By Clint Thompson Strawberry production in Florida is not for the faint of heart. So many challenges exist that growers must overcome to remain sustainable. Just ask Florida farmer Dustin Grooms. “If you’ve got a berry field, you’ve got a problem,” Grooms said. Grooms and other farmers are in the middle of another strawberry season. Production has increased some this …
Late Registration Ongoing for Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers in Georgia, Florida and Alabama are reminded that registration is ongoing for the upcoming Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, scheduled for Jan. 6, 2022 through Jan. 9, 2022, at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia. Late registration for the event ends Jan. 5. Interested attendees can register for the full four-day conference …
Dry Conditions Helping Georgia Strawberry Producers with Disease Pressure
By Clint Thompson The extended dry conditions before this past weekend across various parts of Georgia benefited the state’s strawberry producers. The less rain and wet conditions meant fewer instances of diseases being a factor, says Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “If it gets dry, they can water …
Minimal Diseases so far for Florida Strawberry Producers
By Clint Thompson The extended dry period in South Florida has been a boost for strawberry production. Natalia Peres, Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, believes weather conditions have been favorable for strawberries early in the season and diseases have been minimal so far. “It’s been pretty quiet. We’re good, I …
Strawberry Breeder: Positive Outlook for Industry’s Future
By Clint Thompson The many challenges facing Florida’s strawberry industry does not dampen the optimism held by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF/IFAS) breeder Vance Whitaker. He shares a positive outlook, even amid rising costs, increased trade and a persistent new disease. The quality of the state’s crop is a big reason why. “I think we’re …
Additional Fungicides Available for Strawberry Disease
Additional fungicides are available for management of Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot disease in strawberries. According to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Strawberry Blog, Rhyme and Tilt, which are DMI fungicides, provide some suppression of the disease. It is not as much as Thiram and Switch but it’s better than nothing. “If the disease is confirmed, I would consider adding one or …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss Various Crops
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “We had a nice week of weather last week and are getting some rain this morning (10/25). Strawberry plants are arriving, and growers will be busy putting in plants this week. …
Alabama Extension Agent to Strawberry Producers: Stay on Schedule
By Clint Thompson North Alabama strawberry producers need to stay vigilant in their management strategies this fall and winter. It will help protect against potential stress that might arise, which could lead to vulnerability against new diseases like Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. That’s the message that Eric Schavey, Regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama “The talk has been that I’ve been …
Scouting Pivotal for Strawberry Producers
By Clint Thompson Scouting remains a pivotal tool in strawberry producers’ fight against Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, cautions producers about what to look out for in the early stages of this year’s strawberry season. “At this stage in the fall you would look for leaves with brown leaf spots, especially on …
Crop Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Summaries
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide There are some reports that anthracnose may be an issue in strawberries this year. In addition, we are continuing to look out for the new disease, Neopestalotiopsis. Clemson Plant Pathologist Guido Schnabel has recommended applying …