A look at different approaches that have brought orange plantings back from the brink.
Update on Georgia Hemp Production
By Clint Thompson Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black said at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference that hemp production in his state remains on hold, pending approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) developed a Georgia Hemp Plan (http://agr.georgia.gov/hemp/Georgia-Hemp-Plan.pdf) to regulate production in Georgia and has sent it to the USDA. “We’re …
Research Underway for Florida Artichoke Production
By Ashley Robinson Despite California producing 99 percent of commercially grown artichokes in the United States, researchers at the University of Florida are hoping to profitably produce the antioxidant-rich superfood in the Sunshine State. Artichokes flourish in a cool environment and generally require 250 to 500 cumulative hours below 50 degrees for bud formation. Therefore, bud formation must be artificially …
Protect Against Whiteflies by Destroying Plants After Harvest
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist Stormy Sparks says cole crop growers need to destroy their plants once they’re done harvesting this winter. Cole crops, such as cabbage, serve as hosts for whiteflies. Therefore, the crops must to be destroyed once harvest season concludes in order to prevent the risk of a whitefly infestation. “If you’ve …
Nutsedge Control in Blueberries
By Peter Dittmar All weeds are problematic in blueberry production because they compete for water and nutrients, hinder harvest crews and decrease yields. One of the most problematic weeds in blueberry is nutsedge (Figure 1). The two species of perennial nutsedge in Florida are yellow (Cyperus esculentus) and purple nutsedge (C. rotundus). These weeds are difficult to control because of …
Taking on Trade Issues
By Clint Thompson The idea of fair trade doesn’t exist for Georgia blueberry farmer Jerome Crosby. He’s hoping something can be done to rectify the situation to ensure long-term sustainability for fruit and vegetable producers. Crosby, who produces 350 acres of blueberries in Willacoochee, Georgia, was a guest panelist during a session held at this year’s Southeast Regional Fruit and …
Scientists Seeking New Solutions for Fruit Fly Control
(UF/IFAS) — In the home, they seem to appear out of nowhere. A piece of fruit is placed on the kitchen counter, and suddenly there’s a fruit fly. But the bug commonly referred to as a fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, may more accurately be called a vinegar fly, with an appetite for rotting fruits. Instead, it’s a cousin, Drosophila suzukii, also known …
UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project: Successful Industry Partnership
(UF/IFAS) — The need for private funding for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Industrial Hemp Pilot Project has formed successful partnerships that benefit research and the agriculture industry. “The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) provided funding for equipment and has been a supportive partner by inspecting incoming plant material, but the hemp …
Sneak Peek: February 2020 VSCNews Magazine
It is no secret that today’s growers are faced with many challenges. The February issue of VSCNews magazine explores how growers can meet some of these challenges. To be successful in farming requires a great deal of flexibility, determination and endurance. Vegetable grower Chuck Obern, owner of C&B Farms, Inc., embodies these traits and is highlighted in this month’s issue. …
Georgia Hemp Production on Hold
By Clint Thompson Georgia farmers looking to grow hemp can’t do so without the state legislature first authorizing $800,000 to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to oversee hemp production. In response to a hemp production plan submitted by the GDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) required that the Georgia Legislature appropriate funds for oversight, according to University of …