Idalia Aftermath: Southeast Georgia Pecan Crop Heavily Impacted

Web AdminGeorgia, Weather

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s pecan producers continue to assess what’s left of their crop in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia last week. Those in Southeast Georgia were especially devastated by the storm that packed high winds and heavy rainfall. It led to a substantial amount of this year’s crop gone, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “I …

Scouting Remains Vital Step in Pepper Weevil Control

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

By Clint Thompson Pepper weevils continue to be a nuisance for Florida vegetable growers. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts are providing guidance for producers on how to manage the pest. Jawwad Qureshi, associate professor of entomology at UF/IFAS, discussed the situation during the recent Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. He emphasized that any management …

Gather Family, Friends for Tailgate, Complete with Florida-Grown Foods, UF/IFAS Cultivars

Web AdminFlorida

It’s game day. The excitement around stadiums is palpable. The college football season kicked off this weekend, and many fans enjoyed the company of family and friends while tailgating before and after the game. That meant food – lots of it. Tailgaters might think about eating some Florida-grown grub, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts …

Hurricane Idalia’s Impact on Specialty Crops

Web AdminSpecialty Crops, Weather

By Maegan Beatty  What started as a tropical storm, Hurricane Idalia hit landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Idalia made landfall this past Wednesday morning near Keaton Beach, which is about 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee. Idalia left hundreds of thousands of people without power in Florida and Georgia.   The storm has had many effects on …

Citrus Escapes Significant Damage form Idalia

Web AdminCitrus, Weather

The cold-hardy citrus region endured another test of Mother Nature on Wednesday with Hurricane Idalia moving through the Southeast. One industry expert is optimistic that the area’s trees survived this latest challenge.  “I am happy to report that citrus in Georgia appears to have fared very well,” said grower Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. …

AI is the Future of UF/IFAS Research

Web AdminAgriculture Research

By Clint Thompson The future of research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in agriculture. UF/IFAS uses this argument when discussing funding for new faculty positions, says Rob Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS. “We’re able to get 15 faculty at IFAS, and part of …

Future of UF/IFAS Research Centers on AI

Web AdminFlorida

By Clint Thompson The future of research at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in agriculture. UF/IFAS uses this argument when discussing funding for new faculty positions, says Rob Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS. “We’re able to get 15 faculty at IFAS, and part of …

shallow focus of gray and green insect

Floods, Warm Temperatures Promote Mosquito Production

Web AdminFlorida

Extensive rains, flooding and scattered debris that hold water can lead to mosquito development. Eva Buckner, an Extension specialist at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach, remains in close contact with many of Florida’s more than 65 mosquito control programs providing training, solutions and information on topics including mosquito …

Early Reports: Citrus Fared Well in Idalia

Web AdminCitrus, Weather

The cold-hardy citrus region endured another test of Mother Nature on Wednesday with Hurricane Idalia moving through the Southeast. One industry expert is optimistic that the area’s trees survived this latest challenge.  “I am happy to report that citrus in Georgia appears to have fared very well,” said grower Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. …

Idalia Aftermath: Power Restoration a Priority for South Georgia Producers

Web AdminGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Hurricane Idalia’s path through Southeast Georgia left many powerless. It is a concern for those with fall vegetable crops in that part of the state, says Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “That area we’re hearing from, Lake Park, appears to be hit particularly hard with tons of trees down …