On the Horizon: Chlorothalonil Spray Applications Could Soon Be Reduced

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Watermelon

By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers should be wary that the number of chlorothalonil spray applications could soon be reduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Nick Dufalt, a plant pathologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discussed the issue at the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting in Fanning Springs, Florida, on Nov. …

Nasty Nematodes Can Steal Yields if Not Monitored and Managed

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Nematodes

By Frank Giles Estimates vary, but plant-parasitic nematodes take a huge bite out of global agricultural production and profits each year. An often-cited figure is that the many species of the pest cause about $125 billion worth of crop losses each year. That equates to roughly 5% of crop yield losses globally. There are about 20,000 described species of nematodes, …

UGA CAES Leads Effort to Combat Emerging Threat to Watermelon, Cucumber Production

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

Southeast cucurbit producers face numerous challenges in production, leading to decreased profitability and less produce on grocery shelves. Weeds, insect pests and plant diseases are prominent biotic threats. Among the plant diseases, one fungus — Colletotrichum spp., which causes anthracnose — is an emerging threat to watermelon and cucumber production along the east coast. “There is a huge threat from this particular …

Cucurbit Downy Mildew on Rise in Florida

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Cucurbit downy mildew is on the rise in parts of Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Gary Vallad, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center plant pathologist, and Lisa Hickey, UF/IFAS Extension agent, are reporting increased infestations in cucumber and squash fields in central Florida. They have gone …

Florida Ag Expo: Summaries of Seminar Sessions

Clint ThompsonFlorida Ag Expo

By Tacy Callies and Clint Thompson Two tracks of concurrent seminars presented by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences specialists offered growers learning options at the Florida Ag Expo. One session focused on pest management, while the other explored novel technologies and practices. Pest Presentations In the pest management session, Gary Vallad focused on two cucurbit diseases: …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Pressure Low but Increasing in Some Areas

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Whitefly pressure is normal for this time of year in Southwest Florida and low in other areas but increasing, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are low but increasing in central Florida and along the East coast. Whitefly pressure varies in the Southwest Florida region, though it is considered normal for this time of the year. …

South Georgia Whitefly Populations Currently High

Web AdminGeorgia, Pests

By Clint Thompson Whitefly populations are not at abnormally high levels, but they are high according to one expert. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension vegetable entomologist, talked about the insect and what it might take to decrease the current populations. “They’re pretty high. We’re hoping as it cools off, it’s going to stretch out the life cycle and …

Whitefly Populations Vary in South Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Whitefly populations vary in areas across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Watermelon fields in central Florida are experiencing low to moderate numbers. Moderate levels were also reported in squash. In tomato, reports indicate whiteflies are at three or less per plants, while others showed populations increasing to high levels over the previous week. Populations …

What’s Going on? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates

Web AdminSouth Carolina

Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Midlands Rob Last Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundNovember 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway in the …

Whitefly Populations Remain Low

Web AdminGeorgia, Pests

By Clint Thompson Whitefly populations remain low across the Southeast. Fall vegetable growers have the Christmas freeze event last December to thank for that, believes Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension vegetable entomologist. “I think that’s a lot of it. We’ve had some wet weather, too, but I think that’s a lot of it. It knocked them way back. …