By Clint Thompson It’s expected to get hot and dry across the Southeast. Some areas are expected to approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For vegetable and specialty crop producers, they need to keep an eye on spider mites, believes Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. “Getting hot and dry like this and stay that way for a while, …
2 Novel Approaches To Take On Citrus Greening
Research project takes aim at the disease vector and promoting tree health.
Fresh Produce at Risk: Pallet Shortages Impacting Supply Chain
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 19, 2021) – Pallet shortages are a lingering concern that could impact the supply of fresh vegetables. According to the United Fresh Produce Association, there are various issues impacting pallet availability: Efforts of wholesalers, distributors and retailers to ensure sufficient inventory of non-perishables given previous pandemic-related impacts. The availability of lumber to repair and build new pallets. …
Hops Can Be Alternative Crop for Producers in the Southeast
Increased interest in locally-sourced hops has researchers at Auburn University studying the viability of producing the crop in the Southeast. Auburn specialists, including Andre da Silva, Assistant Professor of Vegetable Crop Systems at Auburn University, implemented the first hop yard in the E.V. Smith Research and Extension Center to evaluate hops as an alternative crop in Alabama. Preliminary data showed …
Keep Crops Watered Amid Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson With hot temperatures expected to get hotter and dry conditions only expected to get drier, irrigation management is a top priority for Alabama vegetable and specialty crop producers. “They need to make sure their irrigation system is working correctly, obviously,” said Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist. “The nice thing about most vegetable growers is that they …
Downy Mildew Found on Cucumbers in South Carolina
According to The South Carolina Grower, cucurbit downy mildew was found in South Carolina this week in Bamberg, Barnwell and Calhoun Counties. In each case, downy mildew was found on cucumbers, though severity seems low. It was noted that the disease’s discovery was about two weeks earlier than in the past couple of years. All cucumber and cantaloupe growers in …
Tomato Expert: (Pallets) Are One of Those Things You Never Thought About
By Clint Thompson Florida’s tomato season is nearing an end this year. While the crop struggled amid the coronavirus pandemic, growers were able to finish production amid a supply shortage, specifically with pallets. But the fall crop is just around the corner. That is a concern for Bob Spencer, President of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida. “We never experienced …
Irrigation Key for Pecan Producers During These Hot, Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Weather forecasts are calling for hot and dry conditions for the foreseeable future. That could have a detrimental impact on pecan trees, believes Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “Especially with growers with young trees planted in the last year or two, they need to be really careful about making sure they’re watering these …
Alabama Agriculture Relief Program: Deadline is June 25
The deadline to submit an application for the Alabama Agriculture Relief Program (AARP) is Friday, June 25. The AARP provides USDA relief funds to growers who suffered losses due to Hurricane Michael. AARP will provide funds for necessary expenses related to the losses of pecans, horticulture crops and uninsured infrastructure damage related to the hurricane’s fallout when it impacted the …
Disease Discovery: Gummy Stem Blight a Problem in North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson Fusarium wilt is not the only disease affecting North Florida watermelons. According to an email alert sent by Suwannee Valley Extension agents, the region’s watermelon crop is undergoing high gummy stem blight pressure. High temperatures and humidity along with rain showers have provided the perfect environment for gummy stem blight. “In fact, I would be willing to …