By Clint Thompson Thrips pressure has been high this year in peaches in the Southeast. Their impact started earlier than normal, according to Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “In years past, we’ve had thrips, mid-season, right now with some of our darker, red-colored fruit. The thrips feed on the …
Georgia Legislators Discuss HB 143
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s legislative session saw the introduction and passage of HB 143, a bill that places the financial responsibility of installing agricultural irrigation water meters on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Robert Dickey, chairman of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, discussed the bill’s passage during a recent webinar hosted by the …
Pair of Foliar Diseases Observed in South Carolina
A pair of cucurbit diseases have been observed in South Carolina. Downy mildew disease was discovered in a research plot at the Coastal Research and Education Center in South Carolina, according to the South Carolina Grower and Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath. The disease was found on May 21, though the spores arrived approximately 10 days prior. It infected the …
Lot of Tonnage Left: North Florida Watermelon Harvests Continue
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon harvests are in their fourth week across the Suwanee Valley region. One industry expert believes there is still more than half of the crop remaining. “There are many fields that are basically in the first harvesting. I would say we have a lot of tonnage out in the fields yet to be harvested if …
Georgia Watermelon Harvests Starting This Week
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s watermelon harvests are expected to pick up this week amid an unfortunate market decline for the region’s watermelon growers. Ty Torrance, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent for Colquitt, Tift and Worth counties, discussed the status of the watermelon crop in his region. He believes the lack of rain in some areas impacted the crops, …
Alabama Extension to Hold Blueberry Management Workshop
Alabama blueberry growers should mark their calendars for Tuesday, June 10. That is when Alabama Extension will hold its Blueberry Management Workshop at the E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter, Alabama. The workshop will start at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. Those attending the workshop will learn about the top cultivars available for commercial production, pruning tips, fertilization …
Mind Your Melon Event Provides Sneak Peek of Survey Data
Mind Your Melon recently hosted an event at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Florida, to share some insights on a mental health survey and to inform attendees about future plans for the program. Marshal and Taylor Sewell founded Mind Your Melon to raise awareness of mental health issues among farmers and others involved in agriculture. Marshal’s father took his life …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: The Last Word
By Steve Troxler Spring is one of my favorite times of year as early crops begin to emerge and one of my personal favorites — strawberries — enter their peak growing season in North Carolina. Strawberry season is also a reminder of the agronomic testing services the North Carolina Department of Agriculture offers to growers. This includes soil testing, nematode …
Sneak Peek: June 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The June issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights peach production throughout the Southeast. Research plots at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, focus on peach production in high-density orchards. The research includes increased trees per acre, higher yields and automation to handle more of the manual …
Large Fruit Size Could Be Problem for Cold-Hardy Citrus
Fruit in the cold-hardy citrus region is expected to be in short supply next season due to the trees’ alternate bearing cycle. The fruit also could be too large to sell, creating another concern for growers heading into next season. “Trees with a low crop load tend to have large fruit,” noted Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor …



















