pruning

Pruning Young Citrus Trees

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Pruning

Pruning is an important management tactic that cold-hardy citrus growers need to implement, especially during the early stages of tree development. Fernando Alferez, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus horticulturist, discussed pruning during the Cold-Hardy Citrus Field Day and Workshop in Quincy on Oct. 1. “Pruning is important because it will give the tree …

Registration Open for Southeast Regional

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson It is never too early for fruit and vegetable growers in the Southeast to start thinking about next year’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Registration is currently under way for the three-day event, scheduled for Jan. 8-10, 2026 at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia. Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) Director of Membership …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Mastering Hydrogen Cyanamide Applications in Blueberry

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Ryan Atwood In Florida, the use of Dormex (hydrogen cyanamide) on deciduous crops has long been a staple for producers. This plant growth regulator is valuable because it stimulates more uniform bud break in deciduous plants. Uniform bud break is most effective in plants that have received their full chill hour requirement — or even slightly less than full …

Under the Microscope: Scab Disease Tops Research Concerns for UGA Pecan Breeder

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Scab disease resistance remains the No. 1 attribute that University of Georgia (UGA) pecan breeder Patrick Conner looks for when breeding for new pecan varieties. Fungicide costs remain high. Market prices remain unpredictable, though they were devastatingly low last year for Southeast growers. Producers need Conner, a professor of horticulture in the UGA College of Agricultural and …

Technology Helps Protect Farming Equipment From Theft

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson Technological advancements provide Alabama fruit and vegetable growers an extra layer of security to protect against theft. During this time of year, tractors and farming equipment are vulnerable to theft since they are often left in fields or orchards for extended periods. But technology, like GPS, allows producers to always know where their property is even if …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Cotton Jassid Pest Alert

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles The cotton jassid, also known as two-spot cotton leafhopper, is an invasive insect from the Indian subcontinent. The pest has sparked concern in cotton crops and has potential to become problematic in specialty crops. Where Is It? The cotton jassid was first detected in the United States in Florida in 2024. The pest recently made headlines as …

AFVGA Presenting Grow Forward Award at Next Year’s Conference

Clint ThompsonAlabama

By Clint Thompson The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) is seeking participants for the Grow Forward Award; a new award that will be presented at next year’s AFVGA Annual Conference on Feb. 4-6 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Blake Thaxton, AFVGA Executive Director, said this award highlights both established producers and emerging growers. “It’s an award, but it’s more …

Producers Must Abide By Contracts Made Prior to New AEWR Methodology Being Established

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The Department of Labor’s interim final rule revising the methodology used in Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) calculations is a win long term for specialty crop producers. In the short term, though, growers must be wary of any contracts that were already in place preceding the new rule. That’s the message that Chris Butts, executive director of …

freeze tolerance

Freeze Tolerance Is Key to Diversification

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Research, Varieties

Freeze tolerance is a focal point of citrus studies conducted at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy. As citrus production continues to grow in the cold-hardy citrus region, growers need varieties that are able to withstand prolonged periods of sub-freezing temperatures. Leading that research is Muhammad Shahid, …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Trade and Tariffs Discussed at FFVA Conference

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles In September, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) hosted its annual conference in Orlando. Specialty crop growers gathered for three days of engagement and education. One of the forums held during the conference was a panel discussion on the new Trump administration and trade. Participants included Lauren Reamy, Penn Avenue Partners; Carolyn Gleason, McDermott Will & …