By Ayanava Majumdar, Chip East and Eric Schavey Organic farming in the South is challenged with year-round pest pressure from established or invasive insects. A flash drought can rapidly increase pest numbers and devastate crops. Two ways to reduce insect pests on vegetable crops, pest exclusion systems and conservation of natural enemies, have been discussed in recent VCSNews articles. This …
Weedy Issue: Ragweed Parthenium Becoming Major Problem in Florida
By Clint Thompson One weed is expanding rapidly across Florida. “Ragweed Parthenium, I would say is the biggest issue that’s relatively new. Its range seems to be rapidly expanding. Not that it didn’t ever occur here before, but I never saw Ragweed Parthenium in any of the specialty crop fields around us, and that’s mostly tomatoes and strawberries. Now I …
Sun Protection: Keep Watermelon Crop Safe During Hot, Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson South Georgia is on the brink of starting its watermelon harvest season. If farmers hope to capitalize with multiple harvests, they may need to apply chemical applications to protect against sunburn, which has been one of the few concerns during the production season. “The last couple of folks I spoke with, watermelons were volleyball size, if not …
Fertigation Advantageous for Farmers
According to Alabama Extension, fertigation has multiple advantages for vegetable producers that should make them implement this process for the upcoming seasons. The process of applying water and fertilizer through the irrigation system allows growers to apply the optimum amount of nutrients that a crop requires. If growers apply fertilizers via side dressing, there is a risk of leaching because …
Irrigation Vital During Critical Periods of Vegetable Season
By Clint Thompson Hot and dry conditions mean irrigation is a must for Alabama’s vegetable and specialty crops. Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, implores producers to stay vigilant in ensuring their crops have sufficient moisture. “This is a critical period to make sure that we have ample water out there, to make sure we’re either getting good stands or …
Soil Tests Essential for Upcoming Season
By Clint Thompson A proper soil test can better prepare growers for the upcoming planting season. It should be done well in advance, says Eric Simonne, University of Florida/IFAS Northeast Extension District Director. “Ahead of the planting season is always the right time to do soil testing. You want to do that ahead of time enough so that if they …
UGA Specialist: Vegetable Producers Probably Prefer it to be Dry
By Clint Thompson A prolonged dry period is not all bad for South Georgia vegetable producers. The current conditions are almost ideal for growers amid the current harvest season, according to Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “Most vegetable growers, in general, they would probably prefer it to be dry, because …
Interest Increases in Florida Pearl
By Clint Thompson Interest in the new Florida Pearl strawberry, released by University of Florida strawberry breeder Vance Whitaker, is gaining momentum. It’s expected to lead to a substantial jump in acres for the upcoming season; perhaps as much as 200 acres. “The interest has been variable depending on the business model of the different growers. There definitely will be …
NAP Coverage a Potential Option for Specialty Crop Producers
Alabama Extension reminds vegetable and specialty crop producers about the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) that is in place to provide financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when diminished yields, inventory loss or prevented planting occur as a result of a natural disaster. If growers are unable to get coverage through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management …
What’s Next? Potential Chemical Shortage Looming for Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Some supplies are in limited quantity for growers this spring. One South Georgia farmer is concerned about a potential shortage for the rest of this year with certain chemicals. “Down the road, there looks like possibly some potential problems with supply on chemicals,” said Kent Hamilton, owner and CEO of Southern Valley in Norman Park, Georgia. “Supposedly, …