Algal Stem Blotch Observed on Georgia Blueberry

Web AdminBlueberries, Georgia

Various instances of algal stem blotch on blueberry have been reported in Georgia in recent days, according to the University of Georgia Blueberry Blog. Growers should be aware that since the disease is caused by an alga rather than a fungus, it is highly unlikely that fungicides will be an effective management option. University of Florida recommendations suggest that sprays …

USDA Announces $72.9 Million in Grant Funding Awarded to Support U.S. Specialty Crop Producers

Web AdminUSDA

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced on Wednesday that $72.9 million has been awarded to 55 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The grant program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education and research. “USDA is excited to …

Interim Senior Vice President: UF/IFAS Vision is to Become Silicon Valley of Agriculture

Web AdminFlorida, Research

By Clint Thompson A legislative success story this year for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will help pave the way for the future of agriculture. Rob Gilbert, interim senior vice president at UF/IFAS, discussed the financial backing that was provided to support the new artificial intelligence (AI) center at the Gulf Coast Research and …

$40 Million Fund Will Support South Carolina Agribusinesses, Expand Opportunities for Farmers

Web AdminAgri-business, South Carolina

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce the Growing Agribusiness Fund, a new incentive program for South Carolina agribusinesses. The South Carolina General Assembly appropriated $40 million to launch the initiative, which will help existing South Carolina businesses engaged in the processing, packaging, manufacturing, distribution, storage, and transportation of agricultural products, in turn providing more …

Be on the Lookout for New Thrips Pest 

Web AdminPest Management, Pests

By Clint Thompson Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, implores vegetable farmers to scout diligently for Thrips (T.) parvispinus. The pest was most recently observed on cucumber, squash and zucchini for the first time last spring. Meszaros discussed the issue during Wednesday’s seminar session at the Citrus …

Ingredients in Place for Quick Hurricane Development

Web AdminWeather

By Clint Thompson It is peak hurricane season, so specialty crop growers will be closely eyeing the weather forecasts with fall production season currently underway across the Southeast. While the remnants of Hurricane Hilary continue to impact California this week, all is currently quiet for the Southeast. But that could change in an instant, especially since three tropical storms popped …

Soil Sampling Timing Critical in Nematode Management

Web AdminFlorida, Soil

By Clint Thompson Soil sampling can be an integral part of a farmer’s planning for nematode management for the upcoming season. But growers should know when is the proper time to conduct soil samples. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, …

Possible Paths Forward for Sustainable Citrus Breeding

Web AdminCitrus

By Peter Chaires It was my good fortune to recently witness two unique scenarios in the search for HLB-tolerant marketable varieties. These experiences highlighted opportunities before us and clearly identified some challenges in resurrecting, rebuilding or reinventing Florida’s storied citrus industry.  The roadmap forward is yet to be fully defined, and the paths will vary for each fruit type and …

Commerce Department Investigation Could Impact Tomato Trade Pact

Web AdminTomatoes

The U.S. Department of Commerce opened an investigation by the request of the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) that could result in anti-dumping duties on Mexican tomatoes. In June of 2023, FTE filed a request to eliminate the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement. The purpose behind this request was to end the unfair trading pattern between the U.S. tomato industry and the …

Scout, Scout, Scout for Thrips Parvispinus

Web AdminFlorida

By Clint Thompson Anna Meszaros, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension commercial horticulture agent in West Palm Beach, Florida, implores vegetable farmers to scout diligently for Thrips (T.) parvispinus. The pest was most recently observed on cucumber, squash and zucchini for the first time last spring. Meszaros discussed the issue during Wednesday’s seminar session at the …