By Patricio Munoz and Doug Phillips The University of Florida (UF) blueberry breeding program has a long history of developing superior southern highbush cultivars for the commercial blueberry industry. Beginning in 1949, the program has produced more than 40 cultivars, all of which exhibit a lower chilling hour requirement and adaptation to the higher temperatures and disease pressure experienced in …
Trap Cropping Effective in Reducing Unwanted Insect Populations
Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, touts trap cropping as being effective in controlling unwanted insect pests while also significantly reducing insecticide applications. “Not all insects will trap crop work. Trap crop works for insects that typically stay in clusters or have a strong border effect. For example, our sucking insect pests like the …
Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference to be Virtual in 2021
It has proven almost impossible to hold in-person conferences and trade shows amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is the latest to announce its intention to transition to a virtual event in 2021. Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association confirmed in an announcement on Monday that the event scheduled …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Clemson Extension agents provided updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Weekly Field Update-9/21/20 Coastal Zack Snipes reports, “Cooler temperatures have finally arrived in the Lowcountry! We had a good bit of rain in certain areas last week, and some fields are soggy. I saw lots and lots …
Sally’s Impact on Alabama, Georgia Pecan Production
Georgia pecan farmers escaped serious damage last week following Hurricane Sally’s trek through the Southeast. Alabama producers were not so lucky, however. University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells said Baldwin County, the heart of Alabama’s pecan production, was one of the counties hit hardest by Sally’s Category Two Hurricane status. According to the UGA Extension pecan blog, Wells …
Alabama Farmers Federation Surveying Producers
The Alabama Farmers Federation is requesting help from producers hit hard this week by Hurricane Sally. The organization has put together a storm damage survey for growers impacted by the Category 2 hurricane. In the storm damage survey, it says while it is important to report losses in the survey, it is also important to report damage to your local …
Why Citrus Education Is Worth the Connection Anywhere
Despite this year’s Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference going virtual, there was still plenty of learning opportunities to be had online.
Floodwaters Impact Southeast Crops
Farmers and homeowners across parts of Florida, Alabama and Georgia felt the wrath of Hurricane-turned-Tropical Storm Sally this week. High winds and massive floods knocked out electricity for residents and impacted farmers’ crops. Kristin Woods, Alabama Regional Extension agent, who specializes in commercial horticulture and food safety, reminds growers about the ramifications of floodwaters that come in contact with edible …
Hurricane Sally Another Challenge for Alabama Hemp Producers
Another week, another challenge for Alabama’s hemp producers. The excessive rainfall that some areas in the state experienced because of Hurricane Sally, should impact the hemp crop, according to Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist. “The issue is there’s that 15-day testing window. So, you have to get an Ag inspector to come take a sample of …
Georgia Pecan Producers Wary of Storm’s Impact
Georgia pecan farmers are once again vulnerable to a fall storm as Hurricane Sally slowly moves across the state this week. Its presence reminds growers of Hurricane Michael in 2018. While Hurricane Sally is not expected to bring similar damage, it still is a subtle reminder of the impact a storm can have on the state’s pecan crop, especially this …