By Clint Thompson The strawberry disease that has decimated plantings in Florida and Georgia has already caused some nursery plants to be destroyed. However, there are enough plants for producers to fill their quota, says Kenneth Parker, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “There’s not going to be a shortage of strawberry plants. Somebody said the same thing …
Alabama Extension Provides Tips for Controlling Pestalotia in Strawberries
Alabama Extension provides tips to strawberry growers looking to protect their crops this year against Pestalotia, a leaf spot and fruit rot disease caused by the fungus Neopestalotiopsis. The disease that has recently wreaked havoc on strawberry producers in Florida and Georgia is a threat to Alabama strawberries. It affects the plant roots, crown, leaves and fruit and eventually leads …
Check Closely: Strawberry Growers Need to Monitor Transplants
By Clint Thompson Strawberry producers need to inspect their plants closely before planting this fall, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist. Many disease instances can be avoided if proper inspection is done before plants are put in the ground. “As growers are getting in their transplants, they need to be inspecting all of the transplants. …
Strawberry Disease Still Concerning for Florida Producers
By Clint Thompson The strawberry disease that has ravaged Florida’s crop the last two seasons is still on the mind of one producer heading into this year. It’s largely due to the uncertainty surrounding Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease that has Matt Parke concerned. “I think it’s going to keep growing year by year. I have a bad feeling it’s going …
Planning Ahead: Strawberry Farmer Proactive to Remain Sustainable
By Clint Thompson Strawberry growers need to stay proactive to remain viable and sustainable amid growing challenges throughout the industry. Consider the obstacles that Florida producers like Dustin Grooms must deal with: Imports from other countries continue to flood the U.S. market, driving down prices. The rise of the new Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease in the last three years has …
UF’s Natalia Peres ‘Optimistic’ About Strawberry’s Future in Florida
By Clint Thompson Natalia Peres, Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, is confident Florida’s strawberry industry will survive Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot Disease. But it will take time. “The industry has faced challenges before with other diseases like anthracnose. It’s one that has been devastating in the past, and we have been …
At the Forefront: Strawberry Disease Still on Producers’ Minds
By Clint Thompson Last year presented its share of challenges for Florida strawberry growers; imports, heavy insect pressure and low market prices early in the season, just to name a few. None compared to Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease, however. The disease that one producer dubbed the citrus greening of strawberries is on the minds of Florida producers with plantings still …
Nematode Issue: Pest Still a Problem for Vegetable, Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson Nematodes were not any less of a problem this year for Florida producers. But they weren’t any worse, either, said Johan Desaeger, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “They’re always bad in Florida. But if they were worse this year or not, it’s hard to tell. When I …
UF Strawberry Breeder: I’m Optimistic That We’re Going to be Able to Solve It
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease could have a lingering impact on Florida strawberry production for the foreseeable future. However, it should not be compared with Citrus Greening, the disease that has devastated the state’s citrus industry, believes University of Florida/IFAS strawberry breeder Vance Whitaker. “When you talk about citrus greening, you’re talking about a long-lived crop that you …
UGA Specialist: Anybody Who Got Plants From That Nursery, They’re Just Decimated
By Clint Thompson What started as a problem for Florida strawberry producers has developed into cause for concern for Georgia farmers. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, estimates that at least 10% of Georgia’s crop is infected with Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot, though it could be as high as 20%. Bill Brim, co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms …