Alabama Extension wants those growing tomatoes and peppers to be aware of bacterial spot, a common disease on the leaves of those two plants. There are several steps growers can take to control and prevent the disease, which involves using multiple management tactics. Controlling the disease with chemicals alone usually results in failure. Steps growers can take include rotating fields …
Florida Tomatoes and Strawberries Feel the Heat from Mexican Imports
Florida tomatoes and strawberries have been facing heavy competition from Mexican imports for the past 10 to 15 years. Zhengfei Guan, an agricultural economist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, says the imports of strawberries from Mexico have increased fourfold, and it is a similar story for fresh tomato …
Tasty Tomatoes and Other Produce
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Imagine sinking your teeth into a fat, bright red tomato, whose aroma promises a tantalizing treat. Instead, you realize you got a great looker, but not a great taster. That’s because the consumer has been left out of the breeding process. For 20 years, Harry Klee, a professor of horticultural sciences at the UF Institute of Food …
Grafting Program Focuses on Tomatoes, Watermelon
The grafting program at the University of Florida (UF) was formed nearly a decade ago, but one of the main goals of the program continues today. Josh Freeman, associate professor of horticulture at UF, said the grafting program was originally started to manage bacterial wilt in tomato crops. Today, the goal has slightly changed to managing fusarium wilt of watermelon …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: 2024 Hurricanes Rock Fruit, Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The fall of 2024 will not soon be forgotten by specialty crop growers in the Southeast after Hurricanes Helene and Milton roared ashore bringing far-reaching impacts to crops and infrastructure. While the true fallout of the storms will take months to realize, early reports show the level of damage growers are dealing with in …
High Whitefly Populations Across Southern Florida
High populations of whiteflies are being observed across the southern region of Florida, according to the most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. High population levels are being reported in some watermelon fields in Southwest Florida. However, scouts indicate low, yet increasing population levels in most crops, with nymphs being reported in some older fields. Whitefly …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
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. Coastal Region Zack Snipes Midlands Phillip Carnley 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 | …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Population Levels Vary
Whitefly populations remain concerning throughout central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Despite low whitefly populations in watermelon in central Florida, virus incidence is in medium to high range. In Southwest Florida, scouting reports indicate low whitefly populations in beans and watermelon. Virus incidence in watermelon is in the medium to high range despite …
Hurricane Helene Aftermath: South Carolina Muscadines, Vegetables Impacted
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene left its mark on agriculture in the Southeast, impacting farms in South Carolina. Andy Rollins, county Extension agent, said his area’s muscadine production was especially impacted by the major flooding and high winds that accompanied Helen’s trek through the Carolinas. “Our muscadine crop, we only have a few growers, but the ones that grow for …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Whitefly Infestations Vary Across Region
Whitefly infestations vary among vegetable fields in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouting reports show low populations of whitefly adults on tomatoes in central Florida. Low to moderate populations are reported in cucumber, and moderate populations are observed in early fall melons. In Southwest Florida, the recent rainfall has helped to lower whitefly populations. …