By Clint Thompson Pruning muscadine vines is a chore that growers are tackling now during the dormant period. With mechanical pruning and hand pruning both options, growers must make economically based decisions on how to proceed. “Sometimes mechanical pruning is the only option when hand pruning cannot be completed on larger acreages,” said Cain Hickey, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension …
Hemp Production Has Risks
There are risks and significant costs in growing hemp, Tyler Mark warned about 50 attendees at the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference 2020. The event, hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Food and Resource Economics Department, took place Feb. 27 at the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. Mark, a University of …
House Introduces Resolution Declaring July as National Blueberry Month
(NABC) — The U.S. House has introduced a resolution recognizing the history and accomplishments of the U.S. highbush blueberry industry and seeking to declare July as National Blueberry Month. Congressmen Fred Upton (R-MI) and Sanford Bishop (D-GA) are sponsors of the resolution, deemed Resolution 882 in the House. The resolution points out that highbush blueberries have a harvested area estimated …
Optimizing Nitrogen in Vidalia Onion Production
By Ashley Robinson A long growing season and a relatively shallow root system make Vidalia onions a crop with specific fertilizer management for soil nitrogen availability during development. Researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) are conducting trials to investigate the optimal rates of nitrogen fertilizer to produce Vidalia onions. RESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS According to Andre da Silva, UGA Cooperative Extension …
UF Water Institute Symposium Addresses Complex Issues
By Ashley Robinson Water is an issue that touches every Florida resident and community. How much we have, its quality and how we use it are concerns that are rising to the forefront of legislature and public policy. Scientists, industry representatives and public policymakers came together to focus on critical issues facing the future of Florida’s water at the 7th …
Controlling Late Blight in Potatoes and Tomatoes
By: Ashley Robinson Late blight is an annual problem for potato and tomato growers. New strains of the pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, continue to emerge, becoming more aggressive and often resistant to fungicides. LETHAL PATHOGEN “Late blight is a devastating pathogen,” says Nick Dufault, associate professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “Any …
$347 Million in Block Grants for Georgia Farm Recovery Program
(GFVGA) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black announced the Farm Recovery Block Grants for farmers and forest landowners affected by Hurricane Michael. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) will begin accepting online applications for the $347 million in block grant funds on March 18, 2020. Georgia farmers and forest landowners in 95 eligible counties who suffered losses to beef, …
Pointers for Peach Brown Rot
By Ali Sarkhosh Brown rot, caused by Monilinia spp., is one of the most economically harmful fungal diseases for peach and other stone fruit growers worldwide. Four Monilinia species have been found to cause brown rot. M. fructigena and M. laxa are two of the most common species found in Europe. Monilinia polystroma, an anamorphic species closely related to M. …
Factors Affecting Fruit Quality of Low-Chill Peach
By Tripti Vashisth Peach production in subtropical environments has increased significantly in the last 30 years. Interest continues to grow due to two factors. First, early flowering and fruit set result in growers being able to harvest fruit earlier in the domestic market window, giving higher economic returns. Second, breeding advances have resulted in the availability of low-chill peach varieties …
Freezing Temperatures Have Little Impact on Georgia Citrus
By Clint Thompson Last weekend’s freezing temperatures in parts of South Georgia had no effect on the state’s satsuma crop, according to Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association. The bulk of Georgia’s citrus crop — 80 to 90 percent — is satsuma oranges, a cold-tolerant citrus that can withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Savelle said …