irrigation

Despite Drought Relief, Irrigation Remains Critical for Cold-Hardy Citrus

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Irrigation

Increased rainfall across the cold-hardy citrus region is a sight for sore eyes. Still, citrus growers in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama must stay on top of their trees’ water needs to help ensure a viable crop this season. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, spoke on this subject at the recent …

New Grape Growers Symposium Appeals to Many

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Despite a recent drop in the number of growers, interest in grape production still remains in the Southeast region in Alabama and Georgia, according to Sarah Lowder, University of Georgia (UGA) viticulture Extension specialist. “It’s something where I think we definitely have seen a slowdown from, five years ago or so, 5 to 10 years ago, where …

Drought Update: Rain Helpful With Current Dry Conditions

Clint ThompsonUncategorized

By Clint Thompson A week of rainy weather did a lot to reduce the drought-like conditions being experienced across the Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia and Florida, according to the June 25 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alabama One of the driest parts of Alabama remains in the southeastern part of the state. But it has been reduced to abnormally …

Bacterial Spot Becoming Problem on Untreated Peaches

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Peach management this year changed quickly in the last few weeks. The drought to start the year reduced disease buildup in orchards in Georgia and Alabama. However, with the recent increase in rainfall, bacterial spot disease is starting to spike in untreated peaches. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, noted the development in …

Miravis Top Resistance Susceptibility a Concern for Southeast Pecan Producers

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Increased rains in the Southeast means pecan growers in Georgia and Alabama are applying fungicide treatments for scab disease with greater frequency. That means greater potential for Miravis Top to be overused despite being susceptible to resistance. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, cautioned producers about overusing the highly effective fungicide. “One issue we have …

Spike in Scab Pressure in Pecan Orchards

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Weather conditions are ripe for scab disease to flourish in pecan orchards across Georgia and Alabama. That’s not surprising but still disappointing for pecan producers in both states who are trying to produce a crop this year. But it’s the reality, especially after last week’s spike in rainfall attributed to Tropical Storm Arthur. It brought increased moisture …

Disease Management Highlighted During New Grape Growers Symposium

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The University of Georgia’s New Grape Growers Symposium educated potential producers about all facets of growing grapes in the Southeast. Topics ranged from variety selection, establishing a vineyard, managing pests and diseases and developing sustainable vineyard practices. Disease management remains one of the most limiting factors of grape production in Georgia and Alabama, says Sarah Lowder, University …

June Rains Help Alleviate Some Dry Conditions Across Southeast Region

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Increased rains this summer have helped alleviate much of the drought being experienced across the Southeast. According to the June 18 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, exceptional drought has all but disappeared in North Florida, while there is minimal extreme drought conditions in various parts of Georgia, and much of Alabama is reporting zero drought conditions. …

ADAI Specialty Crop Block Grant Highlights Food Safety Certification Reimbursement Program

Clint ThompsonAlabama

Alabama specialty crop producers are reminded about a food safety reimbursement program made available through a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. Food safety certification, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Good Agricultural Practices, is a voluntary audit used to verify produce is grown, harvested, packed, handled and stored in a way that …

‘Don’t Let Your Guard Down’ Amid Low Hurricane Forecasts

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Two major hurricane forecast organizations are predicting a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year. But Southeast farmers should not let their guard down, says James Spann, chief meteorologist at the Alabama Weather Network. “My question is what does the guy in New Orleans do with that (information) or Mobile or Houston or Galveston or …