By Clint Thompson A microscopic pest is becoming a giant-size problem for pepper and eggplant growers in the Southeast. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, confirmed that broad mites are impacting vegetable producers significantly more than a decade ago. “I would say they’re becoming much more of a consistent pest than they’ve been in the past. …
High Populations: Pepper Weevils a Concern for South Florida Producers
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevils remain moderate to high in various vegetable crops across south Florida. Respondents along the east coast report that weevil populations are high around St. Lucie County. They are moderate at other locations. Populations remain a concern in Manatee and Hillsborough counties. Weevils are showing up in other locations around …
Pepper Weevils Increasing in South Florida
One vegetable pest that has been a problem this fall is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevils are showing up in multiple areas around South Florida. Significant populations are being reported in the Fort Pierce area in early pepper plantings. Infestations have also increased significantly in peppers in Manatee and Hillsborough counties …
Protecting Peppers from Bacterial Spot
By Pamela Roberts and Cami Esmel McAvoy Bell and specialty peppers, such as jalapeños, are grown throughout the United States and worldwide for the fresh market or processing. Bacterial spot, caused by three different species of Xanthomonas, is a major disease affecting all pepper types. The most commonly occurring species in the United States and Florida is Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. The …
Pepper Weevil Pointers
By Gene McAvoy The pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii) is a key pest of all pepper varieties grown in Florida. Populations build throughout the season and often reach unmanageable numbers in South Florida in the late spring (early fall in North Florida), resulting in crop loss. In South Florida, it is not unusual for growers to terminate older plantings where weevils …
Tomato, Pepper Listening Sessions Scheduled with USDA RMA
Florida and Georgia tomato and pepper producers are invited to listening sessions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). Feedback about potential production and revenue history policy is wanted for both commodities. The fresh market tomato sessions are for growers in South Florida, industry members and regional insurance representatives. The pepper sessions are for fresh market growers …
International Pepper Conference Postponed Until 2022
The International Pepper Conference has been postponed for a second straight year due to continuing coronavirus pandemic concerns and ensuing traveling conditions. The next conference will be held Sept. 26-28, 2022 with the academic program taking place in Tucson, Arizona and the chie pepper variety trial, mechanical harvest, field and equipment demonstrations occurring at the Curry Chile and Seed Co. …
Shade Nets Show Benefits for Peppers
By Juan Carlos Díaz Pérez Vegetable growers know well about the importance of light to plants. Light is necessary for the process of photosynthesis through which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (sugars) needed for plant growth and development. LIGHT AND HEAT Light is electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun. The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can …
Pepper Weevil Pressure Increasing in South Florida
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, pepper weevil pressure is high in Palm Beach County. Pepper weevil numbers are also increasing around the Homestead, Florida area. Respondents report that weevil pressure continues to increase around southwest Florida. Older fields are hosting high populations, while adults are now showing up in most younger pepper plantings. Weevil numbers remain …
Bell Pepper Imports Continue to Increase
One vegetable commodity at the center of an investigation pertaining to its imports from other countries was highlighted during Georgia’s Ag Forecast meeting last Friday. Greg Fonsah, University of Georgia Agribusiness Extension economist, pointed out how significantly bell pepper imports have increased over the past two decades. Statistically Speaking In 2019, 68% of bell peppers that were consumed in the …