By Clint Thompson Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) should be a concern for Alabama vegetable growers. Two outbreaks since 2020 is cause for concern, especially since there were only two outbreaks in the previous 40 years. Alabama farmers must be mindful of controlling western flower thrips, the major vectors of the disease, says Paulo Gimenez Cremonez, Auburn Assistant Professor and …
San Jose Scale Management: Still Time for Delayed-Dormant Sprays
By Clint Thompson Warmer temperatures means San Jose scale populations will begin increasing in peach orchards. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, outlined in the UGA Peach Blog, there is still time to apply delayed-dormant sprays. If growers are implementing delayed dormant sprays, apply a dormant horticultural oil at a …
Aging Population: Making Agriculture Appealing to Younger Generation
By Clint Thompson According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the average farming age was 58 with only about 9% of total producers less than 35 years old. It is a profession that needs to get younger, but how does that happen? Alabama producer Taylor Hatchett believes industry leaders must focus on the worthy profession they get to serve and …
What Georgia’s Citrus Industry Needs to Do to Succeed
One Florida citrus industry leader is impressed with Georgia’s burgeoning industry. Rick Dantzler, Citrus Research and Development Foundation chief operating officer, believes Georgia’s industry can continue to grow as long as it manages citrus greening effectively. He stressed eradication when speaking about citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), at the annual meeting on Feb. 25. “Georgia’s potential is bright …
Georgia Legislative Update: Pesticide Labeling
By Clint Thompson The 2025 Georgia State Legislative Session continues, and two proposed bills are hoping to protect the state’s agricultural sector by clarifying pesticide labeling. SB 144 and HB 424 passed unanimously through the Agriculture Committees. The purpose of SB 144, sponsored by Sen. Sam Watson, is to clarify what pesticide manufacturers are obligated to include on their product …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Putting an Agritourism Plan in Place
By Frank Giles With inflated input costs and tight profit margins in recent years, some specialty crop growers have sought to diversify their businesses to generate new revenue streams and to spread risks. Agritourism has been the choice for some farms. Agritourism encompasses several categories, including you-pick, direct-to-consumer retail sales, and venue space for weddings and other events. Growers considering …
Most North Florida Watermelon Plantings Expected to Start in March
By Clint Thompson Most North Florida watermelon growers are on the cusp of another planting season. While some acres across the region are planted in late February, most are planted, beginning in March, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida. “I think the majority of our …
Clemson Extension Agents Provide Crop Updates
Weekly Field Update Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Anna Sara Hill Zack Snipes Midlands Sarah Scott Pee Dee Brittney King Upstate Andy Rollins Sponsored ContentNew Syngenta Varieties Offer Grower SolutionsFebruary 1, 2026Attribute® II Technology Adds More Flexibility and Strength to …
Sneak Peek: March 2025 Specialty Crop Grower Magazine
The cover story of the March issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine highlights whiteflies and how they can devastate vegetables with the viruses they transmit. Weather can contribute to the severity of whitefly infestations. In 2016 and 2017, weather conditions were hot and dry which led to whitefly populations spiraling out of control. Multiple university researchers talked about the pest …
Thrips Threat: N.C. State Studying Pest’s Challenge to State’s Small Fruits
By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) berry farmers should be mindful of thrips. Not normally a problem for growers in North Carolina in past years, thrips have been gaining traction as a concerning pest recently, says Lorena Lopez, N.C. State assistant Extension professor of entomology and plant pathology. “Western flower thrips are the major thrips species that we have infesting …



















