Southeast citrus trees were undoubtedly impacted by multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures during Christmas week. An exact understanding of the impact will not be known for another couple of months, believes Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “The freeze was significant, but you never really know for sure until the plants start to flush out …
Freeze’s Full Impact on Cold-Hardy Citrus Still Unknown
Southeast citrus trees were undoubtedly impacted by multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures during Christmas week. An exact understanding of the impact will not be known for another couple of months, believes Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist. “The freeze was significant, but you never really know for sure until the plants start to flush out …
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. Statewide Tom Bilbo reports, “When scouting strawberry fields for spider mites, also keep an eye out for naturally occurring predatory mites, such as the [potentially] highly effective specialist predator Phytoseilus persimilis. Sampling conducted in …
Controlling Weeds Through Composting and Organic Amendments
By Ramdas Kanissery and Mahesh Bashyal Using compost and soil amendments is beneficial to Florida citrus groves. Florida soils are sandy and have a low organic matter and cation exchange capacity. Adding compost and organic amendments (e.g., humic acid) can enhance the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients. These practices can also boost soil microbial activity and improve soil …
Mind Your Melon: Farm Family Launches Mental Health Movement
By Frank Giles Farming comes with a set of unique challenges that few other professions have. Among them are many uncontrollable factors that can mean the difference between a profitable year or a loss. Weather, pests and diseases, markets and finding labor are just a few of those stressors. The conversation around stress and mental health has become more pronounced …
Managing Tree Health After Removing IPCs
Researchers and growers have found that individual protective covers (IPCs) can keep young trees free of HLB for two or more years while providing additional benefits like improved tree growth. The IPCs work by keeping HLB-infecting Asian citrus psyllids out of the tree canopies. But trees outgrow the covers and must eventually be removed. Researchers have found that about 60% …
AFVGA Annual Conference Concludes Today
By Clint Thompson Conferences like this week are needed for the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) to grow and increase its stature in the Southeast. Not only does it allow university specialists from across the region to provide intel on various fruits and vegetables, it also brings producers together. They can share what is working on their farm …
Tracking HLB in GeorgiaÂ
When commercial citrus acreage started migrating north some years ago, the big question was: To what extent would Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) and HLB migrate with the crop? With citrus getting well established in South Georgia, the pest and disease are there, but not yet at devastating levels like in Florida. Johnathan Oliver, an assistant professor of fruit pathology with …
UGA Specialist Provides Blueberry Harvest Tips
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvest season is just around the corner for Southeast producers. Proper harvest and handling practices can make the difference in growers producing the best fruit quality. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, provided reminders for farmers during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. The main tip is to handle …
Nutsedge Control Requires Year-Round Management
By Clint Thompson One of the main weed threats to vegetable production requires a year-round management strategy, not just when the crop is in season. Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension weed specialist, discussed the nutsedge management during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Nutsedge is always a problem in vegetable production. It’s such …