By Clint Thompson Alabama vegetable producer Will Mastin utilizes an alternative approach to growing lettuce. Instead of producing the vegetable in a field setting, Mastin, in Baldwin County, grows lettuce hydroponically; a unique, sustainable approach he has implemented for 12 years. “Hydroponic lettuce is just growing lettuce without any soil. There’s a couple of different methods of doing that. The …
Wet Weather Impact: Insect Pests Down
By Clint Thompson Insect populations are down across the Southeast. The deluge of recent rainfall has stalled the whitefly numbers, while other insects have also not been able to find footing so far this spring, says Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. “This is the time of year where squash bugs will come out after overwintering, …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Tracking Progress of Region’s Fruits, Vegetables
By Clint Thompson Sweet Corn Picks Up After Slow Start Florida sweet corn volume was expected to ramp up during the first couple of weeks in April. The increased production was needed for growers who experienced a sluggish start to the season, mostly due to excessive rainfall. The record rainfall kept growers from being able to access the field for …
Peachy Comeback: Georgia Fruit Set for Bumper Crop After Disastrous Season
Fort Valley, GA — Georgia Peaches are poised to kick off an unprecedented run through produce departments and farmer’s markets across North America. The signature sweet taste of Georgia’s legendary fruit was missed last season, and the Georgia Peach Council is excited to be back with a record-breaking crop of sweet Georgia peaches. Industry optimism is based on a full winter …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign with Quick Tips to Keep Pollinators Safe
The BeSure! Campaign from the Growing Matters coalition helps growers protect bees and other wildlife. Today we’re talking with Shine Taylor, Field Development Representative with Gowan Company, who gives some quick tips for applicators.
Pay Attention: Pecan Nut Casebearer a Concern for Southeast Producers
By Clint Thompson The time is now for Southeast pecan producers to pay attention to pecan nut casebearer, a pest that can devastate pecan trees if left unchecked. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, noted in the UGA Pecan Blog that the tiny nutlets on the trees’ terminal branches are exposed to feeding by the casebearer caterpillars. …
Powdery Mildew Observed in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Powdery mildew disease has been observed in North Florida watermelons. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, confirmed the disease’s presence in an email this week, though most fields have not yet shown signs of the disease. “The disease is in its initial stages …
Say What? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Rob Last Sarah Scott Pee Dee Christiana Huss Upstate Andy Rollins
UF/IFAS Researchers Work to Make Beer Hops a Viable Florida Crop
Although plenty of Florida’s craft brewers advertise their libations as brewed with state-grown ingredients, a vital ingredient – hops – is not readily available within the Sunshine State. A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study currently underway, however, may help pave the way for a robust crop of Florida-grown hops. UF/IFAS researchers believe they have …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Harper, Agribusiness Leaders Explore Emerging Indian Market
Atlanta, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Grown staff, and several Georgia agribusinesses visited New Delhi, India, in April on an agribusiness trade mission sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service. The trade mission was led by USDA Under Secretary for Trade & Foreign Affairs Alexis M. Taylor and included representatives from 47 U.S.-based …