By Clint Thompson Increased rain events in June mean a potential increase in disease development for Georgia’s watermelon producers. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, said there are a few diseases that growers need to be mindful of following excessive rain in parts of South Georgia over the past week. “I would say I’ve been seeing a …
Alabama Growers Be Mindful of Blueberry Rust
Blueberry rust has been identified in rabbiteye blueberries in Alabama, according to Alabama Extension. It has the potential to be very damaging to yields and is most prevalent in the Southeast. Rabbiteye cultivars suffer from premature defoliation, while highbush blueberries are subject to occasional localized outbreaks. It is important to scout blueberries to see if symptoms are present. Yellow leaf …
Nutsedge Management Key for Florida Vegetable Growers
By Clint Thompson Nutsedge may not be the most problematic weed Florida vegetable and specialty crop producers encounter every year, but it is a problem. Nutsedge is most concerning because it is the only weed to puncture through plastic mulch, says Nathan Boyd, University of Florida Associate Center Director and Associate Professor of Horticulture/Weed Science at the Gulf Coast Research …
Scab Disease: UGA Extension Encourages Growers to be Alert After Recent Rains
By Clint Thompson Much-needed rain was received this week across the Southeast. But now there is increased risk for scab disease for pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama. Growers need to be on alert and stay vigilant with their spray programs, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia, Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “It had gotten really dry, but the flipside …
What Florida Growers Can Do to Squeeze More Out of the Lime Market
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 …