By Fumiomi Takeda The introduction of primocane-fruiting (PF) blackberries by the University of Arkansas is considered a major innovation in the blackberry industry. Anytime a variety or new way of growing a crop can extend the production and marketing season, the crop becomes more important for growers and consumers. In addition to extending the season, this advance has expanded the …
Florida Hall of Famer: Commissioner Fried Announces Lone Inductee
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced John L. Hundley as the 2022 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee. The induction ceremony will be held at the Florida State Fair’s Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet on February 15, 2022, where Mr. Hundley will be recognized along with the class of …
GFVGA to Offer Labor Forum
By Clint Thompson One of the main topics impacting Georgia fruit and vegetable producers will be the focus of a two-day forum in Tifton, Georgia on Nov. 9-10. The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) will present the annual Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center the second week of November. The …
La Nina Expected This Winter
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about what Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers can expect with this winter’s weather conditions. It is expected to be warm and dry. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, believes another La Nina winter is likely, which would have implications for peach growers, who need chilling hours; …
GFVGA Set to Host Webinar
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) will host a webinar on Tuesday, Sept. 28 that addresses rising input costs in an uncertain economy. From pallets to chemicals, input costs have increased by as much as 25%. Which asks the question, how can growers compete? A panel discussion that includes Jeffrey Dorfman, University of Georgia economist; …
Will Pecans Be Ready for Chinese New Year?
By Clint Thompson A delay in pecan production this year could have a ripple effect that costs growers the opportunity to take advantage of the exports market to China. There is renewed optimism from Southeast producers about this year’s harvest season. It stems largely from the fact that China has increased its interest in purchasing U.S. pecans. However, supply may …
UGA Plant Molecular Diagnostic Lab Offers Free Sampling for Citrus Greening
By Clint Thompson The University of Georgia (UGA) Plant Molecular Diagnostic Lab is a key resource for Georgia citrus growers hoping to stay sustainable. The lab is located on the UGA Tifton Campus. While it is a fee-based service lab for the UGA Department of Plant Pathology, it provides free testing for citrus producers concerned about citrus greening, says Jonathan …
Alabama Extension Provides Tips for Controlling Pestalotia in Strawberries
Alabama Extension provides tips to strawberry growers looking to protect their crops this year against Pestalotia, a leaf spot and fruit rot disease caused by the fungus Neopestalotiopsis. The disease that has recently wreaked havoc on strawberry producers in Florida and Georgia is a threat to Alabama strawberries. It affects the plant roots, crown, leaves and fruit and eventually leads …
USDA NASS to Issue Pecan Survey
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will soon be sending pecan producers a survey to forecast pecan production for the upcoming season. Growers will have the option to respond to the survey online. Producers who have not responded by Sept. 29 will be contacted for a telephone interview by a NASS representative. Survey results will be published on Oct. …
Onion Growers Stay Vigilant Against Diseases
By Clint Thompson The management strategies for onion diseases remain the same for Georgia’s Vidalia onion growers heading into next season. Growers need to stay vigilant in their spray programs against fungal and bacteria diseases, says Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable disease specialist. “Onion is a six-month crop, and Vidalia onions are also stored for a few …