By Clint Thompson Foliar insecticide applications are essential for pecan producers hoping to control pecan phylloxera, an insect pest in the Southeast. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, discussed the insect during the recent Georgia Pecan Growers Association Fall Field Day at the UGA Ponder Farm in Tifton, Georgia. He stressed that foliar applications are most effective …
Industry Experts Highlight Importance of Georgia Ag Labor Forum
By Clint Thompson Labor remains a top priority for Georgia fruit and vegetable growers. Whether it’s staying in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration or learning more about the H-2A and H-2B programs, specialty crop producers need events like this week’s Georgia Agricultural Labor Relations Forum to stay updated on a topic that evolves regularly. Georgia Agribusiness Council …
A Bright Future and New Normal for Citrus
Citrus has a brighter future in Florida and surrounding areas, according to one industry expert. Hopefully, there will be enough farmers left standing to profit from it. Rick Dantzler, Citrus Research and Development Foundation chief operating officer, was a featured speaker at this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. He spoke about the industry’s future as it continues to navigate …
Whitefly Populations on Rise
Clint Thompson Whitefly populations have always been problematic for Florida vegetable growers. Those problems have increased in recent years, according to one industry expert. Ryan Richards, a consultant with Simplot, was part of a panel discussion during last month’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. The discussion centered on whiteflies. “I would say in the last 10 years, it’s a drastic …
Florida Mango Interest Continues to Grow
By Clint Thompson Florida’s mango industry has rebounded following a drastic production decrease following Hurricane Andrew in 1992. According to Jonathan Crane, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor and tropical fruit crop specialist, the industry hit its lowest point at about 1,000 acres but has more than tripled since. Fresh Florida-grown mangoes are producing high …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: AEWR Ruling a Win for Agriculture
By Frank Giles There has been a lot of breaking news on the labor front lately. More came down just as we were set to send this issue to the printer. In late August, a federal court in Louisiana vacated the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology rule. Opponents of the methodology applauded the …
Let the Plantings Begin: Vidalia Onion Producers Cautiously Optimistic
By Clint Thompson This year’s Vidalia onion season is underway as seedbeds are currently being planted in Southeast Georgia. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, talked about his growers’ mindsets and the industry’s outlook heading into the fall, especially following season’s challenges that included Hurricane Helene …
Low Input Research Trial: Pecan Varieties Still Require Minimal Fungicide Sprays
By Clint Thompson Low input pecan varieties does not imply zero fungicide applications for scab disease. It means minimal sprays for scab-resistant varieties. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, highlighted his research into low input varieties like Lakota, Excel and McMillan during the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Fall Field Day on Sept. 4 at the UGA Ponder Farm …
Canopy Management Needed for Cold-Hardy Citrus
Pruning may help cold-hardy producers salvage their satsuma crop from one year to the next and not endure extreme alternate bearing cycles. “Pruning in the heavy year may help alleviate that alternate bearing pattern. But we still have to do the research to support that,” said Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist. While pruning …
Spray Now for Black Pecan Aphids
By Clint Thompson Pecan harvest season is just around the corner for growers in Georgia and Alabama. That does not mean that producers should be complete with their management programs. One pest that producers must be wary of this time of year is the black pecan aphids. Its presence in orchards this season makes it a threat to a promising …



















