By Karla Arboleda After some growers reported seeing center rot, downy mildew and Botrytis leaf blight in their fields, University of Georgia (UGA) researchers are working on better disease control for Vidalia onions. UGA researchers work with both organic and conventional Vidalia onions to develop ways to deal with fungal and bacterial diseases. Bhabesh Dutta, an Extension vegetable pathologist at …
Growers of Organic Vidalia Onions Face Challenges
By Bhabesh Dutta, Carroll Johnson and Jason Schmidt Vidalia onion ranks first in terms of farmgate value among vegetables in Georgia, making it the most important vegetable crop in the state. Among the spring-grown onions in the United States, Georgia ranks first because Vidalia onions are predominantly grown in spring. Although most of the acreage is conventional, nearly 20 percent …
Research Progress in Combating Center Rot of Vidalia Onion
By Bhabesh Dutta Annually, Georgia plants over 12,000 acres of sweet Vidalia onions (National Agricultural Statistical Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture) with farmgate value of approximately $145 million dollars. Vidalia onion ranks first in terms of farmgate value among vegetables in Georgia, making it the most important vegetable crop in the state. Among the spring-grown onions in the United States, …
Vidalia Onion Committee Steps Up Marketing Efforts
The Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC), located in Vidalia, Georgia, is looking forward to new marketing initiatives it has put in place for the upcoming season. Bob Stafford, VOC manager, said “Only Vidalia” is the new phrase for the committee. He spoke with AgNet Media’s Josh McGill at the Produce Marketing Association’s 2017 Fresh Summit. The Fresh Summit was held October …
Soil Tests Stressed During Irrigation Expo
By Clint Thompson Soil tests are a key management strategy for vegetable growers looking to remain sustainable. While soil tests are usually conducted in the fall, it never hurts for farmers to get a refresher on their importance. Ted McAvoy, University of Georgia Extension vegetable specialist, stressed soil tests’ importance during the recent Georgia-Florida Irrigation Expo held at the University …
Fertigation Efficiency Highlighted at Irrigation Expo
By Clint Thompson Fertigation remains a valuable method of applying fertilizer under plasticulture systems. Growers just need to understand how it works and how much fertilizer must be applied. Ted McAvoy, University of Georgia Extension vegetable specialist, provided an overview of fertigation during the recent Georgia-Florida Irrigation Expo held at the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center …
Microjet Irrigation Most Effective Freeze-Protection Method
Microjet sprinklers provide the most effective way for producers in the cold-hardy citrus region to protect their trees from freeze damage. Microjet irrigation is even more effective than drip irrigation and overhead irrigation. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, stressed that point during the recent Georgia-Florida Irrigation Expo at the UGA Vidalia Onion and …
UGA, UF/IFAS Set to Host Irrigation Expo
By Clint Thompson The Georgia/Florida Irrigation Expo is slated for Wednesday, June 10 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. The UGA and University of Florida (UF) Extension Services are partnering with local RC&D councils and Soil & Water Conservation Districts to host the expo with a focus on irrigation. Cale Cloud, …
Rep. Austin Scott Leads House Letter Urging Action on Mexican Specialty Crop Imports
Washington, D.C— U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) led a bipartisan group of 79 members of the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer this week to emphasize the importance of fair trade measures for the U.S. specialty crop industry. “America’s growers and producers are the best in the world. Current …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Cultiva, Bend But Don’t Break
By Frank Giles When Federico Boscolo arrived in North Florida to establish and operate a new leafy greens farm, the concept of 100-year storms was not burned into his mind or vocabulary. That changed in 2017 when a nearly decade-long stretch of quiet hurricane seasons ended with Hurricane Irma. Boscolo’s family hails from Italy, where their company, Cultiva, is a …