In a study on genomic and chemical diversity in industrial hemp published in Frontiers in Plant Genetics, University of Georgia (UGA) 2020 doctoral graduate Matthew Johnson and UGA Associate Professor Jason Wallace found “significant naming and quality-control issues” among industrial hemp varieties available to producers. Hemp is the same species as marijuana (Cannabis sativa). The difference is that plants with less …
UF Scientist: Understanding the Past is Really a Window to the Future
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — University of Florida scientists aiming to find a solution to citrus greening disease are looking to the past to hopefully find the answer. In a new study, published in Nature Communications, UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences collaborated with an international team of scientists and analyzed 69 genomes from the East Asian mandarin family, alongside their …
Sticker Ban: French Legislation Threatens Millions of Dollars to Produce Exports
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, a new French ban on the sales of fruit and vegetables with identifying stickers could threaten future exports of U.S. sweet potatoes and grapefruits. The ban is slated to be implemented on Jan. 1, 2022. The report states that most U.S. grapefruits and some sweet potatoes shipped overseas have stickers …
USHBC, Pagoda Celebrate USA Fresh Blueberries in China
SHENZHEN, China — Consumers in China can finally enjoy fresh blueberries from the United States. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) teamed up with Pagoda, a leading fruit retailer in China, on Thursday to hold a ceremony celebrating the arrival of fresh U.S. blueberries to mainland China, the first-ever promotion of USA fresh blueberries in China. The United States is …
Results from Vegetable Chemical Use Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the results of its 2020 Agricultural Chemical Use Survey of vegetable producers across the country. The data relates to pesticide use and pest management practices on 22 different vegetable crops. Producers in 18 states participated in the survey, which included eight-focused crops in Florida and eight in Georgia. The pesticide …
Explain Yourself: Florida Blueberry Producers Part of Survey on Pollinator Use
A national group of scientists, including University of Florida researcher Rachel Mallinger, hope to learn more about how blueberry growers use pollinators to boost their yields for the state’s $60 million-a-year industry. Mallinger is surveying Florida blueberry farmers to see how they utilize pollinators. “Pollination is extremely important for blueberries as little to no fruit forms without it,” said Mallinger, …
USDA Revises Performance Measures for AMS Grant Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced updated performance measures for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, the Acer Access and Development Program, and the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives. The updates will apply to the fiscal year 2022 grant cycle and beyond. “These improvements will make it easier …
Clemson’s Tony Melton Retires
According to The South Carolina Grower, long-time Horticulture Agent Tony Melton retired in early July, concluding a 40-year career with Clemson University. Melton is best known for working with fruit and vegetable growers in the Pee Dee Region. Melton first began his career with Clemson University in 1980 in the Horticulture Department before earning his Master’s degree in Horticulture and …
Deadline Nearing for Alabama Disaster Relief Programs
Alabama vegetable and specialty crop producers have until July 26 to apply for the Alabama Agricultural Relief Program. According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019, provides funds for necessary expenses related to losses of crops, trees, bushes and vines related to Hurricane Michael in 2018. The United States Department …
Updates in South Carolina: Clemson Extension Provides Timely Information
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. …