pepper varieties throughout Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. This is especially true in Southwest Florida where foggy conditions have helped increase the disease. It is also widespread in Homestead, Florida and is increasing in severity. Bacterial spot has flared in some pepper varieties on …
AFBF Annual Meeting Highlights Ag Exports
By Clint Thompson The exports of American agricultural products increased substantially in 2021, most notably in China due to the Phase One Agreement. Veronica Nigh, economist with American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), highlighted China’s purchasing increases during AFBF’s meeting in Atlanta earlier this month. “They went from purchasing about $22 billion worth of Ag products in 2016 down to $9 …
NCDA&CS Accepting Applications for the 2022 Specialty Crops Block Grant Program
Attention those in North Carolina (N.C.) with an interest in specialty crops. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Nonprofits and government agencies have until March 4 at noon to apply. Applicants can submit a draft application for staff review by Wednesday, Jan. 26 to receive feedback on …