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 Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “Another rainy, wet and cold week last week. Some sunshine and warmer temperatures coming this week. All of our fruit crops have received their chill hours and are just waiting to …
Seed Facility: Bayer Opens Distribution Center in South Georgia
A new fruit and vegetable seed distribution center will provide seed to Southeast produce farmers in a timely and efficient fashion. Bayer Vegetable Seeds announced the opening of its new distribution center in Valdosta, Georgia, located about 10 minutes from the Georgia-Florida state line. It will provide access to its Seminis branded large seed portfolio. Currently, the distribution center is …
Less Efficacy: UGA Onion Trials Show Reduced Impact on Botrytis Leaf Blight
University of Georgia research trials show that two fungicides may be losing their efficacy in the control of Botrytis Leaf Blight of Vidalia onions. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, informed onion producers and industry leaders during a webinar last week that Scala and Luna Tranquility …
Snowball Effect: Wet Weather Could Impact Fall Plantings
Weather forecasts call for sunshine every day but Monday this week in South Georgia. It’s not a moment too soon for vegetable farmers itching to get in the field. Unfortunately, the excessive winter rains have delayed work for producers. It could have a snowball effect heading into next fall, says Sam Watson, managing partner of Chill C Farms in Colquitt …
Need to Know: Alabama Hemp Production Facts
Alabama producers who plan to produce hemp in the future need to have a clue about what their production is intended for, says Gail Ellis, hemp program manager at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). “What I’ve tried to tell everybody that gets in hemp, the more you know about what you want to do in hemp is …
Defeating Disease: What Can be Done About Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot?
Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot has emerged as a significant disease of Florida strawberry production. Instances have increased over the last three years, to the point this year the disease was discovered in fields that had it the prior season. But what can producers do to manage this destructive disease? Natalia Peres, a Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS …
National Watermelon Association to Hold Annual Membership Meeting
The annual membership meeting of the National Watermelon Association is scheduled to be held via conference call on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 11 a.m. (eastern). The agenda will focus solely on the election of officers and executive committee members for 2021. Stay tuned to future updates, including the conference call information.
Frozen: Peach Producers Have Limited Options Against Late Freeze
Some things are inevitable every year for Southeast peach producers. That late-season frost event that could damage peach production for the upcoming season unfortunately tops the list. Even though chill hours are no longer a concern, peach farmers are worried that if temperatures warm up in the next several weeks their crop would be vulnerable to a late freeze. “Unfortunately, …
Be Prepared: Vidalia Onion Producers Need to be Ready for Downy Mildew Disease
It was March 23 in 2020. In the prior season it was Feb. 28. In 2018 it was March 19. All were dates that Downy Mildew disease was initially discovered in Georgia Vidalia onions. If past seasons are any indication, the disease could soon be ripe for a problem for Vidalia onion producers. “Downy is always on our minds this …
Winter Weather: What to do When Storms Bring Ice, Potential for Damaged Trees Across North Carolina
RALEIGH – Ice and freezing rain can be common weather events during the winter months. These types of weather events can severely impact trees and forested areas across the state. The N.C. Forest Service urges property owners and anyone preparing for or cleaning up after a storm to be cautious and think safety first. “If you’re out preparing trees for …