El Niño Effect: North Florida Melon Producers Be Wary of Potential Disease Buildup

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Persistent rains in the North Florida region amid the current El Niño weather pattern is a potential concern for the region’s watermelon producers. But as long as growers stay on top of their fungicide applications, any disease inoculum should be controlled, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension …

National Potato Council Releases New Report on Economic Potential of U.S. Potato Exports

Clint Thompsonpotato

WASHINGTON – The National Potato Council (NPC) revealed its latest report on the economic impact of the U.S. potato industry. The report assessed the economic contribution of U.S. potato and potato product exports and analyzed the role that expanded trade opportunities would have on U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and jobs. “The Current and Potential Impact of Expanded Potato Exports,” …

Speaking of Specialty Crops: Florida Citrus Show to Feature Vegetable Seminar Session

Clint ThompsonFlorida Grower Citrus Show

By Clint Thompson The Florida Citrus Show is no longer an event catered just to the citrus industry. This year’s show, scheduled for April 3 in Fort Pierce, Florida, will feature a seminar session specific to specialty crops. Josh McGill, show director for AgNet Media, talked about what specialty crop producers can expect when attending this year’s event, which will …

Strawberry Volume Expected to Increase This Week in Sunny Central Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson A week of expected sunshine should boost strawberry volume in central Florida, according to one grower. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, said multiple days of sunshine are needed to help boost what has been a stagnant crop. “This weather this week should help dry everything out, get some berries off the …

Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Update

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

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. Statewide Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Sarah Scott Upstate Andy Rollins

Dry Areas Decreasing Across Southeast

Clint ThompsonDrought

By Clint Thompson The extensive dry conditions that were prevalent across areas of the Southeast for months have mostly dissipated thanks to the current El Niño weather pattern. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, areas across North Alabama are mostly abnormally dry, as are some counties in North Georgia, while a small portion of western Florida is dry as well. …

Citrus Health Forum Helps Cold-Hardy Growers

Dan CooperCold Hardy

Production in the cold-hardy citrus region is still in its infancy. Growers and industry leaders need events like the Citrus Health Forum to obtain the necessary information to help this young industry continue to flourish. The latest forum took place at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy …

Can’t Depend on China: Country’s Own Pecan Production Progress a Concern for SE Growers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson China’s presence as an export destination for U.S. pecans is a thing of the past. Southeast (SE) producers should not rely on China continuing to import substantial amounts of pecans, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “From this point on, I would not count on China anymore. We may see years where they …

Nematodes a Threat to Southeast Pecan Trees

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Nematodes may be silent pests, but they can wreak havoc on pecan trees if left unchecked. Tim Brenneman, a plant pathologist with the University of Georgia, said the microscopic pests are common in pecan orchards across Georgia. Growers may not think much about them because they are underground. But they have a proven track record to devastate …

UGA Expert Provides Input Concerning Vidalia Onion Fertilization

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Vidalia Onions

By Clint Thompson University of Georgia research into the use of poultry litter as a fertilizer source for Vidalia onions shows it is a potential carrier for E. coli, a surrogate for Salmonella. Laurel Dunn, University of Georgia Extension coordinator and assistant professor in food science and technology, discussed her research at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in …