Tolerance is Key: Squash’s Impact by Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Whitefly-transmitted viruses were a major focus during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah earlier this month. Squash remains the most vulnerable cucurbit to whiteflies and the viruses they transmit. Cucumber is still the least vulnerable. Some growers utilize yellow squash as a major part of their crop profile. It is not feasible for them …

Alabama Chill Hours on Par With 2024

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Increased cold temperatures in recent weeks have meant increased chill hours for Alabama’s peach producers. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, provided an update on how much chill hours have been accumulated, especially amid the current winter storm impacting the Southeast. “It depends on what model you’re …

Neopestalotiopsis Discussed at SE Regional

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A main topic discussed at the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference centered on Neopestalotiopsis (neo) disease in strawberry plants. One of the panelists believes the disease’s impact this year is directly linked to where growers obtained their plants. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed the disease’s presence in Georgia fields …

Tri-State Fruit and Vegetable Conference Scheduled for Jan. 28

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Uncategorized

The 2025 Tri-State Fruit & Vegetable Conference is open to fruit and vegetable growers across the Florida Panhandle, as well as the southern regions of Alabama and Georgia. The conference is slated for Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Jackson County Extension Peanut Hall Auditorium (2741 Penn Ave, Marianna, Fla.). The meeting will begin with registration at 7:15 am (CST) and …

Spotted Wing Drosophila’s Continued Presence in South Georgia Blueberries

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Spotted wing drosophila remains a concern for South Georgia blueberry growers.  Ash Sial, University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist, stressed during the blueberry update held in early January that the best approach in managing the pest is not just a reliance on insecticides. Repeated applications of insecticides can lead to resistance and secondary pests. “We recommend against just …

Southeast Regional Coverage: One Voice Approach Benefits Specialty Crops

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson It is better for fruit and vegetable organizations to implement a “one voice” mentality in advocating for specialty crop producers to legislative leaders. One of the by-products of the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is that it allowed members from multiple organizations, like the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, to come together and formulate …

UGA to Host Annual Pecan Meetings

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Pecan season has concluded in Georgia. That means the University of Georgia Extension meetings will soon be held throughout southern and central Georgia. The meetings are slated to start on Jan. 28 in Tattnall County and conclude on March 20 in Dougherty County The complete list of dates and locations include: Jan 28: Tattnall; Jan 30: Appling; Feb 4: Crisp; …

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Freeze Protection Needed Next Week for Georgia, Alabama Citrus

Dan CooperFreeze, Weather

January temperatures have been cold for South Georgia citrus growers. They are about to get colder, however, beginning early next week. According to weather.com, low temperatures in Tifton, Georgia, are forecast to drop into the high 20s, Sunday through Wednesday, with high temperatures only reaching the mid-30s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Similar weather conditions are expected across the region, so …

Freeze Effect: Cold Temperatures Helping Decrease Whitefly Populations

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A cold January that has already featured multiple days with sub-freezing temperatures should help vegetable growers combat the ongoing whitefly infestation. At least that’s the hope shared by Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties. “We’re still seeing a fair amount of whiteflies, even for the cooler temperatures. They’re …

Pest and Disease Hotline: Thrips Parvispinus Update

Clint ThompsonFlorida

Thrips (T.) parvispinus remains a concerning pest for Florida’s pepper farmers, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. T. parvispinus population levels are currently low in pepper fields along the east coast. However, at a few locations, infestation levels are moderate to high, especially at field edges located by ornamental nursery operations. Crop scouts report heavy foliar feeding …