UGA to Host In-Person Beginner’s Pecan Production Course

Web AdminGeorgia, Pecan, Top Posts

The University of Georgia Pecan Team will be holding a Beginner’s Pecan Production Course on June 15 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The course will cover various topics pertaining to pecan production including costs, cultivar selection, fertilization, irrigation, cultural management, insect control, disease management, weeds, equipment and market overview. The event will start …

Fertilization Keeps Watermelons ‘Happy’

Web AdminFlorida, Georgia, Top Posts, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Fertilization remains a vital part of the watermelon production season up until harvest time, says Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “One harvest, every five to seven days let’s say, it’s the second and the third and the potentially fourth harvest that we need to make sure we’re taking care and keeping …

Keep Crops Watered Amid Dry Conditions

Web AdminAlabama, Irrigation, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson With hot temperatures expected to get hotter and dry conditions only expected to get drier, irrigation management is a top priority for Alabama vegetable and specialty crop producers. “They need to make sure their irrigation system is working correctly, obviously,” said Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist. “The nice thing about most vegetable growers is that they …

Downy Mildew Found on Cucumbers in South Carolina

Web AdminSouth Carolina, Top Posts

According to The South Carolina Grower, cucurbit downy mildew was found in South Carolina this week in Bamberg, Barnwell and Calhoun Counties. In each case, downy mildew was found on cucumbers, though severity seems low. It was noted that the disease’s discovery was about two weeks earlier than in the past couple of years. All cucumber and cantaloupe growers in …

South Florida’s Vegetable Production Ends With a ‘Whimper’

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson South Florida’s vegetable season started off strong but ended with a “whimper,” according to Gene McAvoy, associate director for stakeholder relations at the University of Florida/IFAS. “It was pretty strong there in January and February. Then Mexico started coming in with more product, especially in April,” McAvoy said. “It varies by crop. Sweet corn had probably the …

Tomato Expert: (Pallets) Are One of Those Things You Never Thought About

Web AdminFlorida, Tomatoes, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Florida’s tomato season is nearing an end this year. While the crop struggled amid the coronavirus pandemic, growers were able to finish production amid a supply shortage, specifically with pallets. But the fall crop is just around the corner. That is a concern for Bob Spencer, President of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida. “We never experienced …

New Tool in the Toolbox for Citrus Growers?

Web AdminCitrus, Disease, Florida, Top Posts

APOPKA, Fla. — Florida citrus producers need all the help they can get in combating the citrus greening disease. What about a tool that could aid trees already suffering from the disease? University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences may have a new in the citrus toolbox. Researchers found that injecting a benign Xylella fastidiosa EB92-1 bacteria biocontrol …

Irrigation Key for Pecan Producers During These Hot, Dry Conditions

Web AdminAlabama, Drought, Georgia, Pecan, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Weather forecasts are calling for hot and dry conditions for the foreseeable future. That could have a detrimental impact on pecan trees, believes Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “Especially with growers with young trees planted in the last year or two, they need to be really careful about making sure they’re watering these …

Georgia Farmer: I Believe Our Industry is Worth Fighting For

Web AdminExports/Imports, Georgia, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Georgia vegetable farmer Bill Brim exudes passion when talking about agriculture. It’s all he’s known for more than 50 years. Brim directed passion and zeal toward the U.S. International Trade Commission during its hearing on cucumbers and squash in April. “I am here because I believe in Georgia farmers. I believe our industry is worth fighting for,” …

UF Strawberry Breeder: I’m Optimistic That We’re Going to be Able to Solve It

Web AdminFlorida, Strawberry, Top Posts

By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease could have a lingering impact on Florida strawberry production for the foreseeable future. However, it should not be compared with Citrus Greening, the disease that has devastated the state’s citrus industry, believes University of Florida/IFAS strawberry breeder Vance Whitaker. “When you talk about citrus greening, you’re talking about a long-lived crop that you …