This sector remains a question in the Sunshine State. But there are some things producers can do to turn a sour deal sweet.
Disease Alert: Cucurbit Growers Be Mindful of Powdery Mildew
By Clint Thompson Not all plant diseases need moisture to become problematic. Some cucurbit farmers in Georgia are finding that out with powdery mildew. The extended dry period in Georgia has allowed powdery mildew to flourish. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, said there is a moderate level of concern among producers, though there are effective fungicides …
New Tool in the Toolbox for Citrus Growers?
APOPKA, Fla. — Florida citrus producers need all the help they can get in combating the citrus greening disease. What about a tool that could aid trees already suffering from the disease? University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences may have a new in the citrus toolbox. Researchers found that injecting a benign Xylella fastidiosa EB92-1 bacteria biocontrol …
Hurricane Preparation and Recovery for Fruit and Vegetable Growers
By Pam Knox The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season is on the horizon, and now is the time to get ready for whatever storms may come your way. Even if you get missed this year, long-term preparation will help you get ready for any disaster that might occur on your farm, even if it is not weather-related. There are four steps …
How Citrus Growers are Watching and Trialing New Orange Varieties
Take a look at what the numbers tell us for each of Florida’s key maturity windows.
Alabama Hemp: More Growers, Less Acres
By Clint Thompson Hemp should soon be going into the ground in Alabama. According to Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, there should be more growers but less acres in 2021. “I think people are realizing they should go down to 1 or 2 acres to start, and don’t start big and make sure you have everything …
How Citrus Growers Can Stay on Top of Fruit Drop
HLB exacerbates this problem that has plagued yields in recent years.
Growing Matters: Communication Key for Growers and Beekeepers
“Many of the issues we see with pesticide misapplications really come down to communication. Essentially an applicator not necessarily knowing what a beekeeper is doing and visa-versa,” Bayer Industry Affairs Lead Frank Wong said in the latest episode of the BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition. The episode details the importance of growers and beekeepers being on the same …
Yes Please! Georgia Blueberry Growers Approve Continued Assessment
Georgia blueberry growers overwhelmingly voted to extend the assessment of $5 per ton of marketed blueberries for an additional three years. The extension was passed with nearly 82% of the eligible ballots returned with a ‘yes’ vote. The balloting period for the market order was conducted from March 1-30, 2021.  The Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Blueberries utilizes funds for …
Sweet Finish: Florida Strawberry Growers Ending Season with Strong Crop
What began as a sour start to Florida’s strawberry season is ending with a sweet finish, says Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida. Parke said he wasn’t getting the desired volume before Valentine’s Day. Then it started and hasn’t stopped since. “I think it’s going to end up being a bumper deal for us. We …