By Clint Thompson Not all is bad when producers think about the hot and dry conditions throughout the Southeast. Disease pressure has been extremely light in South Georgia vegetable fields, according to Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Vegetable Agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth Counties. “Foliar fungal diseases or bacterial diseases is the only thing that this hot, …
South Carolina Grower: Clemson Extension Agents Provide 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 Coastal Rob Last reports, “On the whole, disease pressure in most crops remains low. The exception is cucurbits where we are finding powdery mildew in cucumbers as well as downy mildew. Cucurbit bacterial …
Insect Populations Up Across Alabama
By Clint Thompson As temperatures and dry conditions continue to increase across Alabama, so are insect infestations. According to the Alabama Insect Pest Monitoring Report, as of May 28, moth numbers were up for multiple insects, especially when compared to this time last year. Fall armyworms have increased the most. In 19 different locations across the state, there were 187 …
Disease Alert: Cucurbit Growers Be Mindful of Powdery Mildew
By Clint Thompson Not all plant diseases need moisture to become problematic. Some cucurbit farmers in Georgia are finding that out with powdery mildew. The extended dry period in Georgia has allowed powdery mildew to flourish. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, said there is a moderate level of concern among producers, though there are effective fungicides …
UF Strawberry Breeder: ‘Lengthening of Season Good for Industry’
By Clint Thompson A recent production trend is a positive development for Florida strawberry producers. The Sunshine State’s strawberry season is starting earlier and ending later in recent years. That’s a win for producers, said Vance Whitaker, strawberry breeder at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “There were some interesting USDA statistics that were out recently …
Tips to Control Nematodes in Carrot Production
By Abolfazl Hajihassani Plant-parasitic nematodes are known as hidden enemies and restrain carrot production in the United States. In Georgia, carrots are among the most seriously affected vegetables due to heavy infestation of root-knot nematodes. These pests cause especially severe problems in sandy-textured soils in all carrot-growing areas. Three major species — Meloidogyne incognita, M. arenaria and M. javanica — …
Protect Future Crops From Weeds During Fallow Period
By Clint Thompson It is the fallow period for much of Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. It is the time every season between June and August when it is too hot to produce any crops. But that doesn’t mean producers aren’t preparing for the upcoming fall season. The fallow times of the year allow growers to protect their future …
Results From Alabama Extension Strawberry Variety Research Trials
By Clint Thompson Strawberries remain a popular fruit crop produced in Alabama. The secret to increasing its popularity may be by providing growers more variety options. “Varieties are one of the most important decisions you’re going to make in crop production,” said Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University during a …
Snap Bean Update: Imports on the Rise
It is the peak season for snap beans in the U.S. Two Southeastern states continue to lead the country in domestic production. According to USDA Economic Research Service, the 2017 Census of Agriculture reported Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, California and Texas as the leading fresh-market snap bean states. Florida is the primary domestic supplier from November to April, with additional volume …
Say Hello to the Newest Citrus Achievement Award Winner
See why Larry Black says grower expertise and scientific advancement will eventually win the day over HLB.