By Clint Thompson The guava root-knot nematode can reproduce faster and be more aggressive than other nematode species. Those are two factors that all specialty crop producers should be mindful of. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed his findings with …
UF/IFAS Researchers Discover Genes Responsible for Flavor Compounds in Strawberries
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists have found the genes behind several aromatic chemicals that enhance the strawberry’s taste. These findings will help UF/IFAS researchers Vance Whitaker and Seonghee Lee as they study the sources of the unique aroma in strawberries. The genes that control aroma and flavor are connected. “Finding the sources of a …
Neopestalotiopsis Concerns in Alabama
By Clint Thompson A new strawberry disease in Alabama was not as bad as it could have been. Farmers can thank the dry weather conditions that neopestalotiopsis fruit rot disease did not devastate more plants than it could have. Growers only have to look at Florida to see the devastation this disease can cause. “One problem that did develop is …
Fumigants and Their Effectiveness in Weed Control
By Clint Thompson Fumigation is an integral part of a specialty crop producers’ weed management strategy. According to Nathan Boyd, University of Florida (UF) associate center director and professor of horticulture/weed science at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, growers can achieve higher levels of success when they have a comprehensive understand of how fumigants function. “Fumigants do play …
Understanding Fumigation and its Benefits
By Clint Thompson A better understanding of fumigation would allow specialty crop producers a better chance to succeed with their upcoming production season. Different products accomplish different objectives, says Nathan Boyd, University of Florida (UF) associate center director and professor of horticulture/weed science at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. If they are used in combination with each other, …
Diamondback Moth Management: Insecticide Resistance Concerns Exist
By Clint Thompson Brassica growers rely almost entirely on insecticides to manage diamondback moth (DBM) infestations. However, the moths have shown the ability to develop resistance to a broad range of insecticides, says Hugh Smith, an associate professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. …
Resistance Concerns in Insecticide Management of DBM
By Clint Thompson Brassica growers rely almost entirely on insecticides to manage diamondback moth (DBM) infestations. However, the moths have shown the ability to develop resistance to a broad range of insecticides, says Hugh Smith, an associate professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. …
Finding a Fit for Blackberries in Florida
By Frank Giles Blackberries have been produced in Florida for some time, but new efforts have been made to learn more about the crop to grow production and markets in the state. Blackberries have been proven to be a popular item at U-pick operations. For farmers who grow U-pick strawberries and blueberries, blackberries offer a way to extend the picking …
UF/IFAS Research: Diseases Minimal in Hops
By Clint Thompson Potential hops producers in Florida can rest easy knowing diseases are minimal, if they start with clean material. Gary Vallad, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discusses what findings his research has yielded so far in this up-and-coming commodity. “The only …
Cover Crops a Management Practice with Multiple Benefits
By Clint Thompson The fallow season means an opportunity for specialty crop producers to implement cover crops. It is a management tool that helps growers remain sustainable now and into the future. It is also a practice that Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, …