By Alison DeLoach Hurricane Michael caused severe devastation to pecan growers in the Southeast, including the southern region of Georgia. Pecan orchards suffer from pecan scab when the leaves and shucks get wet. The wetter trees become, the more scab infection they develop. However, a new pecan cultivar, Avalon, may be able to help growers in the wake of future …
Management Methods for Flower Thrips
By Alison DeLoach Since flower thrips have been causing concerns for Georgia’s blueberry growers, the pest was a topic discussed at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. At the conference, Renee Allen, area blueberry agent with the University of Georgia (UGA), presented research on flower thrips and management recommendations for growers. According to Allen, research was conducted in New …
New Crops Proposed After Michael Devastation
Hemp and hops are being promoted among alternatives for crops wiped out by Hurricane Michael in the eastern Panhandle. Glen Aiken, director of the University of Florida’s North Florida Research and Education Center, said Monday the need for alternatives has grown as farmers in an eight-county region suffered most of the estimated $1.5 billion hit to the state’s agriculture industry …
Peach Pest Forecast
By Alison DeLoach Brett Blaauw, assistant professor and Extension specialist at the University of Georgia and Clemson University, gave his peach pest forecast for the year during his presentation at the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Regarding San Jose scale, Blaauw expects a tough year for growers. He said this winter has been relatively warm, creating a good …
Sneak Peek: February VSCNews Magazine
Hemp has been a hot topic in the vegetable and specialty crop industry, however there is still much to figure out regarding production practices and opportunities for southeastern growers. The February issue of VSCNews magazine will discuss the hype on hemp. In an article written by AgNet Media’s Abbey Taylor and Ernie Neff, readers will learn about the crop and …
Peach Pruning Improves San Jose Scale Control
By Alison DeLoach Recent research has shown that pruning peach trees can help growers reduce pests in their orchards. One pest in particular, San Jose scale, can cause difficulties for growers, including branch die back, and can ultimately lead to tree death if left untreated. Brett Blaauw, an assistant professor and Extension specialist at the University of Georgia and Clemson …
Natural Gall Midge Management in Blueberries
By Alison DeLoach Gall midge has been wreaking havoc in blueberry crops across the Southeast. However, introducing more insects into your production system could help solve the problem. Renee Allen, area blueberry agent with University of Georgia Extension, recently spoke about the advantages of using beneficial insects that are natural enemies of blueberry gall midge. Blueberry gall midge destroys the …
Reducing Sour Rot in Wine Grapes
By Breanna Kendrick Three faculty members at the University of Georgia are working on a project to improve sour rot management in wine grapes. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor and Extension specialist in entomology, is among one of those working on the project. According to Blaauw, a small fly, the spotted wing drosophila, can attack healthy grapes and help transmit sour …
Southeastern Growers Kick Off 2019 at Industry-Wide Conference
Every year, the southeastern fruit and vegetable industry starts a new year together at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference (SERFVC), and 2019 was no different. Thousands of growers, packers, shippers, industry leaders and educators gathered together in Savannah, Georgia, on Jan. 10–13 at one of the industry’s biggest regional events. Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit …
Visit VSCNews at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
VSCNews is excited to return to the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference (SERFVC) on Jan. 10–13 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia. Each year, SERFVC provides a great opportunity to mingle with fellow industry members and kick off the new year. SERFVC, sponsored by the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) and the …