By A.S. Culpepper Vegetable growers continue to face a tremendous number of production challenges; fumigation is no exception. With the loss of methyl bromide and Paladin, current sustainable systems for producing multiple crops on a single mulch installation often include finding the optimum combination of 1,3-dichloropropene (Telone II), chloropicrin and/or metam sodium (Vapam, Sectagon, etc.). However, fumigant selection is only …
Hemp Industry Could Feel Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic
By Clint Thompson A once promising commodity in the Southeast may be the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic. The virus that has impacted the globe and devastated the U.S. economy could impact how many Alabama producers follow through on growing hemp this year. “With everything that’s going on with this virus, I don’t know if everyone is going to …
Fruit and Vegetable Producers Already Feeling Effects of Pandemic
By Clint Thompson President Trump signed the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) into law on Friday to help provide some financial relief to Americans and jumpstart the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. Monetary help may be on the way for fruit and vegetable growers in the Southeast, but the effects of the pandemic have already …
UGA Economist Fears Coronavirus’ Impact on Fruit and Vegetable Industry
By Clint Thompson The coronavirus pandemic may have struck a blow to the country’s fruit and vegetable industry and could have repercussions for the foreseeable future, says Greg Fonsah, University of Georgia Agribusiness Extension economist. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused global fear, it was initially announced that the U.S. Embassy in Mexico would stop interviews of seasonal workers, …
Florida Grower: Peaches Not Fazed by Warm Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Florida peaches are in production earlier than normal this year, and the high temperatures in March are a big reason why, says David Wheeler, peach grower in Lake Placid, Florida. “We are picking earlier and picking volumes earlier than we normally would because of the warm temperatures,” Wheeler said. “Quality’s excellent. Size might be a little smaller. …
Sneak Peek: April 2020 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The April issue of VSCNews magazine is packed with information for both conventional and organic growers. Asian vegetables grow well in Florida and have the potential for high value in the market. As interest in these crops increases throughout the state, an article written by a group of researchers at the University of Florida (UF) – Mary …
Managing Fusarium Wilt Disease in Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Watermelon growers can protect their investment against fusarium wilt disease before they transplant, according to Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable plant pathologist at the UGA Tifton campus. CHECK FOR SYMPTOMSDutta emphasizes that it’s important for growers to check their seedlings before planting for any type of wilting symptoms associated with fusarium wilt. “If …
Coronavirus Concerns Impacting U.S. Agriculture
By Ashley Robinson U.S. agriculture has always had a great responsibility on its shoulders — to keep food on the tables of consumers despite the challenges that come its way. However, the situations facing production agriculture now in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic are weighing heavily on the minds of farmers. “There is a lot of anxiety and concern …
Strawberry Grower Addresses Trade, Labor
Gary Wishnatzki, chief executive officer of Wish Farms, was one of several strawberry growers who met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and two congressmen in Plant City recently. Growers at that meeting said Mexican subsidization of its agricultural industry is a problem, as is the H-2A program, which allows temporary foreign agricultural labor into the United States. Wishnatzki …
Prepare for San Jose Scale in Peaches
By Ashley Robinson Researchers have predicted increased San Jose scale populations for the 2020 growing season. The pest, which is active in temperatures over 51 degrees Fahrenheit, is forecasted to give peach growers a run for their money this year. Brett Blaauw, University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist, provided peach growers with an insect pest update and forecast during his presentation …