Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update 7-19-21 Statewide Dr. Tony Keinath’s remarks on fungicide stewardship: Growers who are applying newer fungicides that are pre-mixes of two active ingredients do not need to add another fungicide to the tank mix. …
Ph.D. in Plant Breeding: UF/IFAS to Offer Program
By Clint Thompson Students interested in earning a Ph.D. in plant breeding can now turn to the University of Florida/IFAS as their collegiate home. The Florida Board of Governors granted approval to the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to start a Ph.D. Plant Breeding program, which will begin in August. “We certainly have had a long history of …
Making Strides in Alabama
By Hunter McBrayer What a time to be in the fruit and vegetable production industry! We have had an incredible 16 months in Alabama since the coronavirus pandemic began, and I am hopeful this trend continues. Before we look ahead, let’s look at the industry across Alabama. Alabama’s fruit and vegetable industry is unlike many others in the Southeast. We …
Government Subsidies: Mexico’s Advantage Leads to Increased Imports
By Clint Thompson One of the key factors in Southeast producers’ fight against increased imports are subsidies. Growers and industry leaders have said for years that the Mexican government provides subsidies to its producers. Farmers can afford to sell their produce at low prices or literally dump them in the U.S. if they are supported financially. University of Florida Associate …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update Coastal Rob Last reports, “Peaches and blackberries are coming to harvest with good quality and volumes. As yet we are not seeing any issues with spotted-winged drosophila. Vigilance will be required as this pest can …
Imports’ Impact Felt Beyond Florida, Georgia
Lawmakers Re-introduce Defending Domestic Produce Production Act By Clint Thompson Increased imports are not just a concern of Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers. Farmers in South Carolina and Michigan are feeling the pinch as well. Southeast growers have rallied additional allies in their fight against imports, as noticed by the recent re-introduction of the Defending Domestic Produce Production Act. …
Farming Basics App Provides Answers to Key Issues
A successful farming career means answering a multitude of questions in a timely and efficient manner. What pest is this? How can I treat this disease? What if there was a way for Alabama producers to click their way to answers without having to leave their fields? The Farming Basics app from Alabama Extension offers growers that connection for quick …
Fruit Splits: Increased Rain Could Lead to Problem in Blueberry Crop
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall in Georgia has blueberry industry experts and farmers concerned about a repeat of last year’s fruit splits. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, explains how increased moisture damages the fruit that’s still left to be harvested. “Once the berry is really ripe, the skin on the berry can’t expand …
Alabama Growers Be Mindful of Blueberry Rust
Blueberry rust has been identified in rabbiteye blueberries in Alabama, according to Alabama Extension. It has the potential to be very damaging to yields and is most prevalent in the Southeast. Rabbiteye cultivars suffer from premature defoliation, while highbush blueberries are subject to occasional localized outbreaks. It is important to scout blueberries to see if symptoms are present. Yellow leaf …
Interest Increases in Florida Pearl
By Clint Thompson Interest in the new Florida Pearl strawberry, released by University of Florida strawberry breeder Vance Whitaker, is gaining momentum. It’s expected to lead to a substantial jump in acres for the upcoming season; perhaps as much as 200 acres. “The interest has been variable depending on the business model of the different growers. There definitely will be …