Heavy rains last week alleviated some of the abnormally dry conditions in North Florida. But Central and South Florida remain moderately dry as are South Georgia and South Alabama. Moderate dry conditions are still being experienced in the Florida Panhandle from Escambia County eastward to Madison County. Levy and Marion counties are also moderately dry, which stretches as far south …
Inputs a Major Concern for Potato Producers
By Clint Thompson Potato producers are not immune to the supply chain woes befallen other specialty crops. Kam Quarles, Chief executive officer of the National Potato Council, discusses the issues that are concerning to the potato sector. “For this past year, it’s been a really tight market. I think the challenge going forward is in regard to inputs. Fertilizer prices …
GFVGA: Freeze Event Timing Was Horrible
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s peach and blueberry crops were impacted by the sub-freezing temperatures felt across the state this past weekend. A few more days are needed, though, before growers know the extent of the potential damage, said Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “South Georgia blueberries got cold but those (farmers) …
Whitefly Pressure Varies Across Florida
Whiteflies are increasing to high levels in Southwest Florida, which is normal this time of year. It is especially true for older tomato plants and melon crops, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. However, population levels are much lower in other areas, including in tomato and squash plants in central Florida. Whiteflies have only been observed occasionally …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide crop updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Dr. Matt Cutulle reports, “I saw my first nutsedge plants this year pop up in the plastic mulch of a fellow researcher’s trial last week in Charleston. Soil temperatures in plastic mulch systems are going …
Neglecting Weeds Can Lead to Late-Season Disease in Organic Onions
By Bhabesh Dutta, Timothy Grey and Jason Schmidt Georgia is known for many crops, and onion is one of the major vegetables produced. Organic onions are a developing commodity in the Vidalia region, but growers experience multiple pest and pathogen challenges. A multidisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) is working to improve sustainable, high-quality organic Vidalia …
Machine Harvest Development Key to Sustainability of Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson Machine harvesters are a key to Southeast farming operations remaining sustainable for the foreseeable future. More research funding is needed so scientists like Changying (Charlie) Li, professor in the University of Georgia School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, can develop advancements for specialty crop producers. “Imagine if we don’t need any labor, just deploy the robots and …
Strawberry Plants at Risk During Cold Weekend
North Carolina State Extension cautions strawberry growers in the Southeast about sub-freezing temperatures this weekend that will impact the state’s crop. “While plants in the mid-Atlantic are still under covers and the crop in western North Carolina is not as advanced, especially growers in Georgia, South Carolina and eastern North Carolina will have to watch out to protect possible blooms …
Drought Persists Across Southeast
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions are worsening across the Southeast region. Even with much-needed rainfall this week, most of Florida and the southern parts of Alabama and Georgia are either abnormally dry or moderately dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The majority of the Florida Panhandle is in a moderate drought. Those conditions stretch eastward to Putnam and Marion …
Blueberry Harvests Begin in Florida
By Clint Thompson Let the harvests begin! While Florida blueberry producer Ryan Atwood began harvesting his crop last week for mature berries, next week should see an influx of harvest action. “After this cold front moves through, we’ll be hot and heavy next week,” said Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries, manages another …