By Clint Thompson It is about that time of the summer that one insect becomes more noticeable for certain vegetable farmers and cotton producers. Right on cue, low whitefly infestations have been observed, explains University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks. “Phillip (Roberts) told me (the other day) that he had one person report some yesterday, but really, …
UGA Trials: Organic Agriculture Research Gaining Traction in Georgia
University of Georgia Insect Ecology Professor Carmen Blubaugh is researching methods to help organic farmers in the Southeast, according to the University of Georgia Integrated Pest Management Blog. Farmers in the Southeast contend with year-round insect, weed and disease pressure, due to its hot, humid climate. Those challenges are amplified for organic producers, since chemical inputs are limited. Blubaugh and …
Imports’ Impact Felt Beyond Florida, Georgia
Lawmakers Re-introduce Defending Domestic Produce Production Act By Clint Thompson Increased imports are not just a concern of Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers. Farmers in South Carolina and Michigan are feeling the pinch as well. Southeast growers have rallied additional allies in their fight against imports, as noticed by the recent re-introduction of the Defending Domestic Produce Production Act. …
Production Update: High Yields, Low Prices for South Georgia Farmers
By Clint Thompson Crop yields have been high this year at Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia. If only market prices could have matched the production experienced in such crops as peppers, cucumbers and squash. “Prices are cheap. Mexico is sending product in here. It’s gotten prices depressed,” said Bill Brim, part owner of Lewis Taylor Farms. “Jumbo peppers are …
Managing Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses in Georgia
By Bhabesh Dutta and Rajagopalbabu Srinivasan The silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), also known as sweetpotato whitefly, is a pest of several horticultural and agronomic crops in southern Georgia. While direct feeding can injure plants and lead to problems such as silvering of leaves, deposition of honeydew and formation of sooty mold, whiteflies also can transmit numerous devastating plant viruses. Transmission …
Georgia Grapes Benefiting from Dry Weather
By Clint Thompson What’s left of Georgia’s wine grape production is benefiting from the hot and dry weather conditions. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, said the lack of rainfall has prevented grape diseases from being an issue so far this season. “Right now, the grapes in general, and I’m talking about the wine grapes that …
Drought Update: North Florida, South Georgia Remains Abnormally Dry
According to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions continue to persist across South Georgia and North Florida. As far west as Decatur County, stretching to the coast and as far north as Coffee and Irwin Counties are abnormally dry in Georgia. Counties as far west as Wakulla and Gasden, stretching eastward and as far as south …
Ideal Weather Conditions Helpful for Georgia Blueberries
By Clint Thompson There’s a fine line for how much rainfall blueberries can receive during the growing season and still maximize yields come harvest season. Too much rain can lead to disease, or the berries will split. Not enough rain and the berries start to shrivel, becoming unmarketable. Georgia blueberries received rainfall at just the right time this season, which …
Collision Course: North Florida, South Georgia Watermelons Likely Hitting Market at Same Time
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelons and South Georgia watermelons are likely on a collision course for the Southeast market this summer. Weather is the main reason why. Florida Frost Producers in the Suwanee Valley Region in North Florida have started harvesting this year’s crop. But many of their fields were impacted by a scattered frost late in the season. …
Good Start for Georgia Peaches
By Clint Thompson So far, so good for Georgia’s peach producers. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, said farmers have been harvesting peaches in middle Georgia for more than three weeks. Though the harvest season is still early, there have been no complaints. “Price is good. Quality looks pretty …










