By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvests are well under way across Florida. After a year that’s seen producers challenged with multiple weather events, like Hurricane Ian last September, Hurricane Nicole last November and multiple days of cold temperatures during Christmas week, growers are optimistic about this year’s crop. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida (UF) …
Looking Ahead: UF/IFAS’ Resources Help Blueberry Growers Navigate Season
By Clint Thompson Florida blueberry growers have resource tools to help them navigate through diseases and pests leading up to harvest time over the next couple of months, says Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator. “We’ve got the new 2022 version of the Blueberry IPM guide that’s out. We’ve also got …
Tips for Gall Midge Management
By Oscar Liburd and Doug Phillips Blueberry gall midge is a small fly that feeds on the floral and vegetative buds of blueberries. Reports of gall midge damage on blueberries grown in Florida have become more common in recent years. In cases where there was severe feeding injury to floral buds, the midge can significantly affect yield. DESCRIPTION AND LIFE …
Blueberry Event Gives Growers Hands-On Experience
By Alison DeLoach Pests and diseases are always top of mind for blueberry growers. To help growers better understand how to identify these issues, Juanita Popenoe, a University of Florida (UF) commercial fruit production Extension agent for Orange, Lake and Marion counties, hosted a hands-on event at the Lake County Extension center in Tavares. Blueberry growers had the opportunity to …
Be Aware of Blueberry Gall Midge
Recently, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) sent out a release saying gall midge was the cause of severe crop loss within the Florida blueberry industry. Since the announcement, Oscar Liburd, an entomologist with the University of Florida, has written a report for Florida blueberry growers, describing the plant symptoms and management recommendations. The FBGA believes gall midge is an …
Blueberry Field Day Aims to Increase Grower Competitiveness
New varieties were a hot topic at the Florida Blueberry Growers Association’s (FBGA) spring field day. The event was held on March 7 at the University of Florida (UF) Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra. Ryan Atwood, a blueberry grower and vice president of the FBGA, says new varieties from UF will make Florida blueberries more competitive in …
Sneak Peek: October 2026 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
In this month’s sneak peek, the October issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine puts blueberries under the spotlight and includes a feature on a pair of Georgia growers who are helping build a better future for the crop. Hunter Williams and Randy Miller, producers in Southeast Georgia, have different experiences and paths to the specialty crop sector. They discussed the …
Weed Management Key To Reducing Chilli Thrips in CUPS
Chilli thrips’ damage in Florida citrus under protective screen (CUPS) should motivate growers to manage weeds more effectively. Lauren Diepenbrock, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor and entomologist, shared that advice during this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Fort Myers, Florida. Diepenbrock said chilli thrips feed on citrus trees but they also …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Opening the Farm Gate Creates Opportunities for Producers
The Last Word: By Lena Juarez Every farm has a story to tell. Behind every field of blueberries, grove of citrus, vegetable operation or tropical fruit orchard are families whose hard work, resilience and passion have shaped Florida agriculture for generations. Today, more than ever, consumers want to hear those stories. They want to know where their food comes from, …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Exploring Alternative Crops and Evolving Practices
By Frank Giles An “alternative crop” is somewhat of a loaded term. What qualifies a particular plant as alternative varies widely. When does an alternative crop cross the line into being considered conventional? Is a more traditional crop planted in a new area, alternative? What about when new production systems take over in what are considered conventional crops? Those questions …