FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — High nutrient loss in the Everglades Agricultural Area is not uncommon. University of Florida scientists now know why. In research conducted by assistant professor Willm Martens-Habbena and his team at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center in collaboration with a team at the Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade, they demonstrate how high …
Irrigation Scheduling: Certain Strategies More Valuable Than Others
By Clint Thompson The best irrigation scheduling strategies can save vegetable farmers water and help maintain or increase yields, says Andre da Silva, Assistant Professor of Vegetable Crop Systems at Auburn University. He divides irrigation scheduling among six different ranks regarding implementation and effectiveness. Growers need to choose the best method to achieve the optimal results. The recommended methods are …
Cause for Concern: Blueberry Producers Be Wary of Algal Stem Blotch Disease
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry producers need to stay vigilant in maintaining their blueberry bushes for the upcoming year, says Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida. One of the key diseases that growers need to protect against is algal stem blotch. It’s not a typical fungus disease so normal synthetic fungicides are not effective. …
Whitefly Time: Low Numbers Reported in Georgia
By Clint Thompson It is about that time of the summer that one insect becomes more noticeable for certain vegetable farmers and cotton producers. Right on cue, low whitefly infestations have been observed, explains University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks. “Phillip (Roberts) told me (the other day) that he had one person report some yesterday, but really, …
What’s Up? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Statewide Dr. Tony Keinath reports, “Basil downy mildew was found in mid-June in Charleston. Symptoms start as faint yellowing of leaves, which eventually show brown spots surrounded by yellow areas. To see the …
Florida Citrus Growers Watching the Tropics
We are well over a month into the 2021 hurricane season. Tropical Storm Elsa is reminding us exactly what can happen in the state of Florida this time of year. Executive Director of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association (HCCGA), Ray Royce, says with summer here, eyes now turn to the weather. As for Tropical Storm Elsa, warnings and watches …
Tropical Storm Elsa: Minimal Impact Expected on Florida’s Vegetable Industry
By Clint Thompson The looming landfall of Tropical Storm Elsa should have minimal impact on the vegetable industry in Florida, said Aaron Troyer, farmer and chairman of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. “Most of the crops are out of the ground and harvested right now. Anything there would be your perennial crops like oranges, citrus, that sort of thing,” …
Right to Farm Bill Highlights Florida Ag Interests
By Adam Basford Florida farmers and ranchers gained a significantly stronger level of protection from frivolous lawsuits when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 88 on April 29. Sponsored by Sen. Jason Brodeur and Rep. Jayer Williamson, the Right to Farm bill modernizes the law that was established in 1979. All 50 U.S. states have enacted Right to Farm laws that …
Sulfur Key Tool in Reducing Soil pH
By Clint Thompson Sulfur is a tool that South Florida growers can implement to decrease their soil pH in preparation for the upcoming fall season. Phillip Williams, an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, discusses the importance of bringing the soil pH down to its optimal level of 6.5. “The problem in Southwest Florida, our …
Commissioner Fried Announces Urban and Community Farming Pilot Program
Tallahassee, Fla. — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Energy announced the establishment of the Florida Urban and Community Farming Pilot Program. It provides support for urban and community farming projects to promote cleaner air, lower building heating and cooling costs, and provide additional stable, affordable and secure sources of …