Florida Strawberry Update After Weekend Freeze

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida strawberry producers are in the early stages of assessing freeze damage from last weekend’s winter storm. They are confident the crop will rebound after this temporary setback, according to Nick Wishnatzki, public relations director at Wish Farms in Plant City, Florida. “We are still assessing the damage and there has been some damage, not extensive at …

Neo Update in Georgia Strawberry Fields

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) is observed in Georgia strawberry fields. Fortunately for producers, it is not being reported at levels that were seen a year ago, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “I don’t know how bad it is, but we do have some. Again, it depends on the source of the plants and …

Strawberry Management: Spray Intervals for Neopestalotiopsis Tighten in Wet Conditions

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Strawberry growers normally do not have to be as aggressive with their fungicide sprays in the fall. That mindset changes, however, with Neopestalotiopsis (Neo). Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, said growers can not wait as long between fungicide sprays if they have the disease present in their fields. “Generally, if it’s …

Strawberry Planting Season: Management Strategy with Neopestalotiopsis Disease

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson How Southeast strawberry growers manage their crops for Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) this year will largely depend on the cleanliness of the plants being brought into the region and the history of the disease in their fields. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, highlighted the disease and current management strategies in the UGA Extension …

Georgia Strawberry Production Perseveres Despite Neopestalotiopsis

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis disease has been problematic in some Georgia strawberry farms this year. Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, was not immune to the disease’s impact in North Georgia. However, he has a better outlook on this year’s crop compared to earlier in the season. “I’ve got too many gaps in the field. But the …

Alabama Strawberry Grower Switching Nursery Sources: It’s a Business Decision

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The impact of Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) in Jeremy Calvert’s strawberry production this year is leading the Alabama grower to consider other nursery sources next year. “We’re definitely looking at California nurseries. I truly hate it for those nurseries in Canada, because they’re family operations just like we are,” Calvert said. “I spent a couple of days in Plant …

Florida Strawberry Season A ‘Win’ Following Milton’s Impact

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s strawberry farmers produced a viable and productive crop this year despite being challenged by Hurricane Milton just after planting season. It speaks to the resiliency of the state’s producers, says Nick Wishnatzki, public relations director at Wish Farms in Plant City, Florida. “We obviously started the season with a lot of uncertainty, with the hurricane on …

Dry Conditions Help, ‘To Some Degree,’ Georgia Strawberry Producers Dealing With Neo

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Dry conditions across some of Georgia is not a bad thing for the state’s strawberry producers. It should help those trying to thwart off the impacts of neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease. That is if it isn’t too late for those growers dealing with the disease, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “The …

So Far So Good: California Strawberry Nurseries Not Yet Impacted by Neopestalotiopsis

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson California strawberry nurseries have been unaffected by Neopestalotiopsis (neo) disease impacting plants. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, hopes it remains that way. “Out of an abundance of ignorance, I would say, I hope it’s going to be okay. We’ve got to have hope in something,” Brannen said. Especially following this season’s outbreak …