Florida Blueberry Grower: Roller Coaster of Warm, Cold Temperatures

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Weather challenged Florida blueberry production this year. It continues to disrupt harvest plans for growers who have already started picking this year’s crop. “It’s been a roller coaster of warm and then cold; warm and then cold. By the time it gets going, it gets shut down,” said Gary Smith, producer located in Winter Haven, Florida, who …

Florida Blueberry Producer: Expect Full Bloom Maybe By Saturday

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson One Florida blueberry producer expects full bloom by the end of this week. The timing is comparable to previous years, says Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries and manages another 350 acres. “I’m expecting to be in full bloom maybe by Saturday. There’s no such thing as a typical …

Chilli Thrips Emerging Pest to Georgia Blueberries

Clint ThompsonBlueberries, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Chilli thrips are emerging as a serious threat to blueberry production in Georgia. Ash Sial, University of Georgia entomologist, discussed the pest with AgNet Media at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “It is the most emerging issue. Our key issue is spotted wing drosophila, but thrips are becoming as complex; one of …

Attention Florida Blueberry Growers: What to Remember During Freezing Weather

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts caution Florida blueberry growers about the potential for low temperatures this time of year and what management options they need to be concerned with. Doug Phillips, UF/IFAS blueberry Extension coordinator at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, emphasizes the importance of eyeing weather forecasts every …

Florida Ag Community Continues Work to Enhance Water Quality Management

Web AdminCitrus, Fruits, Vegetables

By Frank Giles Water quality and quantity are issues that cross all political and economic boundaries in Florida. When blue-green algae and red tides occur, they make front-page news and keep these challenges top-of-mind for all Floridians. Agriculture and the water-quality debate have been closely intertwined over the years. As a large user of water for irrigation and the need …

South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Mite Pressure Update

Web AdminFlorida, Pest Management, Pests

Mite pressure is low but increasing in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Southern red mites were reported in blueberries in central Florida. Broad mites were reported in a few pepper fields across Southwest Florida. Broad mite infestation increased to low levels in pepper fields along the east coast. In eggplants, two spotted spider mites …

Florida Blueberry Growers Hope for a Better Season in 2024

Web AdminBlueberries

By Leonard Park The Florida blueberry season that began in the summer of 2022 culminated in one of the smallest spring harvests in years. The main culprit was Hurricane Ian. However, the lack of chill hours in December, followed by two harsh cold snaps over the holidays, affected other regions with damaged flower buds and crop delays. For most growers, …

What’s Needed to Ensure a Sweet Future for Georgia Blueberries

Web AdminBlueberries, Georgia

By Clint Thompson One of the largest and most productive blueberry growers in Georgia is concerned about the obstacles that will challenge his ability to remain sustainable in the future. That is why Kevin Eason voices his concerns to those who will listen. He aims to educate legislative leaders about the issues that challenge his sustainability as a farmer. Eason …

Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference Taking Place Oct. 25

Web AdminBlueberries, Events

By Clint Thompson Blueberry producers should mark their calendars for Wednesday, Oct. 25, for the annual Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference and Trade Show at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the significance of the meeting this fall and why producers and industry …

Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference, Trade Show Scheduled for Oct. 25

Web AdminBlueberries, Florida

By Clint Thompson Blueberry producers should mark their calendars for Wednesday, Oct. 25, for the annual Florida Blueberry Growers Association Fall Conference and Trade Show at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discussed the significance of the meeting this fall and why producers and industry …