“When the grapes are out, we are out,” said Violeta Tsolova, professor and director of the Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). She was referring to the researchers and students at the center working to help grape growers be successful in the Southeast viticulture industry. NATIVE GRAPES Growers in the Southeast have …
Studying Insect Behavior for Pest Control
Controlling insect behavior might lead to better pest management for growers in the Southeast. Xavier Martini, assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, studies insect behavior to help growers control pests. One part of his research uses natural enemies to combat major pests in the field. …
Georgia Grown Reveals New Slogan
Georgia Grown was well represented at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference (SERFVC) in Savannah this past week. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black was excited to be representing Georgia Grown at the conference and to release its brand-new slogan. Georgia Grown is ready to begin 2018 with its new slogan: Nature’s Favorite State. The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s “Georgia …
Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is Underway
The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference kicked off today with exhibitor set up and a few educational sessions. AgNet Media Founder and President Gary Cooper caught up with Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, to discuss this year’s event. Hear Hall’s comments below: Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundNovember 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: …
Whiteflies Cause Concerns for 2018
Southeastern growers continue to struggle with whiteflies and the diseases they leave behind in crops. Josh Freeman, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida, said he is trying to advise growers to help them manage the pests and diseases as effectively as possible. The large amount of adult whiteflies in crops had some very strong negative effects for …
Produce Safety Rule Takes Effect Jan. 26
The highly anticipated Produce Safety Rule, part of the Food Safety Modernization Act, will go into effect for the largest farms on Jan. 26. Farms that make $500,000 or more in annual revenue will be the first to face the Produce Safety Rule. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Veronica Nigh said the first year under the new rule will be …
Integrated Pest Management for Spotted Wing Drosophila
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative allows researchers in many parts of the United States to help find organic management strategies for devastating pests in their area. Ashfaq Sial, assistant professor at the University of Georgia, said he is using this initiative to research the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), …
Potential for Commercial Vanilla Production in Southern Florida
By Alan Chambers Think about your favorite desserts like ice cream, cookies, cream-filled pastries and chocolate. These indulgences are the perfect end to an otherwise healthy meal, or a guilty snack when no one’s looking. Many of our favorite desserts include a common, yet irresistible, vanillin flavor extract from the “bean” of the vanilla orchid. Vanillin has enhanced the sensory …
Georgia Blueberry Industry Optimistic for 2018
While chilling hours are still a factor for a successful season for Georgia blueberry growers, industry leaders are staying optimistic about 2018. Brandon Wade, president of the Georgia Blueberry Growers Association, spoke with AgNet Media’s Josh McGill in October at the Produce Marketing Association’s 2017 Fresh Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana. “If we don’t have any bad freeze issues, then …