IMMOKALEE, Fla. — Florida’s watermelon producers face two new viruses. But it is important to remember that finding a disease is the first step to managing it, says a University of Florida scientist who helped diagnose both diseases. “Now that it is known that there are additional (watermelon) viruses in the mix, efforts can be made to determine their impacts …
Crop Updates: Clemson Extension Agents Provide Timely Information
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Midlands Justin Ballew reports, “Last week was warm and humid again. Some of our sandier fields got dry enough early in the week that crops were wilting in between waterings. We got a bunch of rain …
Water Quality Concerns in Florida Stir up Citrus BMP and Phosphorus Questions
Growers call for more research on appropriate rates before new rules are imposed.Â
GFVGA Celebrates 25 Years of Impact
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp attends organization’s celebration By Clint Thompson It is not often an organization celebrates 25 years of impact to Georgia’s No. 1 industry – agriculture. But that is exactly what is happening this year with the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). Twenty-five years after its first organizational meeting at the Rural Development Center in Tifton, …
High Tunnel Producers: Be Wary of Spider Mites
Alabama Extension reminds growers that they need to be mindful of spider mites in high tunnels that naturally exclude rain. A high tunnel environment provides perfect conditions since spider mites like it hot and dry. Producers need to scout and respond in a timely manner. Infestations must be detected early and managed immediately to prevent any outbreaks. In order to …
Bayer’s Expanded Movento MPC Label Boosts Management Options for Whiteflies
By Clint Thompson Dry weather in the Southeast is inevitable. Those conditions could bring a resurgence of whitefly pressure, says Roy Morris, senior technical sales rep at Bayer. “When it’s wet, although your plants are lush, you start getting some fungi and things that’ll naturally occur and take out the (whitefly) populations. When it’s hot and dry, they can turn …
Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo a Sweet Success
By Clint Thompson Friends reunited. Farmers shared stories. Industry leaders talked about the latest trends in citrus, vegetable and specialty crops. Yes, AgNet Media’s Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo was a success. Just being able to meet again for an in-person show was a win following last year’s virtual show amid the coronavirus pandemic. Approximately 750 attendees pre-registered for …
Weed Management with Fumigants
By Nathan Boyd Fumigants are the cornerstone of pest management programs in most high-intensity plasticulture production systems. They are used to manage soil-borne pathogens, nematodes and weeds. Fumigants have been broadly adopted because they reduce pest populations prior to crop establishment and provide a means to control pests for which there are no other viable alternatives. In addition, fumigants enable …
Late Registration Looms for FFVA Convention
By Clint Thompson Late registration for this year’s Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) convention ends Aug. 30. The 77th annual convention is slated for Sept. 13-15 in Naples, Florida. FFVA President Mike Joyner said the organization is excited about this year’s event. “We are expecting just a great turnout. I think people are just really anxious to get out …
Another Scab Management Spray or Two Projected for Pecan Crop
By Clint Thompson Pecan producers in Alabama and Georgia need to stay vigilant with their scab management sprays this late in the production season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, said due to the crop lagging behind in development this year, growers will need to apply fungicides later than normal. “The crop is a little behind what …