By Clint Thompson Specialty crop producers are always at risk for natural disasters in the Southeast. Especially in the late summer and early fall when conditions are ripe for a potential hurricane or severe thunderstorm, growers need to be prepared. Adam Rabinowitz, Alabama Extension economist, discusses the importance of government-assistance programs. “I think in particular in this area we experience …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Crops are generally looking good in the area. Strawberries are coming to harvest with good volumes. Keep scouting for spider mites and thrips. Thrips were found late last week in low numbers. …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Gummy Stem Blight Concerns
Gummy stem blight disease has increased in recent weeks in cucurbit fields across southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. It has become the predominate disease in some watermelon fields in the area. The disease remains moderate in cucumber crops on the east coast. Gummy stem blight’s symptoms appear as light to dark brown circular spots …
Florida Strawberry Producer: Chilli Thrips, Spider Mites Were Major Problems
By Clint Thompson Ideal weather conditions led to diseases being a non-factor in Florida strawberry production this year. But two insect pests were very impactful, says one Florida farmer. “What we did have problems with were the chilli thrips. They just ate us up from day one and we never gained control of it in some blocks,” said Dustin Grooms, …
Potato Grower Provides Perspective to Water Debates
By Frank Giles The 2022 Florida legislative session had a lot to do with water rules and regulations. For the most part, the legislation that passed was favorable for agriculture and now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. In a state of 21 million people, the number of people involved in and able to speak on behalf of agriculture is small. …
Survey Seeks Input on Florida Citrus Quality Problems
By Frank Giles John Chater joined the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) in January as an assistant professor of horticultural sciences. His job also comes with a significant Extension component, which will allow him to work closely with growers. “Extension helps make the research conducted at the university worthwhile, because this is how that knowledge …
Blueberry Management: What to Remember for April
Blueberry harvests are well underway across Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts provide blueberry management tips that growers need to be mindful of in April. Since it is harvest season, farmers need to harvest their crop promptly and cool the ripe fruit. Growers can use the Blueberry Advisory System (BAS) at www.agroclimate.org/BAS, to determine if …
Vidalia Onion Field Day: Information for Industry’s Future
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion farmers are not just managing their crop for this season. They are planning for future seasons as well. That is why Wednesday’s Vidalia Onion Field Day was an important day for the industry. Research conducted at the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center (VOVRC) in Lyons, Georgia is vital to the industry’s …
Spanish Version of Blueberry App a Benefit for Florida Industry
By Clint Thompson A new Spanish version of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Blueberry Growers Guide app will benefit a plethora of workers within the industry. Doug Phillips, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blueberry Extension coordinator, discusses its importance. “There’s a lot of growers, farm managers, field crew where English …
Cucurbit Farmers: Two Diseases Already Observed in North Florida
By Clint Thompson Cucurbit farmers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama need to be wary of certain diseases that are already present in some fields. Mathews Paret, associate professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), describes what growers should be concerned about with regards to angular leaf spot and …