The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on May 11 reported favorably on a bill that would provide relief to Florida agriculture producers harmed by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The Block Grant Assistance Act is a bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide that relief. The bill will head to the U.S. House floor for a final …
Thrips Levels High in Parts of South Florida
South Florida vegetable producers should be wary that thrips levels are high in certain parts of the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Population levels vary in Southwest Florida. Melon thrips populations are problematic in certain fields. Levels were medium to high in beans, though most of the crop have been harvested. Most of the beans have …
Block Grant Assistance Act Advances
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on May 11 reported favorably on a bill that would provide relief to Florida agriculture producers harmed by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The Block Grant Assistance Act is a bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide that relief. The bill will head to the U.S. House floor for a final …
How Dry is it? Drought Monitor Shows Lack of Rainfall in Parts of Southeast
Florida’s dry conditions continue to persist throughout most of the state, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. An extreme drought remains along the west coast of the state, starting as far north as Levy County and stretching as far south as Hillsborough and Manatee counties. A severe drought persists along the west coast as well, starting in …
Not All Microbes Damage Crops
By Juan Carlos Díaz Pérez The microbiological revolution in agricultural sciences may benefit crop production uniquely. We are only starting to understand these complex interactions among crops, microorganisms, insects and other organisms. Plant diseases are relatively rare despite plants being exposed to numerous and diverse microorganisms. A myriad of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) live on the surface of plants’ leaves, …
Thrips Update: What’s Happening Across South Florida?
South Florida vegetable producers should be wary that thrips levels are high in certain parts of the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Population levels vary in Southwest Florida. Melon thrips populations are problematic in certain fields. Levels were medium to high in beans, though most of the crop have been harvested. Most of the beans …
May Florida Citrus Forecast Sees Ups and Downs
The May Florida citrus crop forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) saw some ups and downs. FLORIDA ORANGESThe Florida 2022–23 all-orange forecast declined 3%, from 16.1 million boxes in the April forecast to 15.65 million boxes in May. If the forecast is realized, this will be 62% less orange production than last season. Florida non-Valencia …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign Stresses Importance of Pesticide Labels
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition tells us it’s always a good time to check your pesticide’s label. The coalition says when choosing crop protection tools, both effectiveness and potential impact on the environment must be considered. Protecting bees and other wildlife is a major part of good stewardship practices and is why Growing Matters launched BeSure!, an initiative to support growers …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign Stresses Importance of Pesticide Labels
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition tells us it’s always a good time to check your pesticide’s label. The coalition says when choosing crop protection tools, both effectiveness and potential impact on the environment must be considered. Protecting bees and other wildlife is a major part of good stewardship practices and is why Growing Matters launched BeSure!, an initiative to support growers …
It’s Hot Out There: Warming Trend, Sporadic Rain to Continue Through Next Week
By Clint Thompson Weather conditions heated up this week across the Southeast. A lack of rainfall in certain areas created a warm environment for specialty crops. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, discussed the current warming trend across the region. “We’ve been in this cold and persistent pattern where it seems like it’s rained almost every weekend in …