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 …
Sneak Peek: March 2020 VSCNews Magazine
Weeds have always been a menace to growers. The March issue of VSCNews magazine will give growers tips on how to best manage these nuisances. Two articles in the March issue offer ideas for organic weed control. In the Organic Corner column, Parmeshwor Aryal, a postdoctoral associate, and Carlene A. Chase, an associate professor, both in the Horticultural Sciences Department …
Keeping Citrus Greening out of Georgia Groves
By Clint Thompson Citrus greening disease is not yet a problem in Georgia. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, wants to keep it that way. The disease that has impacted citrus production in Florida for more than a decade has only been observed in backyard plantings in Georgia. However, since the state is expected …
Building a Stronger Economy Through Food
By Ashley Robinson The Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Santa Fe College (SFC) and the Florida Farmers Market Association hosted a symposium in Gainesville highlighting food safety, entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing and more. The one-day event, “Growing a Stronger Economy Through Local Food Entrepreneurship,” took place Feb. 14 at the SFC campus and included growers and food entrepreneurs. EVENT …
Federal Orange Juice Order Back on the Table
Florida citrus industry evaluates a generic promotion campaign amid market turmoil.
Georgia Citrus Industry Gaining Ground
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s citrus industry is expected to double in acreage by the end of 2020, according to Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association. The projected increase from 1,000 to nearly 2,000 acres this year presents the growers with an interesting challenge as they prepare for when these trees start producing fruit. “We project by the end …
Southeast Pecan Industry Continues to Face Challenges
By Clint Thompson The pecan industry in the Southeast faces several challenges in remaining sustainable for the foreseeable future, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. Obstacles including increased competition from Mexico, the trade war with China, and parts of the Southeast region still recovering from 2018’s Hurricane Michael have contributed to decreased market prices. “A …
Advantages of Compact Beds
By Ernie Neff The benefits of compact bed plasticulture for vegetable growing were discussed at a grower meeting Feb. 4 in Immokalee. Some of the information was presented by Sanjay Shukla, an agricultural engineer with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. Compact beds, at 16 to 24 inches wide …