By Clint Thompson The Christmas freeze and mid-January freeze events provided much needed chill hours for Alabama’s fruit tree crops. But commodities like peaches are still lagging behind last year’s totals, says Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. “(Chill hours) are up a little, but they’re actually behind where we …
Mating Disruption Effective Treatment for Peachtree Borers
By Clint Thompson Mating disruption is an effective treatment for peach tree borers and lesser peachtree borers. One application in early March can last all season for peach producers. However, the management tactic may only be effective if nearby peach growers are implementing the tactic as well. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural …
Different Take on Truck Driver ShortageÂ
By Clint Thompson Supply chain concerns continue to be an issue for business leaders across the U.S., including specialty crop producers. One industry leader believes a truck driver shortage is not the reason for the problem. Jon Kenneally, chief executive officer for Southern Ag Carriers, discussed the situation during the winter meeting of the Georgia Plant Food Educational Society, Inc. last week …
USDA NASS Conducting Hemp Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting a hemp survey. It sent out the Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry to almost 1,600 growers across the Southeast, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. This followed NASS’s 2021 Hemp Acreage and Production survey. Like the 2021 questionnaire, this year’s survey will collect information on the total planted …
UGA Specialist Updates on Phony Peach Disease
By Clint Thompson Phony peach disease in the Southeast has not worsened over time. But it is still bad enough that producers need to be wary of its presence during the production season. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed the disease during the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. “It’s caused by a bacteria, …
GFVGA Leader Encourages Farmers During Challenging Era
By Clint Thompson Many factors impact specialty crop production that are beyond a farmer’s control. Weather, input costs, unfair trade; all contribute to a challenging era for producers in the Southeast. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed the significance of producers operating at maximum efficiency during the Southeast Regional Fruit and …
Chemistry Rotation Key to Preserving Fungicides in Blueberries
By Clint Thompson Fungicide resistance is a growing concern for Georgia blueberry farmers. Multiple fruit rot pathogens are rapidly developing fungicide resistance, according to Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. He discussed resistance at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. “Fungicide resistance, we’ve now found a lot of our fruit rot pathogens have …
Whitefly Management Options for Alabama Producers
By Clint Thompson Whiteflies remain a concern for Alabama specialty crop producers. Unfortunately, they appear to be a constant pest for growers, says Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist. He spoke about the pest during the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Our growers need to learn how to manage them during the season. We …
Sweet Corn Seminar Focused on South Florida Production
By Frank Giles Florida produces more sweet corn for the fresh market than any other state. About 37,000 acres of the crop are planted in Florida with more than half of that coming from the Palm Beach County/Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). This year’s crop got off to a shaky start after experiencing heavy rains and winds from Hurricanes Ian and …
Upcoming Vidalia Onion Meeting
Georgia Vidalia onion producers should mark their calendars for an upcoming Vidalia Onion Crop Update, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 26, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. University of Georgia (UGA) Extension specialists will discuss the recent freeze events and their impact on the current crop. UGA researchers will also present …