AFVGA Executive Director Optimistic About State’s Strawberry, Peach Crops

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Optimism abounds for Alabama’s strawberry and peach crops this season. Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), highlighted what he has heard from growers so far this year, starting with excitement geared towards a generational-type strawberry crop. “I’m hearing very good things about the strawberry crop. People are saying things like …

Georgia Strawberry Diseases Widespread, Devastating

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Strawberries

Strawberry diseases are devastating Georgia’s strawberry crop, which could lead to one of the worst production years ever, according to Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “Many strawberry sites are now suffering substantial plant mortality as the season progresses. Losses are not uniform, and some sites look pretty good. But unfortunately, many do not,” Brannen wrote …

Fresh Strawberry Imports, Exports Up

Clint ThompsonExports/Imports, Strawberries

Southeast strawberry growers continue to be threatened by fresh strawberry imports from other countries, mainly Mexico. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service Situation and Outlook Report, fresh strawberry import volume increased 4% in 2023, from 564 million pounds to 589 million pounds. It marked the fifth straight year that import volumes have increased. The nominal value of …

Alabama Strawberry Disease Update

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Alabama’s strawberry crop has progressed this year with minimal disease impact. Yes, diseases have been present in some fields, but their severity has been lessened this year. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the department of entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, believes the lack of consistent rains have made certain diseases less impactful …

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 …

U-Pick Strawberry Seasons Kicks Off Spring Agritourism Activities in South Carolina

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina, Strawberries

COLUMBIA – U-pick strawberry farms across South Carolina are preparing to welcome visitors onto their farms to fill their buckets with sweet, sun-ripe, bright red strawberries. Strawberries are among the earliest widely available spring crops in South Carolina. Many strawberry farms are already open for U-pick activities, while others plan to open in the next week or two. As the …

Strawberry Volume Expected to Increase This Week in Sunny Central Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson A week of expected sunshine should boost strawberry volume in central Florida, according to one grower. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, said multiple days of sunshine are needed to help boost what has been a stagnant crop. “This weather this week should help dry everything out, get some berries off the …

Weather Challenges for Strawberry Producers in North Alabama

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Fluctuating temperatures have made strawberry production a challenge in North Alabama, according Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama. “Right now, everyone is focused on strawberries. We get these days where I believe it was 71 degrees (Fahrenheit), but it was 31 that morning. It’s like you’re scraping frost in the evening and then thinking about …

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. …

El Niño Aftermath: Florida Strawberry Producers Behind on Volume

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Strawberries

By Clint Thompson Persistent rainy days and cloudy weather in recent weeks have impacted strawberry production in South Florida. Producers like Matt Parke are behind with their volume due to the lack of sunshine in the region. “I’d say 70% of the days have been overcast with no sun since the season started. Production is off, and we’re throwing fruit …