RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has received a $79.6 million USDA block grant to assist producers and woodland owners in 90 counties who suffered losses in 2018-2019 from Hurricanes Florence, Michael and Dorian. The application period runs July 1 to Oct. 1. This program will offer direct payments to eligible poultry/livestock and plasticulture producers. Assistance …
Management of Alternaria Blight and Head Rot in Brassica
By Bhabesh Dutta and Aparna Petkar Alternaria blight and head rot (ABHR) of broccoli and other brassicas is caused by several species in the genus Alternaria, including A. brassicicola, A. brassicae and A. raphanin. All these species can cause significant economic losses. These fungi are facultative pathogens that primarily survive in crop debris, although chlamydospores and microsclerotia are known to …
Factors to Consider When Managing Phytophthora Fruit Rot in Watermelons
Increased rainfall means conditions are favorable for the development of phytophthora fruit rot (Pcap) in watermelon, according to University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Blog and Extension plant pathologist Bhabesh Dutta. There are several pre- and post-harvest considerations growers need to be mindful of in protecting their watermelon crop from the disease. Dutta recommends: Avoid harvesting watermelons from low spots in …
Sneak Peek: July 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The 2021 Florida, Georgia and Alabama legislative sessions have officially wrapped up, and the July issue of VSCNews magazine will tell readers how agriculture fared in each state. Adam Basford, director of state legislative affairs for Florida Farm Bureau, discusses the successes and ongoing work in Tallahassee this session. He highlighted the state’s updated Florida’s Right to …
Superfood Success: UF Researcher Studying Pomegranates’ Future in Florida
Interested in producing a crop that tastes good and is full of nutrients, including antioxidants? Pomegranates provide Florida farmers that sweet option. “The fruit and its products, such as arils and juice, are rich in phytochemicals and are considered a ‘superfood,’” said Zhanao Deng, a University of Florida environmental horticulture professor who’s trying to breed and grow more pomegranates in …
Fruit Splits: Increased Rain Could Lead to Problem in Blueberry Crop
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall in Georgia has blueberry industry experts and farmers concerned about a repeat of last year’s fruit splits. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, explains how increased moisture damages the fruit that’s still left to be harvested. “Once the berry is really ripe, the skin on the berry can’t expand …
Registration Ongoing for Citrus Expo, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo
Registration is ongoing for those interested in attending this year’s Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, scheduled for Aug. 18-19 at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida. The key issues that are impacting Florida’s citrus, vegetable and specialty crop producers will be discussed during this year’s event. How are unfair trade practices by Mexico impacting …
Irrigation Management Essential in Pecan Production
By Clint Thompson Many elements factor into a successful pecan production season. What were the weather conditions like? Was scab disease a problem? One of the most important factors is irrigation and keeping the trees watered especially during prolonged dry periods and nearing harvest. University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells stressed the importance of keeping trees irrigated during …
When Will it End? Pallet Shortage Continues
By Clint Thompson One of the most challenging aspects of vegetable production this season doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. In fact, it may only worsen when South Florida’s fall production comes back online. The idea of a pallet shortage was unfathomable for producers prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic. But it’s a continuing problem with no end in …
Managing Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses in Georgia
By Bhabesh Dutta and Rajagopalbabu Srinivasan The silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), also known as sweetpotato whitefly, is a pest of several horticultural and agronomic crops in southern Georgia. While direct feeding can injure plants and lead to problems such as silvering of leaves, deposition of honeydew and formation of sooty mold, whiteflies also can transmit numerous devastating plant viruses. Transmission …