ABT Infestations Continue in South Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests, Top Posts

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 …

ABT Infestations: Population Levels Continue to Vary From Farm to Farm

Web AdminFlorida, Top Posts

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 …

UF/IFAS Updates ABT Populations

Web AdminFlorida, Pests, Top Posts

According to UF/IFAS, high population densities of Asian Bean Thrips (ABT) continue to appear only in isolated locations. ABT populations have reached 1.0 per bloom early bloom plantings across multiple farms in southeastern Hendry County. In some cases, populations reached as high as 1.7 per bloom. Populations reached 8.5 per bloom in plantings within a week of harvest. It’s the …

Alabama

Alabama Heirs Property Alliance Helping Educate Residents, Farming Families About Key Issue

Dan CooperAgri-business, Alabama

(AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL/May 8, 2024) — Heirs property is common in Alabama. There is land in every county that is classified as heirs property, also known as family land. Whether families are attempting to develop or sell the land left by previous generations, the lack of a clear title makes it difficult for families to move forward. Adam Rabinowitz, an …

U.S. Specialty Crop Coalition Endorses Legislation Addressing Nutrition and Organics 

Web AdminFarm Bill, Legislative, Specialty Crops

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, has endorsed nutrition and organic bills that cover key policy priorities outlined in the group’s 2023 Farm Bill recommendations:  “The U.S. specialty crop industry is crucial to our national …

FFVA Emerging Leader Program Applications Close June 16

Web AdminEvents, Fruits, Vegetables

Attention industry leaders who want to be more involved in the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). Such individuals need to consider the FFVA Emerging Leader Development Program, administered by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation. The application period for Class 13 is currently open, though applications are due by Friday, June 16. More than 100 participants have graduated from the program …

FFVA Leader Program: Application Period Closes June 16

Web AdminFlorida

Attention industry leaders who want to be more involved in the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). Such individuals need to consider the FFVA Emerging Leader Development Program, administered by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation. The application period for Class 13 is currently open, though applications are due by Friday, June 16. More than 100 participants have graduated from the …

Thrips Levels Mostly Low in Florida

Web AdminPests

Thrips populations remain at low levels across most of southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Thrips in Southwest Florida are unanimously at low populations. Reports include thrips in peppers, Asian bean thrips and flower thrips. They are mostly at low levels on the east coast, but there was one report of a moderate infestation on …

Thrips Pressure Increasing in Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Thrips pressure is increasing in Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. The tiny insects have increased quickly to high levels in central Florida. Juveniles and adults are being observed on blooms and apical meristems of pepper. Damage is low but should increase throughout the season. Thrips are also being reported in cucumbers. Thrips pressure levels range …

Asian Bean Thrips Population Down Compared to Last Year

Web AdminFlorida, Pests, Vegetables

Good news for South Florida vegetable producers, Asian bean thrips (ABT) populations are less widespread than last year and are only being reported at moderate levels in some locations. According to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Asian Bean Thrips are only being observed at 0.4 to 0.6 per bloom in a limited number of fields. …