By Ali Sarkhosh Brown rot, caused by Monilinia spp., is one of the most economically harmful fungal diseases for peach and other stone fruit growers worldwide. Four Monilinia species have been found to cause brown rot. M. fructigena and M. laxa are two of the most common species found in Europe. Monilinia polystroma, an anamorphic species closely related to M. …
Factors Affecting Fruit Quality of Low-Chill Peach
By Tripti Vashisth Peach production in subtropical environments has increased significantly in the last 30 years. Interest continues to grow due to two factors. First, early flowering and fruit set result in growers being able to harvest fruit earlier in the domestic market window, giving higher economic returns. Second, breeding advances have resulted in the availability of low-chill peach varieties …
Freezing Temperatures Have Little Impact on Georgia Citrus
By Clint Thompson Last weekend’s freezing temperatures in parts of South Georgia had no effect on the state’s satsuma crop, according to Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association. The bulk of Georgia’s citrus crop — 80 to 90 percent — is satsuma oranges, a cold-tolerant citrus that can withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Savelle said …
Georgia Citrus Grower: It’ll Be Years Before Market Gets Saturated
By Clint Thompson Georgia grower Joe Franklin believes the citrus market will stay profitable despite industry leaders expecting the state’s citrus acreage to double by the end of this year. SALES OUTLETS“The school systems are a good outlet for us,” Franklin said. “I was in Atlanta (recently). I’ve never seen so many people in my life. It’s like that in …
Sneak Peek: March 2020 VSCNews Magazine
Weeds have always been a menace to growers. The March issue of VSCNews magazine will give growers tips on how to best manage these nuisances. Two articles in the March issue offer ideas for organic weed control. In the Organic Corner column, Parmeshwor Aryal, a postdoctoral associate, and Carlene A. Chase, an associate professor, both in the Horticultural Sciences Department …
Keeping Citrus Greening out of Georgia Groves
By Clint Thompson Citrus greening disease is not yet a problem in Georgia. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, wants to keep it that way. The disease that has impacted citrus production in Florida for more than a decade has only been observed in backyard plantings in Georgia. However, since the state is expected …
Hemp Industries Association of Florida Announces New Board
Leaders from across Florida join the HIAF board to help shape the future of hemp. (HIAF) — Hemp Industries Association of Florida (HIAF), a non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the commercialization of hemp in Florida, announced industry leaders from across the state to the organization’s board. HIAF partners with key stakeholders in the business community to educate Floridians on what is expected …
Building a Stronger Economy Through Food
By Ashley Robinson The Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Santa Fe College (SFC) and the Florida Farmers Market Association hosted a symposium in Gainesville highlighting food safety, entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing and more. The one-day event, “Growing a Stronger Economy Through Local Food Entrepreneurship,” took place Feb. 14 at the SFC campus and included growers and food entrepreneurs. EVENT …
Tomato Fertilization Recommendations for Florida
By Phillip Williams Tomatoes are grown statewide in Florida in a diverse manner depending on the region of the state. Sandy soils make up the dominant soil type for tomato production in Florida. Sandy soils are prone to leaching mobile nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and even phosphorus by heavy rain or excessive irrigation. Therefore, sandy soils must be managed …
Federal Orange Juice Order Back on the Table
Florida citrus industry evaluates a generic promotion campaign amid market turmoil.