By Ashley Robinson Georgia growers may recognize the man on the cover of the December issue of VSCNews Magazine. Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Weed Agronomist, has more than two decades of experience working with vegetable crops. Learn more about Culpepper’s expertise and his impact on the vegetable industry in the magazine. Also discussed in the magazine are …
UGA Vegetable Entomologist: Potential Explosion of Whiteflies This Fall Never Occurred
Whiteflies were projected to have a widespread, devastating impact on fall vegetable crops in Georgia. But according to University of Georgia vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks, that never happened. “We were setting up for an explosion of whiteflies in the fall and it never really occurred,” Sparks said. “I’m pleasantly surprised it wasn’t a lot worse than it was. In the …
Poarch Band of Creek Indians Partner with Sweet Grown Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s agricultural branding program, is pleased to welcome the Poarch Band of Creek Indians as a founding member of the non-profit organization. “I am excited to announce our support of Sweet Grown Alabama,” said Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO. “We are always looking for ways to support Alabama’s economy and this important …
Senstar Insecticide a Viable Option for Southeast Vegetable Growers
Valent U.S.A. continues to tout Senstar Insecticide as another effective tool in the toolbox for vegetable growers trying to manage whiteflies. It offers fast and long-lasting control of soft-bodied insects of vegetable and citrus crops. These pests include whiteflies, aphids, thrips and pysillids. Whiteflies were widespread this year and led to the worst outbreak for Southeast growers since 2017. They …
La Nina a Concern for Fruit, Vegetable Producers
A La Nina weather pattern is expected to last through early spring and bring warm and dry conditions to the Southeast. According to the Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast blog, Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, said that the NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicts a 100% chance of a La Nina through the winter and better than …
Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot Warning for Strawberry Producers
Georgia strawberry producers need to monitor their plants for Neopestalotiopsis Fruit Rot. It has already caused problems for Florida farmers and nurseries in North Carolina where many Georgia farmers get their plugs from. “(Georgia producers) should be aware of it. We had a meeting on it again,” said University of Georgia plant pathologist Phil Brannen. “It has been found in …
Crop Rotation Key to Long-Term Vegetable Production Success
One of the most fundamental practices regarding vegetable production is the implementation of crop rotation. Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, said crop rotation is a basic practice that is beneficial for any crop that’s grown. “Unfortunately in the south, we rarely have a break in season; a hard freeze and things like that which can help lower pest pressure. …
Mulch Improves Water Conservation in Vegetable Production
By Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez For centuries, horticulturists have modified the crop microenvironment to extend the production season and enhance crop growth, yield and quality. Some of the techniques to achieve environmental modification include the use of mulches, high tunnels, greenhouses, etc. Mulches are widely used in both conventional and organic vegetable production. According to Wikipedia, “a mulch is a layer …
Plethora of Plant Diseases Following Rainy Season for Alabama Producers
A wet 2020 has had Alabama vegetable and specialty crop producers fending off plant diseases. Even before the state encountered a couple of hurricanes, including Sally in mid-September and Zeta in late October, it had already received its share of rainfall. Not surprisingly, the excess moisture led to numerous plant diseases, according to Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist …
Storing Pecans May Not Be Best Option for Growers
A popular option that Georgia pecan producers are utilizing to combat low prices is to put them in storage in hopes of improved prices in the future. However, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells cautions growers who take this approach. “That’s most of what I hear taking place. I haven’t heard a lot (of pecans) over the …