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 …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign Offers Tips for Stewardship
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition offers tips for growers to help protect pollinators. 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 and applicators in accomplishing …
Growing Matters: BeSure! Campaign Offers Tips for Stewardship
The BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition offers tips for growers to help protect pollinators. 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 and applicators in accomplishing …
Sneak Peek: May 2023 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
The May issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine features an industry leader on the cover while also providing updates on Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberries and the recent Florida Grower Citrus Show in Fort Pierce, Florida. Titan Farms in South Carolina is a leader in peach production in the Southeast. Chalmers Carr, owner of Titan Farms in Ridge Spring, discussed what …
Farmers, Industry Leaders Express Concerns During Farm Bill Listening Session
By Clint Thompson Agricultural leaders and producers in the Southeast voiced their concerns and appreciation to members of the House Committee on Agriculture during a Farm Bill listening session held Monday in Newberry, Florida. The conference room at the University of Florida Food and Agricultural Sciences-Newberry location was standing room only as farmers and industry leaders representing the agricultural sector …
Weather Impacts on Georgia Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Steady rainfall this production season has increased disease pressure in Georgia strawberries. Diseases like anthracnose and phytophthora root rot have been common occurrences in strawberry fields this year, said Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “There have been several things in strawberries that have been problematic this year, and diseases have been …