AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Alabama Cooperative Extension entomologists are reporting a drastic increase in armyworm moth numbers. Vegetable producers should be scouting regularly. There are four armyworm species commonly seen in Alabama: Southern armyworms, beet armyworms, fall armyworms and yellowstriped armyworms. Ayanava Majumdar, an Alabama Extension entomologist, said populations of Southern armyworms are growing, and beet armyworm infestations are likely …
Growers Needed for Georgia Citrus Commission Board
Growers interested in serving on the board of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Citrus should send in their nominations by May 26. The newly established Georgia Citrus Commission seeks five farmers who will serve on the board. Qualified growers must have a minimum of 5 acres of trees and will commit to serving a 3-year term with the option …
Citrus Growers Speak Up at Farm Bill Meeting
Citrus growers discussed their challenges and voiced their needs during a farm bill listening session held April 24 in Newberry, Florida. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15), chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, along with bipartisan members, including Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03), Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), listened to comments …
North Florida Melon Growers Should Be Wary of Bacterial Leaf Spot Disease
By Clint Thompson The recent cold, rainy and windy conditions present across the North Florida region were not ideal for the area’s watermelons. All were ideal for the development of bacterial leaf spot disease. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said producers should start adding a …
North Florida Melon Growers Should Be Wary of Bacterial Leaf Spot Disease
By Clint Thompson The recent cold, rainy and windy conditions present across the North Florida region were not ideal for the area’s watermelons. All were ideal for the development of bacterial leaf spot disease. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said producers should start adding a …
Florida Growers Encourage Legislators to Prioritize Hurricane Relief
Hurricane recovery assistance was top of mind when citrus growers met with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin April 11 in Highlands County. “The primary topic of conversation during the roundtable was encouraging Sen. Scott and Congressman Franklin to do everything in their power to get the Block Grant Assistance Act passed through Congress as quickly as …
Alabama Hemp Growers Concerned with Moving Industry Forward
By Clint Thompson Another hemp season is under way across Alabama. The same core group of about 75 producers are still invested in an industry that is still in its early stages of development across the Southeast region. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, said five different meetings in January generated questions among attendees. Growers voiced their …
Pecan Production: Fears of Oversupply on Minds of Growers
By Clint Thompson A 200-million pound production season is in the near future for Georgia’s pecan producers. That’s a belief shared by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. It’s also a concern on the minds of growers in the Southeast. If the leading pecan-producing state expands that much in the next few years, due to more trees …
South Florida Growers Seeing Higher Whitefly Populations
Whitefly infestations are higher than normal in certain areas across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Scouts have reported adult whiteflies are present on all crops in southwest Florida. Nymph populations are starting to build and becoming high enough to create sooty mold. Population levels are moderate on beans in the Everglades Agricultural Area but are …
Disease Management Recommendations for Florida Melon Growers
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recommends North Florida watermelon producers continue a weekly application of Bravo or other chlorothalonil product. This helps protects against early disease development, said Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “Early in the season, we suggest that they continue with a weekly application of chlorothalonil,” …