By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt in lettuce is not yet a widespread problem for Florida producers. German Sandoya wants to keep it that way. Sandoya, assistant professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, provides management options for growers to help keep the disease out of their fields. “We’ve only seen it in field plots, so …
October Management Tips for Blueberries
Blueberry specialists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) remind growers about management options they need to be mindful of during October. Producers should monitor and manage leaf diseases, especially in evergreen systems. It is important to scout for algal stem blotch and selectively prune out canes infected with algal stem blotch, Botryosphaeria stem blight …
Resources for Citrus Producers Following Hurricane Ian
LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers have tips for citrus producers coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Management strategies include applying the plant growth regulator gibberellic acid to fight future fruit drop on trees weakened by the hurricane-force winds, spoon-feeding irrigation, applying kaolin clay to shade and cool the leaves from …
Florida Ag Expo Scheduled for Nov. 2
By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo is a couple of weeks away for those interested in attending the annual event in Wimauma, Florida. The expo, scheduled for Nov. 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), provides pertinent information regarding specialty crop production in the Southeast. Josh McGill, show director for …
Low Citrus Crop Forecast for Florida Will Get Lower
The numbers are expected to further decline, as the season’s initial citrus forecast does not reflect Hurricane Ian damage. The annual gathering of Florida citrus industry members to hear the first crop forecast of the season looked a little different this year. While growers once again came together at Putnam Ranch in Zolfo Springs to listen to the U.S. Department …
Blueberry Plant Care After Hurricane DamageÂ
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian had varying effects on Florida’s blueberry acres. Some plants dodged the high winds and excessive rainfall while others were not as fortunate. Post-hurricane management is important for growers in preserving their crop for the following season. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, provides producers tips on how to manage …
Hemp Production Improves in Alabama
By Clint Thompson Hemp production continues to improve across Alabama, even as new pests emerged this year for producers. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, discussed the state of the crop in Alabama. “It’s getting better and better. I think each year we’re finding better ways to grow it. The program itself is trying to be more …
Georgia’s Vidalia Onion Plants Spared by Ian
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion producers were fortunate that Hurricane Ian skirted the Southeast Georgia region and spared this year’s seedlings that were in the ground. Instead of heavy rains and high winds that were felt in some areas in Florida, the Vidalia onion region received some winds but dodged any major impact, says Cliff Riner, Vidalia Onion Committee chairman. …
Clemson Extension Agent: We Were Pretty Lucky
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian’s impact on South Carolina was felt worse in counties along the Atlantic Coast, though the storm provided the state with much needed rainfall. Bruce McLean, Clemson Extension area commercial horticulture agent in the Pee Dee Region, said specialty crop growers were fortunate there was not any worse damage than what occurred. “For the most part …
Strawberry Spotlight: Update on Florida Pearlâ„¢ Pineberry
By Vance M. Whitaker The patented Florida Pearlâ„¢ (FL 16.78-109) pineberry is a newcomer on the U.S. berry market in the last two years. It has appeared in stores under multiple brand names, including Pinkaboo and Berry De Blanc. ABOUT THE BERRYPearl has white flesh inside and out, with a pink blush on the outside when ripe. The seeds also …










