By Alison DeLoach To help growers better understand Extension materials, Madeline Dowling, a post-doctoral researcher at Clemson University under Guido Schnabel, created artwork showcasing the disease cycles of gray mold and anthracnose on strawberries. Dowling has a background in digital arts and studied plant pathology for her master’s and doctoral degrees. Dowling wants to combine her passion for plant pathology …
Herbicide Update for Growers
By Alison DeLoach Rely, an herbicide used as an alternative to glyphosate, has recently been transferred from Bayer to BASF. This transfer of rights has raised questions for growers about whether BASF will support use of the herbicide. Stanley Culpepper, a weed scientist with the University of Georgia, shared his thoughts on Rely. Bayer, the previous manufacturer and marketer of …
Georgia Grape Growers Faced with Fungicide Resistance
The wine grape industry in Georgia is on the rise. While vineyards have been present in Georgia for the past four decades, the industry has been gaining significant traction in the last 10 to 15 years. Since the industry is relatively new, it is still fragile and some of the challenges, like downy mildew resistance, are unpredictable. Downy mildew is …
Blueberry Event Gives Growers Hands-On Experience
By Alison DeLoach Pests and diseases are always top of mind for blueberry growers. To help growers better understand how to identify these issues, Juanita Popenoe, a University of Florida (UF) commercial fruit production Extension agent for Orange, Lake and Marion counties, hosted a hands-on event at the Lake County Extension center in Tavares. Blueberry growers had the opportunity to …
Roundup Presents Challenges for Growers
By Alison DeLoach A well-known herbicide for growers, glyphosphate (Roundup), can cause harm to crops if not properly applied. According to Stanly Culpepper, weed scientist with the University of Georgia, when applied too close to planting or when the application rate is too high, Roundup can severely damage a plant. When looking at the labels for Roundup PowerMAX II, there …
Avalon Protects Growers from Pecan Scab
By Alison DeLoach Hurricane Michael caused severe devastation to pecan growers in the Southeast, including the southern region of Georgia. Pecan orchards suffer from pecan scab when the leaves and shucks get wet. The wetter trees become, the more scab infection they develop. However, a new pecan cultivar, Avalon, may be able to help growers in the wake of future …
UAV-based Remote Sensing Can Help Avocado Growers by Detecting Asymptomatic Pathogen
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Remote imaging can effectively detect a pathogen that endangers the $100 million-a-year Florida avocado industry – even before the trees show symptoms — University of Florida scientists say. Yiannis Ampatzidis, an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, led recently published research that shows that multispectral cameras can …
Southeastern Growers Kick Off 2019 at Industry-Wide Conference
Every year, the southeastern fruit and vegetable industry starts a new year together at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference (SERFVC), and 2019 was no different. Thousands of growers, packers, shippers, industry leaders and educators gathered together in Savannah, Georgia, on Jan. 10–13 at one of the industry’s biggest regional events. Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit …
Georgia Blueberry Growers Focusing on Bush Health and Labor
After suffering from late freezes during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Georgia blueberry growers are focusing on mending bush health. Brandon Wade, grower and president of the Georgia Blueberry Growers Association (GBGA), says growers have had a tough couple seasons due to the freezes. Disease pressure has been prevalent as well. According to Wade, the freezes opened the window for …
UF/IFAS Experts: Growers Ready for Freezes
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When the next frost threatens Florida’s crops, growers will do their best to make sure your favorite foods are protected from the potentially crippling chill, say University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts. For example, citrus growers use wind machines and micro-sprinklers to ensure freezing temperatures don’t ruin the fruit, said Chris Oswalt, a …
















