By Clint Thompson The pecan crop is loaded in orchards across the Southeast. But if the crop is to reach its full potential, it needs more sunshine over the next couple of weeks. Cloudy weather helped doom the crop last year, as sunshine was lacking during the most critical stage of development. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan …
Nematode Management: Know the Species Impacting Your Field
By Clint Thompson Before Florida specialty crop producers begin treating for guava root-knot nematodes, they need to understand what kind of nematodes species is impacting their fields. Not all nematode species can be treated the same, says Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and …
Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Issues Statement of Principles Ahead of 2023 Farm Bill
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing producers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, released its statement of principles for consideration of the 2023 Farm Bill. The SCFBA is led by co-chairs Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave …
Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Lays Out Priorities
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, has released its statement of principles for consideration of the 2023 farm bill. The SCFBA was established to advocate for broad-based farm bill policy initiatives to address the unique …
Weed Control: Know What’s Problematic in Your Field
By Clint Thompson Weed control is vital to a specialty crop producers’ success. They contend with crops for water, nutrients and sunshine. So, wouldn’t it make sense for growers to know what specific weeds are causing problems in their fields from year to year? That’s the argument that Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and assistant professor at the University of Florida …
Pecan Breeding: ‘Avalon’, ‘Kalos’ Strong Cultivars to Consider
By Clint Thompson Two pecan cultivar releases by University of Georgia (UGA) pecan breeder Patrick Conner provide growers strong varieties to consider producing in their orchards. The UGA Tifton scientist discussed what producers will see when planting ‘Avalon’ and ‘Kalos’. “We’ve had good response with our first release of ‘Avalon’ in the pecan breeding program. That’s gotten to be pretty …
IPM Tips for Transitioning from Summer to Fall Vegetable Crops
Alabama Extension is providing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tips for specialty crop producers transitioning from summer to fall vegetable crops. Sanitation Sanitation is an IPM level one pest prevention tactic. It includes the removal of plant or crop debris immediately after production is over. Growers should not let the vines or plant debris rot at a location while doing other …
Syngenta Product: Archive Last Line of Defense for Potato Producers
Clint Thompson A fungicide product from Syngenta provides potato growers a last line of defense before their crop is placed into storage. Since potatoes are susceptible to diseases, especially as they can be stored up to nine months, farmers would benefit from Archive. It provides farmers an extra layer of protection right after harvest and before storage, said Chris Clemens, …
UGA Extension to Host Vidalia Onion Meeting
University of Georgia (UGA) Extension will host a Vidalia onion production meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at the UGA Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. Lunch and Georgia pesticide license credits will be provided for potential attendees. UGA Extension specialists will provide timely information on disease management, storage trials, flavor research and fertility trials. Those interested can …
Sneak Peek: September 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The September issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine highlights various alternative crops that Florida growers can take advantage of. These include pongamia and sorrel, which show potential in the Sunshine State; and bamboo, of which producers have formed an association. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are also searching for the next breakthrough crop. Potential …