By Will Jordan Watermelon harvests continue in Alabama. Some growers are winding down, while others have more crop to pick. It is important that producers ensure the highest quality for consumers. The best practices for increasing sweetness levels for that signature watermelon flavor is clouded by some misconceptions. Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, shares some insight. Sponsored ContentNuseed …
North Carolina Tomato Growers Association Plans Referendum
RALEIGH – The North Carolina (N.C.) Tomato Growers Association will conduct an August referendum on continuing the $20 per acre assessment on harvested commercial tomatoes. Funds generated by the assessment would support research, education and programs to promote N.C. tomatoes. The proposed assessment term is six years, beginning with the 2023 crop. All North Carolina farmers engaged in the production of tomatoes …
North Alabama Rains Prompt Growers to Apply Fungicides
By Clint Thompson Recent rain events in North Alabama have prompted specialty crop producers to increase their fungicide applications. Eric Schavey, regional Extension agent in Northeast Alabama, said rainfall in the region has been sporadic in some areas and non-existent in others. But the increased moisture in certain areas has forced growers to apply fungicide sprays to control potential diseases. …
Peach Tree Management: Growers Should Manage Borer Insects
By Clint Thompson Peach tree growers suffered through a disastrous season due to unforeseen weather conditions in February and March. Despite those various challenges, producers need to continue maintaining their orchards for future yields. This is especially true for insects like peachtree and lesser peachtree borer, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural …
From Start to Finish: Chilli Thrips Remain a Season-Long Concern for Florida Strawberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Strawberry planting season is just around the corner for South Florida producers. One part of production that growers will have to be ready for is managing chilli thrips. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discussed chilli thrips …
Florida Watermelon Growers Lead in Total ProductionÂ
While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …
Alabama Growers Moving Forward from Disappointing Peach Crop
By Will Jordan Peach losses were unfortunately common for growers in the Southeast. Due to an unseasonably warm February and a freeze in March, much of the crop was devastated, especially in Alabama. Producers can take action to mitigate future crop damage in the future. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn …
Georgia Citrus Growers Get Valuable Resources
Since Georgia’s citrus industry is still in its infancy, leaders are determined to educate growers about the resources that are available to them. With help from Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently hosted an event to share many of those resources with growers. The meet-and-greet workshop took place July 12 at …
Bumper Crop: Florida Watermelon Growers Still Lead Nation in Production
While many enjoy sweet, cool watermelon as a treat or snack this summer, remember where it comes from. Some Florida growers claim they had their best season ever. Florida continues to lead the nation in watermelon production. From 2010 to 2021, Florida growers ranked No. 1 in the United States with an average of 22,616 acres of watermelon harvested per …
Leaf Rust Problematic for Florida Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …