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
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
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
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
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 …
N.C. State to Host Fiber Hemp Meeting
North Carolina specialty crop growers interested in producing hemp should make plans to attend a fiber hemp interest meeting on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be held at the Mangum Community Building, 5838 Grassy Island Road, Mount Gilead, North Carolina, 27306. The half-day field day will focus on industrial hemp fiber, highlighting field production, …
Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo Concludes with Successful Show
By Clint Thompson AgNet Media celebrated a terrific conclusion to this year’s Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo event held in Tampa, Florida. The annual two-day event concluded on Thursday with another morning devoted to seminar sessions; one each for citrus and specialty crop growers. The tradeshow was also a featured part of the day as attendees greeted exhibitors and mingled …
Management of Chilli Thrips in Strawberry
By Clint Thompson University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research into chilli thrips provides a more accurate way for strawberry growers to manage this annual problem. Producers can now be more efficient in controlling thrips populations. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the …
Grower Wins Gun Safe at Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo
Although the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is at a new location this year at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, many of the event’s traditions are alive and well. One of those traditions is the annual gun safe giveaway, sponsored by Everglades Equipment Group. Growers who preregister for the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo are eligible to win the prize. Miss Florida …
Farmers Be on Alert for Corn Earworm
By Clint Thompson Alabama sweet corn producers should be mindful that corn earworm populations are spiking and pose a threat to their crop. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, talked about the insect and described what growers are seeing this year. “It was hit or miss depending on if you got hit with some of those major …