By Clint Thompson Consecutive days and nights of cold temperatures were just what the doctor ordered for peach producers and grape growers in the Southeast. They allowed farmers to obtain much needed chill hours. Grape producers also received help in managing Pierce’s Disease. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist Phil Brannen highlights the benefits that this week’s 20-and …
Temperatures Walloped the South Georgia-North Florida Citrus Region
Temperatures in the teens walloped the South Georgia-North Florida citrus region over the Christmas weekend, destroying fruit still on trees and damaging trees to some extent. “We got as low as 15, but most places it hovered around 18 degrees,” reported Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association. “All fruit left on trees appears to have turned to mush and …
Vidalia Onion Extension Agent ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Following Sub-Freezing Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop had not been in the ground long before sub-freezing temperatures (temps) impacted Southeast Georgia Christmas Eve. They were especially vulnerable to temps that reached the teens Saturday morning and stayed mostly in the 20s for consecutive days. Still, any damage assessments will have to wait, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area …
Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference Offers Up Comprehensive Education Program
Registration is ongoing for the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference scheduled for Jan. 5-8, 2023, in Savannah, Georgia. The annual meeting brings together farmers and industry leaders from across the Southeast as well as provide educational sessions that cover commodities across the entire gamut of the specialty crop industry. These include blueberries, caneberries, citrus, muscadines, peaches, strawberries, vegetables, Vidalia …
Multiple Days of Sub-Freezing Temps Devastating for Southeast Specialty Crops
By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers can usually stomach one day of sub-freezing temperatures. But four days? That was not the ideal scenario for growers across the Southeast this past weekend. It was disastrous for vegetable farmers, citrus growers and potentially strawberry producers. Prolonged temperatures in 20s over parts of the region, including South Georgia and North Florida, have been …
Maintaining Pecan Irrigation Equipment in the Winter
Pecan harvest season is winding down across the Southeast. Growers in Alabama and Georgia will soon be winterizing their irrigation systems. Cale Cloud, University of Georgia Grady County Extension agent, offered various tips that growers should consider when maintaining their irrigation systems during the winter months. Power units should be sealed to protect against various wildlife and moisture. Exclusion barriers …
Northern Citrus Areas Evaluating Freeze Fallout
Temperatures in the teens walloped the South Georgia-North Florida citrus region over the Christmas weekend, destroying fruit still on trees and damaging trees to some extent. “We got as low as 15, but most places it hovered around 18 degrees,” reported Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association. “All fruit left on trees appears to have turned to mush and …
Sneak Peek: January 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The January issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine profiles corn producer Karla Thompson. She is an advocate for all farmers and discusses the challenges that accompany being a producer in today’s agricultural landscape. Thompson also highlights the importance of continuing to educate consumers about food production. Florida’s sweet corn production got off to a shaky start this season following Hurricane …
Bacterial Spot Disease Intensifying, Spreading Across Florida Peppers, Tomatoes
Bacterial spot disease has been observed in multiple locations across South Florida. The weather has attributed to the disease increasing and intensifying in some vegetable crops. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, dense fog and isolated rain events led to disease development. Bacterial spot is moderate to high in tomatoes and peppers across south Florida. Bacterial spot …
Florida Specialty Crops Impacted by Frigid Weekend
By Clint Thompson Florida specialty crop producers are feeling the sting from a frigid weekend across the state. More time is needed to determine the long-term effect from temperatures dipping into the 20s (degrees Fahrenheit) in Plant City, Florida, where there is a lot of vulnerable strawberry production. Temperatures also dropped into the 30s further south in the Labelle/Immokalee areas, …