By Ashley Robinson Strawberry growers and industry leaders gathered for the fifth annual Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) Tailgate and Field Day event on Wednesday. The event, held in conjunction with the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Balm, Florida started with a morning tailgate party. Tailgaters munched on fried gator tail, Italian sausage, beef …
Strawberry Disease: ‘It’s on the Back of Everybody’s Minds Right Now’
A crop that already has its annual challenges is struggling to overcome its latest obstacle. Florida strawberry farmer Dustin Grooms confirmed that Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot has provided uncertainty for the future of the industry in Florida. “I do feel like this year was amplified a little bit more with that new disease because normally you can come out there with …
Biological Control of Sweetpotato Whiteflies With Predatory Mites in Squash
By Lorena Lopez and Oscar E. Liburd The sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is one of the most problematic pests in vegetable production in the world and it is a key pest in squash. Most significant damage caused by this pest is due to the transmission of viral diseases and its ability to rapidly develop resistance to pesticides. Sweetpotato whiteflies can …
Weekly Update: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update-4/12/21 Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “I am starting to see some goosegrass popping due to soil temperatures being 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Goosegrass will typically be problematic in more compacted areas of the field. …
Crops Update: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates Across State
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update 4-5-21 Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “Temperatures checked in at 28 degrees Fahrenheit at the northern end of Charleston County one night this past week. Strawberries were covered, but some blossoms are showing damage. …
ABT Infestations Continue in South Florida
South Florida bean producers continue to contend with Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations. According to the University of Florida/IFAS, populations vary from farm to farm and planting to planting. In southeastern Hendry County, populations averaged 0.1 ABT per bud and 0.2 to 0.5 ABT per bloom. Even the older plantings had reached counts totaling 2.2 ABT per bloom. Because of …
South Carolina Crops: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates Across State
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Coastal Rob Last reports, “Strawberry crops continue to develop well with sustained flowering and fruit set. Early crops are ripening well with crops coming to market. Just a note of caution, the weather last week …
Warmer Temps Mean Increased Pest Pressure in South Florida
Temperatures are starting to warm considerably in South Florida. Vegetable farmers need to be mindful of various insects that thrive in hot conditions. “It’s been warming up so you kind of expect to see a flush of pests in the near future. It’s kind of hit and miss in some places with whiteflies and things,” said Craig Frey, University of …
ABT Infestations: Population Levels Continue to Vary From Farm to Farm
The most recent scouting report for Asian bean thrips (ABT) from the University of Florida/IFAS shows that populations continue to vary from farm to farm and plantings to plantings. Continuous management is necessary since it appears that two modes of action is not sufficient in reducing ABT populations. Most farms in southeastern Hendry County averaged 0.2 ABT per bud and …
Crop Updates From the Palmetto State
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Coastal Rob Last reports, “Strawberry crops in the area are developing well with good fruit set. I am seeing a little gray mold around, so sanitation is going to be key as well …