By Clint Thompson University of Florida tomato breeder Sam Hutton can sometimes be in a no-win situation when trying to create a variety of the future. Between a consumer base that desires quality, and farmers, who crave quantity, it presents a challenging scenario. How do you keep farmers and consumers happy? It is almost impossible. “As you increase your sugars, …
Hemp Survey: Alabama Extension Asking for Grower Input
A group of hemp research and extension faculty, including Alabama Extension, are conducting a survey with hemp producers to gauge research priorities in the future. The group is asking hemp growers to fill out the survey to help with the efforts. This is Alabama’s third hemp production season, though the rainy summer has delayed or deterred growers from planting their …
UGA Extension to Host Onion Meeting
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension will host a fumigation meeting for Vidalia onion producers at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center (VOVRC) on Tuesday, July 20 at 11 a.m. UGA Extension will provide updates for producers, as they prepare for onion seedbeds. A BBQ Lunch will be provided for attendees. The meeting will conclude at 1 p.m. Contact Chris …
Citrus Canker Detected: Disease Confirmed in Alabama
Citrus canker has been detected in Alabama. Plant health officials have confirmed the plant disease in a residential area of Baldwin County, Alabama, which is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and state of Florida. This is the first detection of citrus canker in Alabama. It can affect all citrus species. Though the disease is harmless to humans, it can …
Drought-Less Region: Sufficient Moisture Remains in Alabama, Florida and Georgia
According to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of the Southeast continues to have sufficient moisture amid a wet summer. No areas of Alabama or Georgia are abnormally dry. Only a small part of Miami-Dade County in Florida is abnormally dry. South Carolina has sufficient moisture, except for a small region across the northwest part of the state. …
Cloudy and Overcast: summer Weather Dampens Growers’ Spirits
By Clint Thompson South Georgia’s wettest summer since 2013 has vegetable and specialty crop farmers hoping for more sunshine, especially as preparations begin for fall plantings. “It’s killing us. We’re trying to lay plastic and trying to get stuff seeded in the greenhouse. This cloudy weather just isn’t good for anything,” said Tift County farmer Jaime Patrick said. “We’re getting …
Less Hemp Acreage in Alabama Amid Wet Conditions
By Clint Thompson If growers’ hemp crops are not planted by now, it is likely too late. Alabama Extension does not encourage growers to pursue planting their crop after June. “I don’t love the idea of planting in July at all,” said Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist. “We had some stuff go in at the end …
Sour Ending for Watermelon Season
By Clint Thompson Southeast watermelon producers prefer weather conditions to stay as dry as possible during harvest time. Needless to say, this summer has been anything but ideal for growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Persistent rains, increased disease pressure and diminishing market prices have added up to a challenging couple of months, says Josh Freeman, University of Florida/IFAS Associate …
Papaya Popularity Prompts UF/IFAS Research Trial
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Popularity in papaya prompted University of Florida scientists to conduct a research trial. The results, just published in Scientia Horticulturae, examines 21 different varieties ripe for growing in South Florida for fruit quality, aroma, plant height and yield components. “This research is timely as growers are looking for higher value crops that resonate with consumers,” said Alan …
Hemp Update: UF/IFAS Pilot Project Yields Interesting Results
The University of Florida/IFAS’ two-year Industrial Hemp Pilot Project yielded interesting findings, though further research is needed. Variety trials showed some promising aspects of hemp genetics for grain and flower production in Florida. Key factors impacting genetics that will also determine the crop’s success include planting date, fertility management and pest control. Many varieties exceeded the 0.3% total THC threshold …