By Clint Thompson Georgia’s watermelon harvests are less than a month away. The crop’s development increased last week thanks to warm temperatures. It was much different than the weather conditions growers experienced previously, according to Greg Leger, owner of Leger & Son, Inc, in Cordele, Georgia. “We won’t have anything until the (June) 5th or 10th, something like that. There …
Pepper Weevil Update in South Florida Vegetable Crops
One insect that is being reported in high numbers right now across South Florida is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts are reporting high pepper weevil pressure in some areas across Southwest Florida. Weevils are also being observed on eggplant foliage at low levels. The same is being seen in fields along the …
Neopestalotiopsis Disease Management Update
By Natalia A. Peres and Vance Whitaker As the Florida strawberry season comes to an end, it is a good time to reflect on what has been learned over the past five years about managing the emerging disease caused by the fungus Neopestalotiopsis sp. This fungus has been present for as long as strawberries have been grown but was considered …
Christmas Tree Production Can Be Rewarding but Challenging
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, …