South Florida vegetable producers should be wary that thrips levels are high in certain parts of the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Population levels vary in Southwest Florida. Melon thrips populations are problematic in certain fields. Levels were medium to high in beans, though most of the crop have been harvested. Most of the beans …
Whitefly Pressure High Across South Florida
Whitefly pressure remains high across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. High populations are reported on all crops in southwest Florida, though recent rainfall in some parts might help reduced levels. Jawad Qureshi, entomologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, also reports high …
Thrips Parvispinus Species Damaging Peppers in Palm Beach County
The thrips parvispinus species that was first detected in the United States in 2020 is wreaking havoc on pepper plantings in eastern Palm Beach County, Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts have observed that the species is causing substantial damage in young and mature plantings in the region. Other fields have experienced low levels of …
Thrips Pressure Low in Most Florida Crops
Thrips pressure is varying across Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Low thrips pressure is observed in peppers in central Florida. Pressure is also low in pepper and other vegetables in southwest Florida. Scouted thrips are presumed to be Florida flower thrips, as damage is not apparent. Thrips are at low levels in eggplants in Homestead, Florida, …
Thrips Pressure Varies Across Florida
Thrips Pressure Varies Across Central, South Florida Thrips pressure is varying across Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Low thrips pressure is observed in peppers in central Florida. Pressure is also low in pepper and other vegetables in southwest Florida. Scouted thrips are presumed to be Florida flower thrips, as damage is not apparent. Thrips are …
Mite-y Big Concern: Mites a Problem for South Florida Producers
Mites are widely present in crops across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Spider mites have increased in cucurbits, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and potatoes around Southwest Florida. Some fields have even required treatments by farmers. Spider mite populations are also high in some cucumber, pepper, tomato and eggplant in fields on the east …
Wish Farms Celebrates 100 Years Built on Berries
By Frank Giles This year, Wish Farms, a Plant City-based berry grower and marketer, will celebrate a century in operation. Gary Wishnatzki, president of Wish Farms, represents the third generation in the family business. Gary’s grandfather, Gershon Wishnatzki, was the first generation that started with a fruit and vegetable pushcart in New York City. Gershon made his way to Florida …
Freeze Impact: Void in Supply Chain Likely a Result
Clint Thompson Farming in South Florida usually provides the best frost protection. But not in 2022. The impact of last weekend’s sub-freezing temperatures on vegetables is likely to create a void in the supply chain, believes Wade Purvis, who farms in Immokalee, Florida and is part of the Farmers Alliance. The result could lead to an influx of imports from …
Mite-y Big Problem in South Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, few spider mite hotspots remain around Homestead, Florida. Broad mites continue to stay active in the area as well. A similar scenario is being reported in the southwest part of the state, too. Spider mites are showing up in various locations on cucurbits, tomatoes and eggplants. Broad mites have flared up …
Whitefly Populations High in South Florida
According to South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, whitefly populations are high in beans, squash, eggplants and tomato in Southwest Florida. As a result, Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus is high in most tomato fields. Older cucurbit and fruiting vegetables are experiencing especially high numbers. “Some growers report that they are worse than they have ever been while others claim …