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By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show was once again a success. It united the specialty crop industry, informed farmers about trends impacting citrus and vegetables, while preparing growers for the upcoming season. And it never hurts to enjoy tailgating treats that were prominent among participating vendors. It was an impactful event, says Morgan Assaf, show organizer for AgNet Media. …
By Clint Thompson Ambrosia beetle control this time of year is crucial for pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama. Young trees are most susceptible, as are those that are growing under stressed conditions. Apurba Barman, an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, is highlighting the insect’s management during the county winter meetings. “We started to …
Fruit and vegetable growers who use chlorpyrifos should be reminded that the insecticide can only be applied on food crops until June 30, after which continued use will be banned. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers advise producers that the products that contain chlorpyrifos are “unlikely to be available for sale and finding alternatives to …
By Clint Thompson The threat and subsequent implementation of tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico by the Trump Administration triggered hard feelings and retaliatory tariffs. But it’s a necessary evil so support can be rallied for American businesses, including specialty crop farmers in Florida and Georgia. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), …
By Clint Thompson The main theme of University of Georgia Extension pecan meetings this winter is informing growers how to cut costs. It may be through variety selection or reducing irrigation and fertilizer inputs. Georgia growers need to reduce expenses if they are going to remain sustainable, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “I think we’ve got …
Now is the time for Florida citrus growers to implement management tactics to control the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), the insect that vectors citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB). ACPs are currently in low populations across Florida’s citrus-producing region. That means growers should act now to protect their crop from the insect’s impact, says Chris Oswalt, University of Florida …
By Clint Thompson California strawberry nurseries have been unaffected by Neopestalotiopsis (neo) disease impacting plants. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, hopes it remains that way. “Out of an abundance of ignorance, I would say, I hope it’s going to be okay. We’ve got to have hope in something,” Brannen said. Especially following this season’s outbreak …
By Clint Thompson Southeast specialty crop producers eagerly await a new farm bill. With the current piece of legislation set to expire on Sept. 30, fruit and vegetable growers, along with other farmers across the U.S., are hopeful a new farm bill will be passed sooner rather than later. Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist, provided an update on the farm …
Chilli thrips plague farmers worldwide, but new research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has found two strawberry varieties that show less harm from these pests. The finding comes through research funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch program. That’s encouraging news for growers in …
By Clint Thompson Strawberry season has already brought a wide range of emotions to one Alabama producer. Taylor Hatchett, a grower in Chilton County, discussed this year’s crop at the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show in Gulf Shores, Alabama. “This is going to be an interesting strawberry year. This year we had problems with the …
