Blueberry growers will soon have a chance to make their case against unfair trade practices from Mexico and other countries. Jerome Crosby, Georgia blueberry grower and chairman of the American Blueberry Growers Alliance, confirmed on Tuesday during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference that the group will present their case to the International Trade Commission (ITC) on Tuesday, Jan. …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Biologicals Meet Grower Needs
Sponsored Content The use of biological crop protection products or “biologicals” in vegetable and specialty crops is not a new idea, just one that is increasing in popularity. The name sells itself. Biologicals represent a group of products derived from living organisms. Growers utilize environmentally friendly biologicals in combination with appropriate chemical applications to provide added protection against pests, diseases …
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-1/4/21 Posted on January 4, 2021 by Justin Ballew Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a great holiday season and is off to a good start in 2021. We have several virtual grower …
UGA Researching Organic Onion Fertilizers
Organic onion production in Georgia is nothing new. But the data is lacking for farmers who are trying to expand and be more efficient in their operations. That is why Tim Coolong, associate professor in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, is studying organic onion production. “Onions have been grown conventionally for decades. That system, I feel like …
Beware of Fungicide Resistance When Managing Downy Mildew Disease
Fungicide resistance remains a concern for Florida vegetable farmers trying to manage downy mildew disease. Scientists like Gary Vallad, a Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, implore producers not to be too reliant on one specific fungicide. It can lead to resistance issues. “Orondis is one that is kind of the …
Natural Habitat for Birds, Safe Produce Co-exist?
With an interest in wildlife while possessing an expertise in food safety, Kristin Woods is concerned about risks bird populations have on fruit and vegetable production in the Southeast. “It is possible to do both, have safe produce and maintain habitat for birds and other wildlife. But it really is an area we need more research in to know how …
Hemp Testing Expected More Frequently in 2021
Some Georgia hemp producers were victimized this year by having their crop’s THC level exceed 0.3 level. Subsequently, the hemp was destroyed, which was the case for 11 producers. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and leader in hemp research at UGA, said he heard farmers in east Georgia who …
UF Blueberry Breeder on Sentinel Variety: It Can Make You Money
The University of Florida’s (UF) newest blueberry variety possesses the quality all growers want in the Sunshine State. “It can make you money,” said Patricio Munoz, UF blueberry breeder. Munoz emphasized the attributes that make the Sentinel variety highly sought after from Florida farmers. “We can go around to yield, quality and everything but, yes, this one can make you …
Sneak Peek: January 2021 VSCNews Magazine
By Ashley Robinson The January issue of VSCNews magazine will be the blueberry grower’s handbook heading into the 2021 season. Chilli thrips are a growing threat for blueberry growers. Without proper management of the pest, overall plant vigor and yields can be affected. Oscar Liburd, a professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in …
The Top Reasons Why We Believe in Florida Citrus
Fifteen years into the fight against HLB, growers keep learning and producing fruit and will continue to do so.