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January temperatures have been cold for South Georgia citrus growers. They are about to get colder, however, beginning early next week. According to weather.com, low temperatures in Tifton, Georgia, are forecast to drop into the high 20s, Sunday through Wednesday, with high temperatures only reaching the mid-30s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Similar weather conditions are expected across the region, so …
By Clint Thompson A cold January that has already featured multiple days with sub-freezing temperatures should help vegetable growers combat the ongoing whitefly infestation. At least that’s the hope shared by Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties. “We’re still seeing a fair amount of whiteflies, even for the cooler temperatures. They’re …
Thrips (T.) parvispinus remains a concerning pest for Florida’s pepper farmers, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. T. parvispinus population levels are currently low in pepper fields along the east coast. However, at a few locations, infestation levels are moderate to high, especially at field edges located by ornamental nursery operations. Crop scouts report heavy foliar feeding …
By Clint Thompson Next week’s potential stretch of prolonged cold temperatures means Alabama strawberry growers need to protect this year’s crop. That means the use of row covers to protect against temperatures that are expected to drop well below freezing for multiple days, says Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. …
By Clint Thompson Alabama pecan growers have nearly concluded harvesting this year’s crop. The theme for this season mirrors that in neighboring Georgia, high production with low market prices. Bryan Wilkins, Auburn University research associate, explains this year’s pecan season. “As far as I know everybody is done. They’re picking up their last ones. It was a pretty good year. …
The H-2A system remains the most dependable method for specialty crop producers to find and implement its workforce. The Southeast continues to utilize a substantial amount of H-2A workers, as evidenced by 2024 statistics. Florida is still the largest employer of H-2A labor despite a decrease of 9% from fiscal year 2023. Florida accounted for 47,396 positions or 12.3% of …
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is administered by the US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) to enhance competitiveness of the specialty crop industry and expand markets for producers. Through this program, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture …
By Clint Thompson Fertilization rates for Georgia watermelon production is important knowledge for growers to be familiar with, as the new season looms. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, was tasked with enlightening producers about fertilizer rates and why they are set at certain levels, during last week’s Southeast (SE) …
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry farmers are not placing all of their eggs in one basket when it comes to planting certain varieties. That’s encouraging news for University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry breeder Patricio Munoz. He reported at last week’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference that the Farthing variety comprised the most blueberry …
By Clint Thompson Georgia peach producers continue to reap the benefits of colder weather to start 2025. Chill hours are necessary for peaches to flourish. Trees enjoyed temperatures at or below the designated mark of 45 degrees Fahrenheit during last week, according to Jeff Cook, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources (ANR) agent for Peach and …
