By Clint Thompson Like other specialty crops grown throughout Florida, hops are not immune to nematode damage. However, they may be able to tolerate them better than others, says Johan Desaeger, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida (UF) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “One thing that we noticed with hops, and I think that’s …
Smart Spray Technology for Weed Control in Row Middles
By Nathan Boyd and Arnold Schumann Would you be willing to reduce herbicide inputs if it did not negatively impact your bottom line, required no additional labor, and weeds were still adequately controlled? For most growers, the answer would automatically be yes if it was possible. How the Technology Works University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) …
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Details Strategic Plan Empowering Industry
FOLSOM, Calif. —The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) announced last week details around its recently approved 2021-2025 strategic plan, which charts an ambitious course to exponentially grow the volume and value of blueberries domestically and across the globe. The comprehensive plan explains how USHBC will lead demand-driving programs based on shared resources, research and insights that inspire possibilities and sustain …
Current and Future Citrus BMPs Getting a Closer Look
Learn why growers are concerned with new guidance on phosphorus.
Up Close and Personal: UF/IFAS Research Highlights Florida Ag Expo
By Clint Thompson The Florida Ag Expo is less than three weeks away for interested vegetable and specialty crop growers. While most agricultural events are held away from research farms, the allure of the Florida Ag Expo is that it is held at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center …
Excitement Builds Toward Upcoming S.E. Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
By Clint Thompson The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is two months away for those in Georgia, Florida and Alabama interested in attending. After last year’s conference was held virtually due to COVID-19, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is excited about the show’s return in Savannah, Georgia on Jan. 6-9, 2022, says Charles Hall, GFVGA executive …
Farm Bill Planning: Natural Disasters, Mechanization Part of FFB Agenda
By Clint Thompson It is never too early to start thinking about the upcoming Farm Bill if you are a vegetable or specialty crop producer. John Walt Boatright, director of National Affairs at Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF), describes the process and the necessary steps in preparing for a Farm Bill still two years away. “It’s a process that requires …
Spotlight: Strawberry Season is Coming and so Are Nematodes
By Johan Desaeger Florida strawberry season is right around the corner, and nematodes are lying in wait. Sting Nematode Belonolaimus longicaudatus (literally “long-tailed arrow-like plague”), or simply sting nematode, is one of the most dreaded pests for Florida strawberry growers. If not managed, it can cause severe plant stunting and up to 100% yield loss (Figure 1). Sting nematodes are …
Turf Breeding: UGA, UF Collaborate to Develop Better, Tougher Turf
By Maria M. Lameiras, Kirsten Romaguera for CAES News When the University of Georgia (UGA) Bulldogs take the field against the University of Florida (UF) Gators for their annual football game on Saturday, the teams will be playing in neutral territory at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. But the grass they are playing on could be considered home turf …
How Much Longer? Future GFVGA Leader Discusses Current Supply Chain Crisis
By Clint Thompson The future leader of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) believes the current supply chain crisis is temporary. At least that is what economists are saying and what his hope is. “I think we’ll continue to see supply chain issues into next year for sure,” said Chris Butts, GFVGA director of legislative affairs who will …