By Clint Thompson August is the make-or-break month for pecan growers yearning to produce a crop this year and next season as well. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, discussed in Tuesday’s UGA Extension Pecan Blog various factors producers should consider. Irrigation applications should be at 100% by mid-August, which equates to between 3,600 and 4,000 gallons …
UF Study Shows ‘Aromatic’ Blueberries Taste Better
They may be called “aromatic” blueberries, but they don’t just smell nice — they taste good. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientists now know why: These fruits contain just the right genetic combination to produce the chemistry required for a pleasant blueberry flavor. Growers and consumers always seek better-tasting fruit, compelling blueberry breeders like Patricio …
Farm Workforce Modernization Act a ‘Long Shot’
By Clint Thompson The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is in its final stage of being edited and potentially passed in the Senate. Whether it is approved by the end of this year remains a “long shot,” says Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, D.C. He spoke about the …
Freeze Events Impacted Southeast Blueberry Producers
By Clint Thompson Florida’s conventional blueberry growers dodged the proverbial disease bullet this past season following a late January freeze event that impacted the Southeast. Georgia’s producers were not so fortunate with a mid-March freeze event, says Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida. “The big story early in the year was the late freeze. …
The Status of Satsuma Mandarins in Georgia
Satsuma mandarins remain the predominant citrus variety produced in Georgia, but growers diversified more with their plantings this year. Jake Price, University of Georgia Extension coordinator, described the impact that growers could see with various citrus varieties now in place. He presented this information during the recent Citrus Growers’ Summer Update in Valdosta, Georgia. Price says the citrus industry in …
GFVGA Executive Vice President: Price Challenges are Still There
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s specialty crop producers are in the process of planting this year’s fall crops. It comes on the heels of one of the most challenging spring/summer seasons they have ever experienced. The changing weather patterns of persistent rains to hot and dry conditions were a small part of this year’s challenge. The biggest hurdle remains diminished market …
Pivotal Year for Alabama Pecans
By Clint Thompson A pivotal year awaits Alabama’s pecan industry. Two years after Hurricane Sally devastated the state’s production, there is renewed optimism about this year’s crop, especially in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Bryan Wilkins, Alabama Extension research associate, said growers should have a better idea of where their production stands following the hurricane’s impact in 2020. “This will be …
Weekly Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Discuss Crops
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update – 8/1/22 Midlands Justin Ballew reports, “It has gotten dry again in the Midlands. Scattered areas received some good rain over the weekend, but others missed it and remain badly in need. I’ve heard of …
Insects in Alabama: What to Watch for
By Clint Thompson Hot summertime weather conditions can fuel insect pressure. That is exactly the case in Alabama where multiple species are present and could pose a problem for specialty crop producers. Ayanava Majumdar, Extension professor in entomology and plant pathology at Auburn University, highlights the pests that growers need to be mindful of. “The armyworm pressure is consistent. We …
Blueberry Cultivation in Soilless Substrates
By Gerardo H. Nunez Blueberry production in containers filled with soilless substrates is rapidly expanding throughout the world and in the Southeast. Blueberry bushes are notorious for their strict soil requirements. They prefer well-drained, acidic soils with high organic matter. These soil characteristics are not common in many parts of the world. Thus, blueberries have traditionally been grown with soil …