Whitefly infestations are increasing around southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Higher numbers of adults and immatures are being observed in older tomato plants. Populations are also reported to be transient in isolated locations, depending on wind direction. Pressure is also high in squash and cucumbers. Whitefly pressure is anywhere from low to moderate in …
Southern Corn Leaf Blight Now a Problem Year-Round for Florida Producers
By Clint Thompson What was mainly a fall disease problem for sweet corn producers has transitioned into a concern for growers during winter and spring production as well. Southern corn leaf blight is an issue that now concerns Florida growers year-round, mostly due to warmer temperatures, said Richard Raid, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) professor …
UF Citrus Breeder: Greening Inevitable for North Florida, South Georgia
By Clint Thompson It’s not a question of if citrus greening disease will be an issue for North Florida and South Georgia citrus producers but when will it be. Fred Gmitter, a University of Florida citrus breeder, believes the disease’s impact in both areas is inevitable. He shared his assessment during Thursday’s Cold Tolerant Citrus Production Workshop in Perry, Florida. …
Drought Update: North Florida, South Georgia Remains Abnormally Dry
According to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, abnormally dry conditions continue to persist across South Georgia and North Florida. As far west as Decatur County, stretching to the coast and as far north as Coffee and Irwin Counties are abnormally dry in Georgia. Counties as far west as Wakulla and Gasden, stretching eastward and as far as south …
Collision Course: North Florida, South Georgia Watermelons Likely Hitting Market at Same Time
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelons and South Georgia watermelons are likely on a collision course for the Southeast market this summer. Weather is the main reason why. Florida Frost Producers in the Suwanee Valley Region in North Florida have started harvesting this year’s crop. But many of their fields were impacted by a scattered frost late in the season. …
Waiting for Watermelons: North Florida, South Georgia Crop Delayed by Weather
By Clint Thompson A delay in harvest for North Florida watermelons would normally spell doom for producers in that region hoping to avoid a collision course with South Georgia producers. But that’s not the case this year. Branford, Florida producer Laura Land said most producers are expecting to harvest at least week than they normally would, due to cooler temperatures. …
How to Stay HLB Free in North Florida, South Georgia Citrus
Temperatures are increasing across Florida. Unfortunately, so is the risk for citrus greening disease. While the southern and central portions of the state remain vulnerable to Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening, and Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) – the vectors that cause the most economically damaging citrus disease in the world – growers in North Florida and South Georgia are still …
Citrus Interest Growing in North Florida, South Georgia
Interest in citrus continues to spike in North Florida and South Georgia. Georgia acres have doubled over the past year. North Florida has increased by another 300 to 400 this spring, says farmer Kim Jones, who owns a citrus packing facility in Monticello, Florida. “We’re seeing a whole lot of acres being planted. It’s hard to get trees. We’ve had …
Kelly Morgan Named New Director of UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center
By: Beverly James, 352-273-3566, beverlymjames@ufl.edu GAINESVILLE, Fla. – As Best Management Practices Coordinator for the state, Kelly Morgan has spent years helping growers find optimum ways to irrigate and fertilize their crops to maximize results. Now, he will get the chance to coordinate even more groundbreaking research. The University of Florida has named Morgan the new director of the UF/IFAS …
Potential for Commercial Vanilla Production in Southern Florida
By Alan Chambers Think about your favorite desserts like ice cream, cookies, cream-filled pastries and chocolate. These indulgences are the perfect end to an otherwise healthy meal, or a guilty snack when no one’s looking. Many of our favorite desserts include a common, yet irresistible, vanillin flavor extract from the “bean” of the vanilla orchid. Vanillin has enhanced the sensory …