Alabama Peach Crop Not as Productive as Could Have Been

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By Clint Thompson Alabama’s peach production had similar results to Georgia’s crop. Much of it was impacted by below-freezing temperatures in mid-March. The chilling effect had devastating repercussions for much of the state’s peach varieties, says Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. “Similar to Georgia, we had a similar outcome …

Peak of Whitefly Pressure? Growers Hope Populations Start to Decline

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By Clint Thompson Whitefly populations have spiked across the Southeast. One university specialist hopes they have peaked, and specialty crop producers will soon start seeing a decline. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, describes what farmers and other specialists are seeing in their fields. “We’re hoping we have peaked. The trap lines that Phillip’s (Roberts) group …

Comment Period for Cancellation of Organophosphate Pesticides Extended

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the comment period for the potential cancellation of organophosphate pesticides until Sept. 25, according to the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension Vegetable Blog. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, said that if organophosphates are important to your production program, growers should submit their comments to the EPA. “If organophosphates …

Minimal Dry Conditions in Southeast

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Persistent rainfall in early September continues to provide adequate moisture for specialty crop producers planting their fall crops. Georgia is drought free. Alabama has minimal dry conditions in the northwest part of the state. Florida’s abnormally dry conditions are isolated to the southeast area of the state. This is according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Only portions …

Dry Weather Leads to Improved Grape Season

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By Clint Thompson There is still a month left of harvest for some grape varieties in the Southeast, but the crop has already shown better results than last year. The better yields are attributed to the dry weather experienced this summer, said University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist Phil Brannen. “I think, overall, it’s a lot better this …

Drought Turns into Rainy Season Across SE

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By Clint Thompson Dry weather conditions that were prevalent across the Southeast (SE) this summer have dissipated. Only areas in Northwest Alabama and Southeast Florida are abnormally dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, discusses the change in weather patterns that specialty crop producers have observed in recent weeks. “Every summer after …

UGA Research: Weed Control in Organics

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By Clint Thompson University of Georgia research may have yielded a new way for growers to manage weeds in organic production. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, is researching the effect of irrigation combined with different cultivation tactics to control weeds. He is studying shallow sub-surface drip tape placement for …

New Irrigation Demonstration Site at UGA-Griffin

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By Ashley N Biles The new irrigation demonstration site on the University of Georgia (UGA) Griffin campus will be used for training, research and education on the latest irrigation technologies for industry professionals, homeowners and researchers. “We are very proud to have the irrigation demonstration site on the Griffin campus and we appreciate all of the hard work that has …

Reduce SWD to Protect Against Sour Rot

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By Clint Thompson The ripening of grapes around the Southeast means producers need to be managing drosophila flies. As grapes near veraison or 15 degrees brix, they become more attractive, especially for spotted wing drosophila (SWD). As Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, points out in the UGA Extension Viticulture …