South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Populations High in Area

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Pests

Whitefly numbers remain high across most of the South Florida area, according to the latest release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Medium populations are observed in central Florida, though they are increasing. Population levels vary from low to high across Southwest Florida, depending on the crop and based off of scouting reports. Some farms are seeing high …

Under Attack: Strawberry Diseases Impacting Georgia Crop

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Disease development is normally synonymous with wet weather. It is no different with Georgia’s strawberry crop, which is under assault from multiple diseases. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, highlighted some of those diseases that Georgia growers are already observing. “The thing that we’re seeing already is this neopestalotiopsis. We’re just trying to …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Aphid Pressure Increasing

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Aphid pressure is increasing across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts are reporting low to moderate numbers in central Florida. Recent increases have occurred despite insecticide applications being made, especially with melon aphids. The outlook is especially concerning in Southwest Florida, as populations are observed to be moderate to high in pepper fields and …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Update

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Whitefly infestations are increasing across vegetable fields in central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Multiple scouts reported low but increasing numbers of whiteflies on tomatoes in the central Florida area. Older squash plantings have been hit hard by the insects, as reports indicate moderate to high populations. Younger squash plants have low populations. …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Leafminer Activity Increasing

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Leafminer pressure is reportedly high and moderate across certain areas of South Florida. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, pressure is moderate overall in Southwest Florida. Infestation levels increased to high in some tomato and watermelon fields in the area. Infestations are also moderate and holding steady in watermelon fields along the east coast. Extreme pressure is …

Pecan Scab Update: Tighter Spray Intervals, Disease-Resistant Varieties Needed

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Fungicide applications for pecan scab disease are more effective when implemented on a regular schedule. However, that is easier said than done for pecan producers, believes Tim Brenneman, a plant pathologist with the University of Georgia. “The bottom line is the best way to save money on sprays would be to not spray in the dry periods …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Pepper Weevil Populations Increasing

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Vegetable farmers in South Florida should be wary that pepper weevil populations are increasing across the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Infestations are increasing overall in Southwest Florida. They have reached moderate levels in older fields, while adults are migrating from mowed fall fields into spring fields that are in production. Population levels vary along …

El Niño Effect: North Florida Melon Producers Be Wary of Potential Disease Buildup

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Persistent rains in the North Florida region amid the current El Niño weather pattern is a potential concern for the region’s watermelon producers. But as long as growers stay on top of their fungicide applications, any disease inoculum should be controlled, believes Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension …

El Niño Impact: What Blueberry Diseases are Most Concerning for Growers This Year?

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida, Weather

By Clint Thompson The excessive wet weather associated with El Niño this winter has provided ideal conditions for blueberry diseases to pop up. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), highlighted the two disease concerns growers should be wary of heading into harvest season. They are botrytis gray …

Neopestalotiopsis: The Latest Tips in Managing Strawberry Disease

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberries remains a concern for Southeast growers. Natalia Peres, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, provided producers tips on how to control the disease during her presentation at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. …