Increased rainfall means conditions are favorable for the development of phytophthora fruit rot (Pcap) in watermelon, according to University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Blog and Extension plant pathologist Bhabesh Dutta. There are several pre- and post-harvest considerations growers need to be mindful of in protecting their watermelon crop from the disease. Dutta recommends: Avoid harvesting watermelons from low spots in …
Production Update: High Yields, Low Prices for South Georgia Farmers
By Clint Thompson Crop yields have been high this year at Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia. If only market prices could have matched the production experienced in such crops as peppers, cucumbers and squash. “Prices are cheap. Mexico is sending product in here. It’s gotten prices depressed,” said Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms. “Jumbo peppers are …
Sneak Peek: July 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The 2021 Florida, Georgia and Alabama legislative sessions have officially wrapped up, and the July issue of VSCNews magazine will tell readers how agriculture fared in each state. Adam Basford, director of state legislative affairs for Florida Farm Bureau, discusses the successes and ongoing work in Tallahassee this session. He highlighted the state’s updated Florida’s Right to …
Superfood Success: UF Researcher Studying Pomegranates’ Future in Florida
Interested in producing a crop that tastes good and is full of nutrients, including antioxidants? Pomegranates provide Florida farmers that sweet option. “The fruit and its products, such as arils and juice, are rich in phytochemicals and are considered a ‘superfood,’” said Zhanao Deng, a University of Florida environmental horticulture professor who’s trying to breed and grow more pomegranates in …
Sweet Corn Prices on the Rise
By Clint Thompson Market prices for sweet corn have improved in recent weeks, and that’s good news for farmers like Tift County, Georgia’s Jaime Patrick. “The price was really cheap, and you just couldn’t move any. The demand just wasn’t there,” Patrick said. “Fortunately, the markets have picked up just a little bit. The most important part has been the …
Fruit Splits: Increased Rain Could Lead to Problem in Blueberry Crop
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall in Georgia has blueberry industry experts and farmers concerned about a repeat of last year’s fruit splits. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, explains how increased moisture damages the fruit that’s still left to be harvested. “Once the berry is really ripe, the skin on the berry can’t expand …
Registration Ongoing for Citrus Expo, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo
Registration is ongoing for those interested in attending this year’s Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, scheduled for Aug. 18-19 at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida. The key issues that are impacting Florida’s citrus, vegetable and specialty crop producers will be discussed during this year’s event. How are unfair trade practices by Mexico impacting …
Insect Pressure Increasing Across Alabama
Insect pest pressure is up across Alabama, according to the latest Alabama Insect Pest Monitoring Update on June 19. The latest numbers show that fall armyworms, southern armyworms, corn earworms and squash vine borers are up compared to this time last year. In 19 locations across Alabama, here are the moth numbers compared to last year: Species 2021 moth …
Sweet Corn Alert: Alabama Growers Be Wary of Pests
By Clint Thompson Katelyn Kesheimer’s message to Alabama’s sweet corn producers is simple: “At this point, if your plants are thinking about silking, be prepared to spray.” The Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist advises producers to be mindful of corn earworms and fall armyworms. Both need to be taken care of before infestations get out of control. “Corn …
U.S. Drought Monitor Update: Florida’s Dry Conditions Diminishing
According to the Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, dry conditions are slowly diminishing in Florida, especially in the southern part of the state. While most counties, including Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Hendry, Collier and Glades are still abnormally dry, none are in a moderate drought. Other counties that are partially abnormally dry include Polk, Hardee, Manatee and Sarasota in …