Tomatoes Fetching Strong Prices 

Web AdminTomatoes

By Clint Thompson Tomato prices remain high for those vegetable growers who actually have a crop. A lack of supply following Hurricane Ian has aided in prices exceeding $30 per box, according to Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida. He said Florida production is half of what it should be. Growers are still a month away from production normalizing itself. …

Field Surveys for Resistance-Breaking Viruses in Tomatoes

Web AdminDisease, Research, Tomatoes

By Ozgur Batuman and Salih Yilmaz Florida is the leading state in the United States for the production of fresh market tomatoes. In recent years, the emergence of novel tomato-infecting virus species and resistance-breaking variants worldwide has raised concern for the tomato industry. More than 300 virus and virus-like pathogens have been reported to infect tomatoes, which collectively limits their …

UF Research Produces Information on Which Compact Tomatoes Grow Well Indoors

Web AdminResearch, Tomatoes

A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientist is researching which fruits and vegetables can flourish indoors. Celina Gómez, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of environmental horticulture, led a recently published study in which she found that several compact tomato varieties grow well indoors. “Most of the compact plants we’ve grown are short and narrow, making them …

Improved Prices for Florida Tomatoes

Web AdminAgri-business, Florida, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson The prolonged period of decreased prices for Florida tomatoes may be nearing an end. Growers should be encouraged by an uptick in prices in recent weeks. Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, describes the change in momentum that has shifted in producers’ favor. “A month ago, …

Researchers Find Pathway to More Tasty Tomatoes

Web AdminFlorida Grower

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers helped discover a way to enhance tomato smell and taste. Breeding efforts over the last half century have emphasized traits that are important to producers – yield, disease resistance, appearance and post-harvest shelf life among them. While those traits are important, modern commercial varieties tend to fall short of …

Industry Leader Optimistic Despite Oversupply of Florida Tomatoes

Web AdminFlorida Grower

By Clint Thompson An oversupply of Florida tomatoes has led to suppressed market prices for growers. That hasn’t deterred the optimism of one industry leader, however, who believes brighter days are on the horizon. “You can’t be in agriculture if you’re not an optimist. Damn right, we’re assuming that right beyond that ugly cloud is a beautiful rainbow, warm skies …

UF/IFAS Research Helps Reduce Whiteflies in Tomatoes

Web AdminFlorida, Pests, Research, Tomatoes

QUINCY, Fla. — University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are helping tomato producers successfully manage whiteflies. Previous studies helped narrow scientists’ focus to a white clay, kaolin, and an essential oil, limonene. Each is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for agricultural use. “These products are easily found and relatively inexpensive, and they can be …

Target Spot Flaring in Florida Tomatoes

Web AdminFlorida, Tomatoes

Target spot disease is present in numerous tomato fields across south Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. The disease is increasing in eastern Palm Beach County. It is present in most all of the tomatoes in the Manatee Ruskin area and will continue to worsen amid foggy weather and harvest activity. Target spot continues to move …

Heat Management Strategies for Tomatoes in High Tunnels

Web AdminGeorgia, Tomatoes, Top Posts

By Juan Carlos Diaz-Perez, Sudeep Bag and Tim Coolong Protected agriculture technologies such as high tunnels (HT) are increasing in popularity in the United States, particularly with small and organic growers. High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, typically have a pipe framework covered by a single-layer plastic film (4 or 6 mil thickness). In contrast to greenhouses, high tunnels …

Bacterial Spot Disease Worsening for Florida Tomatoes

Web AdminDisease, Florida, Tomatoes

According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, bacterial spot disease in tomatoes is worsening daily in Central Florida and North Florida. Infections are beginning to move up the plant. Bacterial leaf spot has started in early tomatoes in the Immokalee, Florida area. Progression is similar to what scouts have observed in the Manatee County area. According to UF/IFAS, …