By Clint Thompson Earlier bloom periods for peach producers is a phenomenon that has only intensified in recent years. “I don’t care what you want to call it, there is a change to the global pattern,” said Chalmers Carr, owner, president and CEO of Titan Farms, the largest peach producer on the east coast in Ridge Spring, South Carolina. Peach …
Pecan Producers Prepare for Ambrosia Beetles
By Clint Thompson Pecan producers should be wary of the first flight of ambrosia beetles in orchards across the Southeast. That means growers with young trees are susceptible to attacks. Beetles live in wooded areas and respond to stress chemicals released from newly planted trees. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, believes trees are especially vulnerable following the …
Drought-Like Conditions Reduced in Southeastern States Except Florida
Drought-like conditions are all but non-existent in Alabama and Georgia following recent increased periods of rainfall, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The remaining abnormal and moderate dry conditions in Georgia are isolated to the southeastern part of the state. They start as far west as Brooks and Lowndes counties and stretch north-eastward to Long and Liberty counties. The southern …
Getting Started in Precision Ag
By Frank Giles The Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference, held in Savannah, Georgia, in early January, drew specialty crop growers to learn about what’s new in production, products and technology. While precision agriculture in specialty crops has generally lagged behind traditional row crops in terms of adoption, new applications and advancements are catching on. During the conference, a precision …
UGA Peach Specialist Confident Despite Chill Hour Shortage
By Clint Thompson One University of Georgia (UGA) peach specialist is confident about this year’s crop despite falling short of chill hour accumulation. Dario Chavez, UGA assistant professor with an emphasis in peach physiology and breeding, discussed Georgia’s crop at the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association annual meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. “In Georgia we’re …
Fallout from Freeze Still being Assessed for Cold-Hardy Citrus
Southeast citrus trees were undoubtedly impacted by multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures during Christmas week. An exact understanding of the impact will not be known for another couple of months, believes Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “The freeze was significant, but you never really know for sure until the plants start to flush out …
India’s Reduction of Pecan Tariffs a ‘Huge Deal’ for Producers
By Clint Thompson India’s reduced tariffs on U.S. pecan exports is a huge win for producers in the Southeast. “It’s a huge deal. It’s going to potentially open up another huge market that we desperately need. It may take a little while to get it going, but the first hurdle has been cleared any way,” says Lenny Wells, University of …
Freeze’s Full Impact on Cold-Hardy Citrus Still Unknown
Southeast citrus trees were undoubtedly impacted by multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures during Christmas week. An exact understanding of the impact will not be known for another couple of months, believes Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “The freeze was significant, but you never really know for sure until the plants start to flush out …
New Chemistry Labeled for Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson Southeast peach producers will be interested to know that the bifenthrin product, Brigade 2EC, now has a supplemental label for peaches, along with pome fruits and pomegranates, according to the University of Georgia Extension Peach Blog. Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid, making it a broad spectrum insecticide that is effective against multiple insect pests, especially stink bugs and …
Foreign-Owned Ag Lands in U.S. Concerning for Alabama Residents
By Clint Thompson The concept of foreign-owned entities purchasing U.S. farmland continues to be a concerning topic for Alabama specialty crop producers. “I’ve probably heard more on that topic here lately than any other. It’s definitely something that’s got people’s attention,” said Preston Roberts, director of agricultural legislation with Alabama Farmers Federation. “It seems like the more it’s being discussed, …