By Ashley Robinson Muscadine grapes were once thought to be immune to nematode damage, but researchers have discovered this is not true. Native to the deep southeastern United States, muscadine grapes are often recognized for their disease and insect resistance due to their tough skin. However, recent research has proven that these grapes may not be as hearty as they …
Disease Management Update for Georgia Blueberries
By Jonathan Oliver In 2019, Georgia blueberry production rebounded from the effects of the devastating late freezes in 2017 and 2018. Nonetheless, blueberry producers in the southeastern United States must contend annually with environmental factors such as heat and humidity that can provide an ideal climate for the development of disease issues. The University of Georgia (UGA)-Tifton fruit pathology program …
Managing Gummy Stem Blight in Watermelon
By Ashley Robinson Gummy stem blight (GSB), also known as black rot, is a common issue for watermelon producers in the Southeast. Didymella bryoniae, the fungus that causes GSB, favors warm and humid weather, leaving the Southeast growing region susceptible to the disease’s devastating effects. If not managed well, it can cause significant yield loss for growers. RECENT ISSUES Over …
Fumigation for Soilborne Pathogens in Strawberries
By Ashley Robinson Since the phaseout of methyl bromide, charcoal rot, caused by the pathogen Macrophomina, has become a growing issue for Florida strawberry growers. For years, soil fumigation with methyl bromide was the preferred method to manage soilborne pathogens such as Macrophomina. However, because methyl bromide was categorized as a Class I ozone-depleting substance, its production and use have …
Managing Cucurbit Diseases
By Ernie Neff University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences doctoral student Andrew Shirley suggested ways to control three cucurbit diseases at Florida Ag Expo in November. Shirley is pursuing his degree at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, site of the Expo. He shares highlights of his presentation in an interview with Southeast AgNet’s Tacy Callies. …
Hemp Plant Options and Advice
By Ernie Neff Adam Elend, CEO of Florigrown, LLC, addresses the four main options for starting industrial hemp plants in the field and offers some advice for choosing suppliers. In this interview with Southeast AgNet’s Tacy Callies, Elend reports in-depth on the pros and cons of three types of seed. The fourth option for planting is cuttings. “In an unpredictable …
Start the New Year at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference
By Abbey Taylor Every year, southeastern produce growers kick off the new year at the annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference (SERFVC) in Savannah, Georgia. The SERFVC will take place on Jan. 9–12 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. Featuring a top-notch trade show and extensive educational sessions, the event is organized by the Georgia Fruit and …
Sneak Peek: January VSCNews Magazine
The January issue of VSCNews magazine explores the latest technology and research, giving growers a guide of what to look for in 2020. Kevin Folta, a horticultural sciences professor at the University of Florida, looks at how far technology has advanced over the past 20 years. He discusses the accelerating pace of genetic discovery and what technological advancements in crop …
Crop Insurance Deadline Approaching for Tomatoes and Pecans
(FDACS) — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reminding Florida’s tomato and pecan growers of the approaching crop insurance deadline. Growers have until Jan. 31, 2020, to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2020 crop year. Current policyholders who would like to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Jan. 31 sales closing date …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Comments on House Passage of USMCA
(FDACS) — The U.S. House passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). In response, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement: “It is deeply disappointing that seasonal protections were not included in this USMCA implementing legislation. For nearly a year, I have called repeatedly for effective, timely relief from unfair trade practices for America’s seasonal produce growers in the USMCA. …