By Frank Giles Nematodes can be a hidden yield robber. The soilborne pests can pack a pretty powerful punch despite their puny size. Nematodes have been problematic in Southeast vegetable crops for many years. Their management was complicated by the phaseout of methyl bromide. In 2018, the University of Georgia surveyed fields in 30 Georgia counties to measure the pest. …
Sneak Peek: April 2024 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The April issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine focuses on Georgia vegetable farmer Jaime Patrick and how farming “fulfills” him. The producer from Omega, Georgia, grows a plethora of crops over 5,000 acres in South Georgia and employs more than 400. He talks about how technology has changed the way he and others farm and how he remains a strong …
Nematode Management Vital for Peach Production
By Clint Thompson Nematode management is essential for peach production in the Southeast. According to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, if growers do not control the microscopic pests, it can have severe repercussions for future seasons. “You’ve got to take them into account. If you don’t take nematodes into account, there are several things that …
Nasty Nematodes Can Steal Yields if Not Monitored and Managed
By Frank Giles Estimates vary, but plant-parasitic nematodes take a huge bite out of global agricultural production and profits each year. An often-cited figure is that the many species of the pest cause about $125 billion worth of crop losses each year. That equates to roughly 5% of crop yield losses globally. There are about 20,000 described species of nematodes, …
Vegetable and Specialty Crop Seminar Summaries
By Clint Thompson A plethora of topics were addressed during the vegetable and specialty crop seminar sessions at the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. SCOUTING ESSENTIAL Anna Mészáros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) commercial vegetable Extension agent, kicked off the educational program by providing an update on Thrips parvispinus. She said scouting is a necessity …
Cover Crops Recommended for Managing Nematodes
By Clint Thompson A multi-pronged approach to nematode management remains the best approach for Florida specialty crop producers. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed nematode management during the recent Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. “It just means that …
Cover Crops Part of Management Strategy for Nematodes
By Clint Thompson A multi-pronged approach to nematode management remains the best approach for Florida specialty crop producers. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed nematode management during the recent Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. “It just …
Soil Sampling Timing Critical in Nematode Management
By Clint Thompson Soil sampling can be an integral part of a farmer’s planning for nematode management for the upcoming season. But growers should know when is the proper time to conduct soil samples. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, …
Survey Says: Growers to Use Cover Crops Even If Not Incentivized
Cash incentives have spurred some growers to implement cover crops as part of their farming operations. But a recent survey has shown, after those incentives from cash or crop insurance discounts go away, producers are prone to stick with the process. In a U.S. Department of Agriculture interview, Rob Myers, director of the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the …
Hops Research: Plant Establishment Key in Controlling Nematodes
By Clint Thompson Successful control of nematodes in hops production is feasible in Florida. But potential growers need to ensure their hops production is firmly established, says Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “We know that hops is a good host …