Recent rains have helped replenish some of the soil moisture in North Florida, though various areas remain either abnormally dry or moderately dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Parts of the Panhandle remains abnormally dry, starting in Escambia County and stretching eastward to Jackson County. Much of the central and southern parts of the state remain either abnormally dry …
Unpredictable Year for Florida Peaches
By Clint Thompson Peach production in Florida is unpredictable this year. The inconsistent weather conditions are a key reason why, explains Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “The way that we accumulated chilling this year was really bizarre. I can tell you that in the Umatilla area that they’re going …
Gummy Stem Blight Disease: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
By Clint Thompson The best defense against gummy stem blight disease is a good offense. Protectant fungicides are available for Alabama’s watermelon producers to guard against it, but growers need to be proactive in applying the fungicides and not be reactive, says Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. …
UGA Extension Specialist: Fruit Farmers Not Out of the Woods Yet
By Clint Thompson Southeast strawberry and peach producers weathered the latest freeze event on March 13. However, they are not out of the woods yet. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist Phil Brannen says growers are yearning for warm temperatures and dry conditions over the next month. “We’ve got another full month before we’re out of the woods …
Management Strategies for Cucurbit Farmers Against Anthracnose
By Clint Thompson The best management strategies for cucurbit farmers in combating anthracnose disease occurs before the crop will be planted this season. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, discusses the importance of using varieties that are resistant to the pathogen. “Fortunately, we do have resistant varieties to …
Rains Alleviate Some of North Florida’s Dry Conditions
Heavy rains last week alleviated some of the abnormally dry conditions in North Florida. But Central and South Florida remain moderately dry as are South Georgia and South Alabama. Moderate dry conditions are still being experienced in the Florida Panhandle from Escambia County eastward to Madison County. Levy and Marion counties are also moderately dry, which stretches as far south …
Blueberry Damage? What to Look for Following Freeze Event
Sub-freezing temperatures this past weekend across the Southeast put the region’s blueberry crop at risk for damage. Alabama Extension reminds producers what to look for when surveying their crop for damage symptoms. “To find out if the blueberry flower buds have been damaged by frost you can cut through the bud several hours after a freeze and look for browning …
Pecan Production in Georgia: Estimated 70 Million Pounds in 2021
By Clint Thompson Pecan production in Georgia was half of what it was the year before but still more than most predicted. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells discusses the total for the 2021 crop. “From the assessments that have come in, I’m hearing 70 million to 75 million pounds, which is a good bit more than …
Drought Persists Across Southeast
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions are worsening across the Southeast region. Even with much-needed rainfall this week, most of Florida and the southern parts of Alabama and Georgia are either abnormally dry or moderately dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The majority of the Florida Panhandle is in a moderate drought. Those conditions stretch eastward to Putnam and Marion …
Building a Brand for Cold-Hardy Citrus
A new brand name for citrus grown in Georgia, North Florida and Alabama should ensure consumers they are purchasing a quality product. Much like Georgia Grown and Fresh From Florida, Sweet Valley Citrus assures consumers and industry members that citrus grown and marketed under this label is high-quality produce. Kyli Lamar, who serves on the board of directors for the Cold Hardy …