Citrus acreage continues to increase across the North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama regions. Interest has expanded to large row crop farmers, who see citrus as a viable alternative crop, said Kim Jones at the Feb. 17 Citrus Health Forum meeting at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences North Florida Research and Education Center. Jones …
What’s Happening? Clemson Extension Agents Provide Updates
Clemson Extension agents provide updates in The South Carolina Grower this week about the status of various crops being produced throughout the state. Coastal Region Rob Last reports, “Strawberries in the area look good, with some new leaf development emerging from the crown. Boron applications are being applied, either as a foliar application or through the drip system. Remember, we …
Nematode Management for Organic Crops
By Johan Desaeger Southeastern states have been slow to adopt organic crops. However, they recorded the most growth in organic production in the last 10 years. States such as California, Vermont, Maine and New York have a longer history with organic production. A great deal of scientific research now supports organic agriculture in these states. This is not the case …
Effects of Cold Weather on Herbicide Performance in Vegetable Production
By Ramdas Kanissery and Nathan Boyd Cold temperatures throughout Florida has vegetable growers concerned about the impact the weather is having on herbicide effectiveness. Low temperatures slow weed growth and affect the weed’s herbicide uptake, leading to ineffective weed control. Less of the herbicide reaches the target, providing a less successful weed control outcome. However, herbicide performance in response to …
Peach Rootstock Research at the University of Georgia
By Dario J. Chavez, Jeff Cook and Tom G. Beckman Rootstocks are important for fruit production as they provide required protection for soil pests and pathogens. The most predominant peach rootstocks in the Southeastern United States are Guardian (Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina) and Flordaguard (Florida). Guardian (BY520-9) was released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA …
USDA-NIFA Grant To Enhance UF/IFAS Vanilla Research, Promote Domestic Industry
HOMESTEAD, Fla – A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tropical fruit breeder is a step closer to establishing a domestic vanilla industry for growers in Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Alan Chambers, an assistant professor and plant geneticist at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department …
So Far So Good: Blueberry Growers Still Evaluating Crop After Frigid Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Frigid temperatures this past weekend had blueberry growers across the Southeast on high alert. Some applied frost protection, others did not. Some emerged mostly unscathed, while others experienced some damage. The full extent of the impact will not be fully known until later this week, says Renee Holland, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension area blueberry agent and …
Sneak Peek: February 2022 Specialty Crop Industry Magazine
By Clint Thompson The February issue of Specialty Crop Industry Magazine features John L. Hundley’s recipe for success for more than 50 years in Florida. Hard work, a capable supporting staff and adapting to the changing times have helped sustain Hundley Farms and are why he will be inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame on Feb. 15. Frank …
UF Research: Mixing Turf Varieties Helps Lawns Last Longer
University of Florida research has determined that lawns containing a mix of turf varieties maintained their aesthetic quality longer than lawns with just a single variety. They are better at managing disease and pests. This reduces the need for pesticides, which lowers the environmental impact and financial cost of maintaining turf, said Adam Dale, senior author of the study and …
Downy Mildew Alert: Alabama Cucurbit Growers Be Proactive in Management
By Clint Thompson Florida’s recent diagnosis of downy mildew in lettuce should have Alabama growers on alert about the disease’s eventual movement northward. Ed Sikora, professor and Extension plant pathologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, discusses why producers should be wary of this disease. “With these moist conditions, that’ll build up the winter nursery …