Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Zack Snipes reports, “We had near perfect conditions for working in the fields this week compared to past weeks. Muscadine harvest is near complete and watermelons are beginning to be harvested. I sampled a good …
UF Citrus Breeder: Greening Inevitable for North Florida, South Georgia
By Clint Thompson It’s not a question of if citrus greening disease will be an issue for North Florida and South Georgia citrus producers but when will it be. Fred Gmitter, a University of Florida citrus breeder, believes the disease’s impact in both areas is inevitable. He shared his assessment during Thursday’s Cold Tolerant Citrus Production Workshop in Perry, Florida. …
AFVGA Set to Host Annual Conference, Trade Show
By Clint Thompson Registration is ongoing for the upcoming Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) annual conference and trade show on Nov. 18-19 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. After having last year’s conference canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials and industry leaders in Alabama are excited to reunite in November, says Hunter McBrayer, executive director of the AFVGA. “We’re excited …
Disease Development: Phytophthora Root Rot a Concern in Georgia Citrus
By Clint Thompson A saturated summer across the Southeast means more potential for development of phytophthora root rot disease in citrus trees. The impact on Georgia’s young trees could be devastating, says Jonathan Oliver, (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. Oliver implores Georgia’s citrus producers to stay vigilant in their fungicide sprays, as the wet conditions have not let …
Rising Prices Are Worrying Farmers
By Ernie Neff Rising prices are worrying Florida farmers, Gene McAvoy with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) said in a presentation this summer. McAvoy is associate director for stakeholder relations at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. His presentation was to the National Association of Credit Managers Statewide Agricultural & Turf Suppliers …
Sneak Peek: October 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Clint Thompson The October issue of VSCNews Magazine puts the spotlight on strawberries, one of Florida’s top fruit crops. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, discusses arthropod pest management strategies in conventional strawberry production. She highlighted control methods …
A Lot to Learn: Two New Viruses a Concern for Florida Watermelon Industry
By Clint Thompson Two new watermelon viruses discovered recently in Texas are now a concern of Florida producers. As if South Florida growers did not have enough diseases to concern themselves with, these two new viruses are now on growers’ and industry leaders’ radar. Pam Roberts, professor of plant pathology and state Extension specialist for vegetable pathology at the University …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Multiple Modes of Action for Plant Protection
By Clint Thompson The life of a synthetic fungicide is not everlasting. Vegetable and specialty crop producers need alternatives to remain sustainable. As resistance continues to build up in different fungi, some conventional chemistries could become ineffective and obsolete. Biologicals provide growers another option with a different mechanism, says Alex Cochran, chief technology officer for Douglas Plant Health. Resistance Problem …
Consumer Awareness Key to Tomato Industry’s Fight Against Increased Imports
By Clint Thompson It is no secret that COVID-19 provided challenges to the food supply chain and obstacles for vegetable and specialty crop producers hoping to remain sustainable amid a global pandemic. But one aspect of the pandemic is that it has boosted consumer awareness of where their food comes from. Growers and industry leaders believe a ripple effect from …
Georgia Producers Thankful for Dry Weather
By Clint Thompson The weather forecast for the foreseeable future is a sight for sore eyes for South Georgia vegetable and specialty crop producers. The summer was filled with persistent rains that caused saturated field conditions. Sunshine with minimal rain is in the forecast. That is welcomed news for producers who have already started planting their fall crops, says Ty …