By Clint Thompson The list of challenging issues negatively impacting specialty crop production is long and complex. But they must be addressed in the Farm Bill legislation that is currently being discussed among legislative leaders. One of those leaders is Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. While in Newberry, Florida, for the Farm Bill listening session …
Downy Mildew Detected in Georgia Cucurbits
Downy mildew disease of cucurbits has been observed in Georgia, according to the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension Vegetable Blog. The detection was made in a cucumber field in Brooks County last week. These observations indicate that the inoculum of downy mildew is currently in southern Georgia counties and are under favorable conditions for a potential outbreak. “I would suggest …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign Stresses Importance of Pesticide Labels
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition tells us it’s always a good time to check your pesticide’s label. The coalition says when choosing crop protection tools, both effectiveness and potential impact on the environment must be considered. Protecting bees and other wildlife is a major part of good stewardship practices and is why Growing Matters launched BeSure!, an initiative to support growers …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign Stresses Importance of Pesticide Labels
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition tells us it’s always a good time to check your pesticide’s label. The coalition says when choosing crop protection tools, both effectiveness and potential impact on the environment must be considered. Protecting bees and other wildlife is a major part of good stewardship practices and is why Growing Matters launched BeSure!, an initiative to support growers …
New Way to Treat Pathogens Shows Promise
By Matthew Cutulle Soil-borne pathogenic bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms cause approximately 90% of diseases affecting the most widely cultivated agricultural crops in the United States. These soil-borne pathogens are among the most damaging factors in crop productivity affecting yield, plant vigor and overall marketability. One of the most problematic pathogens that growers in the Southeast deal with is the …
Persimmon Production and Challenges
By Maegan Beatty Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a round fruit crop that is native to China, Northeast India, and northern Indochina. In the United States, it is typically grown in California, Florida and southeastern Texas. While California is the leading state in persimmon production, Florida is a close second. Farmers and researchers across the state are implementing new practices in …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign Helps Protect Pollinators This Spring
Spring is a vital time for protecting pollinators, and the BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition helps growers keep these important insects protected. The coalition says when choosing crop protection tools, both effectiveness and potential impact on the environment must be considered. Protecting bees and other wildlife is a major part of good stewardship practices and is why Growing Matters launched BeSure!, an …
Farmer Testimony: There’s No Future in Farming
By Clint Thompson Farming is more than just a specialty crop producer’s occupation; it’s a way of life. That is why growers become emotional when discussing their livelihood that is threatened by surging input costs, unfair trade practices and costly labor alternatives. Michael Hill is one of those farmers that’s been challenged by the current agricultural landscape. He discussed the …
Got You Covered: Desaeger Continues to Tout Cover Crops to Manage Nematodes
By Clint Thompson Cover crops remain an under-utilized but effective management option for specialty crop growers managing nematodes. Johan Desaeger, assistant professor of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, touted the practice at the Florida Grower Citrus Show. “If you have the time to put in …
UF/IFAS Faculty Appointed to National Committee
Two University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers have been appointed to a prestigious National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine committee to provide guidance on a serious disease plaguing California’s important wine industry. Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski, an entomologist with the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, and Ozgur Batuman, a plant pathologist with UF/IFAS Southwest Florida …