Clemson Extension Agents Provide Weekly Crop Updates

Clint ThompsonSouth Carolina

Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Statewide Tom Bilbo, Extension Entomologist Vegetable growers — be aware that the EPA is seeking public comments on an issue regarding the use of neonicotinoid insecticides (e.g., Admire, Assail, Belay, Actor, Venom) on food crops. Clemson/University of …

fertilizer

Georgia Citrus Growers May Be Using Too Much Fertilizer

Dan CooperGeorgia, Nutrition

Fertilizer recommendations for citrus are still a work in progress for University of Georgia (UGA) researchers, including Mary Sutton, UGA assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist. She discussed this topic at the recent Southeast Georgia Citrus Update in Lyons. South Georgia citrus production is still in its early stage. Fertilizer recommendations are needed for the industry’s long-term sustainability. “We’re hoping …

citrus red mite

Citrus Red Mite Threatens Cold-Hardy Production

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Pests

The threat of Asian citrus psyllids to cold-hardy citrus does not mean growers should ignore other insects and their potential impacts in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama. The citrus red mite should be a concern for growers, especially in the spring and if certain weather conditions persist, explains Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor of entomology …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Webinar Series Features Cucurbit Viruses and Management

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles Whiteflies, aphids and other pests continue to be significant problems in Southeastern vegetable production. Recently, the Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group hosted a series of webinars addressing several important viruses pests may carry. The group’s mission is to improve communication and knowledge about viruses across the cucurbit industry and develop strategies to successfully identify and mitigate …

Hedging Under Study for Cold-Hardy Citrus

Dan CooperCold Hardy, Pruning

One of satsuma mandarin’s drawbacks is its alternate bearing tendency. It will produce a heavy crop load one year and a low one the next year. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, said tree hedging may provide a solution. She discussed the management technique at the Southeast Georgia Citrus Update in Lyons, Georgia on …

Georgia Farmer Details Input Challenges

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson One of the top vegetable farmers in the Southeast is not immune to the inflationary costs impacting growers these days. In fact, Georgia farmer Kent Hamilton said his input costs have spiked every year since COVID. “We’ve got hit hard from every angle. And to be honest with you, ’21, ’22, and ’23, our business lost money, …

Ag Climatologist Discusses Current Drought Conditions

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson The prolonged drought that lingered across the Southeast is still being observed in parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia; just to a lesser extent. The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry areas still present in all three states. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, talked about the drought and how …

Georgia

Pathologist Provides Update on HLB Spread in Georgia

Dan CooperCitrus Greening, Georgia

Citrus greening disease continues to loom over the cold-hardy citrus region. While the industry expands in South Georgia and North Florida, the threat of the disease (also known as huanglongbing, or HLB) remains a focal point of citrus meetings, including on July 28 at the Southeast Georgia Citrus Update in Lyons. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and …

Look Before Planting: Inspect Strawberry Plants for Disease Symptoms

Clint ThompsonGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Strawberry producers are less than three months away before they start planting next year’s crop in Georgia. Their first order of business is ensuring the plants are clean before they are put in the ground. Producers want to avoid a Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) outbreak, and a careful inspection will help make that happen. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia …

Lobbyist Updates Growers About Key Legislative Issues at Peanut Conference

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Last week’s Southern Peanut Growers Conference provided growers an opportunity to hear about various topics impacting the agricultural industry. One of the sessions focused on legislative issues. Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington D.C., attended the three-day conference and provided attendees with an update on …