By Clint Thompson Christmas tree production is a venture growing with popularity in Alabama. It provides great potential for retirees and is sure to attract customers looking to partake in the family experience every year. But aspiring producers need to understand the time, energy and work involved in ensuring trees are ready in the fall. Jeremy Pickens, Alabama assistant Extension …
Whitefly Numbers Low Across South Georgia
By Clint Thompson Now should be the normal time that vegetable growers would be observing whiteflies across the Southeast region. So far, knock on wood, that hasn’t been the case. Population numbers remain low, according to Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist “Normally, under these type of conditions, we start watching whiteflies a lot closer. But …
Spider Mites in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Spider mites have been observed in North Florida watermelons. While the pest is a common occurrence in dry weather, most are very isolated and require minimal action on the part of the grower. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses what growers are …
Downy Mildew Detected in Georgia Cucurbits
Downy mildew disease of cucurbits has been observed in Georgia, according to the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension Vegetable Blog. The detection was made in a cucumber field in Brooks County last week. These observations indicate that the inoculum of downy mildew is currently in southern Georgia counties and are under favorable conditions for a potential outbreak. “I would suggest …
Hurricane Relief Act Advances
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on May 11 reported favorably on a bill that would provide relief to Florida agriculture producers harmed by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The Block Grant Assistance Act is a bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide that relief. The bill will head to the U.S. House floor for a final …
Block Grant Assistance Act Advances
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on May 11 reported favorably on a bill that would provide relief to Florida agriculture producers harmed by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The Block Grant Assistance Act is a bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide that relief. The bill will head to the U.S. House floor for a final …
Not All Microbes Damage Crops
By Juan Carlos DÃaz Pérez The microbiological revolution in agricultural sciences may benefit crop production uniquely. We are only starting to understand these complex interactions among crops, microorganisms, insects and other organisms. Plant diseases are relatively rare despite plants being exposed to numerous and diverse microorganisms. A myriad of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) live on the surface of plants’ leaves, …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign Stresses Importance of Pesticide Labels
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition tells us it’s always a good time to check your pesticide’s label. The coalition says when choosing crop protection tools, both effectiveness and potential impact on the environment must be considered. Protecting bees and other wildlife is a major part of good stewardship practices and is why Growing Matters launched BeSure!, an initiative to support growers …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign Stresses Importance of Pesticide Labels
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition tells us it’s always a good time to check your pesticide’s label. The coalition says when choosing crop protection tools, both effectiveness and potential impact on the environment must be considered. Protecting bees and other wildlife is a major part of good stewardship practices and is why Growing Matters launched BeSure!, an initiative to support growers …
Florida Rep. Cammack: Specialty Crop Production Could Go Out if Issues Not Addressed
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop production in the U.S. is in danger. Unfair trade practices with Mexico have made sustainability a national concern for producers, not just those in the Southeast. That’s why it has to be addressed in the next Farm Bill, to preserve those farms that have survived so far. Florida Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03) discussed that issue …