Chill hours remain an integral part of a peach producer’s hope for a successful year. If the current numbers are any indication, Alabama growers could be in line for a productive season. During a webinar last week, Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, said there was 737 chill hours or …
Opportunity Awaits? Blueberry Exports to China Could Be Game Changer
While the pending International Trade Commission decision regarding the case of serious injury that imports have had against blueberry growers will be pivotal for producers in Florida and Georgia, another marketing opportunity may lie with producers capitalizing on exports to China. Greg Fonsah, University of Georgia Agribusiness Extension economist, said during Friday’s Ag Forecast meeting there is a real opportunity …
It’s Coming: Strawberry Volume Expected to Increase Soon
Florida strawberry production has been slower than normal this season. But don’t expect that to too last much longer. “I think that volume’s going to be coming pretty powerfully here whether we’re ready for it or not over the next couple of weeks,” said Vance Whitaker, strawberry breeder at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. “We’ve …
Yeast Rot in Blueberries Major Problem in 2020
A sporadic blueberry disease caused significant problems for Georgia producers in 2020. Though management options are non-existent with yeast rot, Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, believes timely harvesting and handling of ripe fruit will help minimize instances in 2021. “It was a major problem for our rabbiteye growers. Kind of the last half, …
Whitefly Management: Don’t Get Behind in Spray Program
Insecticides are available for growers managing whitefly populations. But they need to be applied early in the season when whiteflies are young and immature. “Most of the things we use primarily target immatures. That’s where our best control is. We’ve only got a couple of products that are really good on adults,” said Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension …
Heliae® Agriculture Adds New Seed Treatment Product to Portfolio
GILBERT, AZ – Heliae® Agriculture is strengthening its product portfolio with the introduction of PhycoTerra® ST, a new seed treatment formulation specifically designed to supercharge the seed microbiome, improving the ability for soil to provide necessary water and nutrients to the developing seed and ultimately improving crop yield. PhycoTerra® ST has a unique formulation that allows growers to tap into the …
Blueberry Imports a Complement to Southeastern Producers?
The Blueberry Coalition of Progress and Health contends that imports of blueberries do not take away markets from southeastern growers but complements their production. It made its case to the International Trade Commission (ITC) on Jan. 12 during a virtual hearing and continues to believe there is a big enough “blueberry pie” for all parties to benefit from. “That’s why …
Slow Start for Georgia Vidalia Onions
It has been a tale of two winters for Georgia Vidalia onion producers. Last year’s abnormally mild winter was highlighted by warmer temperatures. This season has been characterized by wetter conditions and cooler temperatures. It has impacted the growth of the state’s onion crop so far this season, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension Area Onion Agent at the …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in the The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update-1/25/21 Posted on January 25, 2021 by Justin Ballew Coastal Rob Last reports, “Strawberry crops in the area are looking good with good crown development. We are seeing open flowers and some fruit set based …
Appointments Made to Georgia Wine and Grape Commission
Five Georgia wine producers have been appointed to serve on the Georgia Wine and Grape Commission. North Georgia Region – Eric Seifarth, Towns County; Central Georgia Region – Simone Bergese, Barrow County; South Georgia Region – Gary Paulk, Irwin County; Appointed as at large members – Gary Engal, Gilmer County and Eric Miller, White County. Engal and Bergese will serve …