By Clint Thompson Anthracnose and downy mildew provide similar disease symptoms in watermelons. Producers should be careful in self-diagnosing the potential disease in their crops this season. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Extension vegetable plant pathologist, implores growers to consult Extension personnel when deducing what problem they might have. A wrong diagnosis could have financial repercussions. “What we recommend is …
Drought Monitor Update in Southeast
The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry areas becoming less and less across Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Florida’s dry areas remain isolated to two counties in the Panhandle and along the west coast of the state. Moderate dry areas are observed in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Georgia is reported to have sufficient moisture in …
GFVGA Executive Director Hoping for New Farm Bill by End of First Quarter
By Clint Thompson A new farm bill could be introduced sooner rather than later. At least, that’s the hope shared by Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “We are hopeful that you may see some texts in the latter part of the first quarter, February-March. We’re hopeful on that,” Butts said. “If you …
Peach Production: Fungicide Preservation Key in Brown Rot Management
By Clint Thompson Fungicide preservation is the key for peach producers in managing brown rot disease long term. DMI fungicides have already been compromised to some extent. Growers need to ensure other fungicide classes don’t fall victim as well, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “The bottom line is we’ve got some new products coming …
The Last Word: Connecting the Realities of American Farming
By Chris Butts “I know of no pursuit in which more zeal and important service can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture.” — George Washington, July 1794 Our nation’s founding fathers understood the importance of agriculture to our fledgling republic. The ability to feed ourselves is critical to national security and prevents us from becoming reliant …
Vidalia Onion Crop Producing Excellent Plant Stands So Far
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop is progressing nicely with strong plant stands, believes Chris Tyson, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. “Right now, we have a good-looking crop. So far, going out and looking at fields, I’m seeing really good plant stands everywhere. On everybody’s …
Increased Rains Putting Pressure on Producers Needing to Apply Plastic
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall during December and January is placing added pressure on producers trying to prepare for their spring plantings. If conditions stay saturated, growers will be unable to complete time-sensitive tasks, says Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties. “I spoke with a couple of different growers (last Wednesday) …
Drought Monitor Update: Dry Conditions Persist in Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson Drought remains in areas across Florida, Georgia and Alabama. But the amount and severity of those conditions continue to decline due to a rainy winter, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Abnormally dry conditions are still observed in Escambia and Santa Rose counties in the Florida Panhandle. Severe dry conditions are seen along the west coast of …
Southeast Regional a Specialty Crop Success
By Clint Thompson The 2024 edition of the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is in the books. Thousands attended the annual event in Savannah, Georgia. How to keep specialty crops sustainable was the underlying theme behind presentations given by university, Extension and legislative personnel. The three-day conference and tradeshow was dubbed a success, believes Chris Butts, executive vice president …
UGA Extension Entomologist Provides Update on Thrips Parvispinus
By Clint Thompson Thrips parvispinus (P.) is present in Georgia; just not widespread and in farmers’ fields … yet. “We have seen it. We have not seen it in the fields. We’ve seen it on ornamental plants and in big box stores, at Lowe’s in Tifton and Food Lion. Plants outside they are selling, if you go to pull the …



















