Alabama Extension reminds vegetable producers to be on the lookout for yellowmargined leaf beetles. They are a threat to turnips, cabbages and other cool season crops. According to the Alabama Vegetable IPM Facebook page, yellowmargined leaf beetles have returned in large numbers this season. They can cause significant leaf and root damage. Alabama Extension reports that the adult beetles are …
More Active Housing Market Means Improved Business for Nursery, Greenhouse Industries
By Clint Thompson A more active housing market equates to improved business for the nursery and greenhouse industry. It was especially evident during the past year. Wendiam Sawadgo, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension economist, shared those thoughts during the latest Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Webinar Series. “I think we saw a sharp dip starting around March of 2020. We …
USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Applications Being Accepted
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is April 12, 2022, 5 p.m. CST. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried …
Dry Conditions Worsen in Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson The abnormally dry conditions are sweltering across much of the Southeast, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of Florida is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The conditions are worse in the north-central part of Florida, in Jefferson, Madison and Hamilton counties and extending southward to Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. In Georgia, …
La Niña Effect: February Ends Warmer, Drier
February ended warmer than usual for most of the Southeast region, according to the University of Georgia Extension Climate and Agriculture blog. This was typical of a La Niña winter. Other than Alabama and areas near mountains, the region was also drier than normal. “The warm and dry conditions this year are contributing to the expansion of dry conditions and …
Downy Mildew Disease: Fungicide Resistance a Concern for Grape Producers
By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease in Southeast grape production is bad enough. The problem is exacerbated as disease resistance continues to worsen. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, explains the concerns that producers in Georgia and Alabama should have about the potential for further resistance developing. “There’s already been resistance to the strobilurin (quinone outside …
Row Crop Farmers Starting to Grow Citrus
Citrus acreage continues to increase across the North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama regions. Interest has expanded to large row crop farmers, who see citrus as a viable alternative crop, said Kim Jones at the Feb. 17 Citrus Health Forum meeting at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences North Florida Research and Education Center. Jones …
Specialty Crop Reminder: Chlorpyrifos Banned After Feb. 28
Specialty crop producers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and surrounding states are reminded that the tolerances for chlorpyrifos will expire on Feb. 28. Any application of chlorpyrifos to a food crop, such as onions or sweet potatoes, after Feb. 28 will make the crop adulterated. The result is that it cannot be harvested and sold. If a farmer harvests in April …
Hemp Production: Know Your End Game
By Clint Thompson Alabama hemp producers need to understand the risks of growing hemp before they begin planting. It starts with knowing what you’re going to do with the product following harvest. It is a point that Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, still emphasizes to growers. “What are they going to do with their crop at …
Plan Now, Reap Rewards Later
By Clint Thompson Now is the time for growers to make preparations for the upcoming spring season. Jessie Rowan, Alabama regional Extension agent, who specializes in commercial horticulture and farm and agribusiness management, explains why. “Come end of February, March and early April, they’ll do a lot of that physical preparing of the land, of the crops. Now they’re doing …