agriculture

UF Program Probing Hemp Production

Web AdminHemp, Research, Top Posts, VSCNews magazine

Industrial hemp could be Florida’s next big specialty crop. The University of Florida (UF) Industrial Hemp Pilot Program is tasked with figuring out how to successfully grow the crop in the Sunshine State. During the 2018 Citrus Expo, Zachary Brym outlined the program objectives and how growers can get involved. Brym is an associate professor at the UF Tropical Research …

Sneak Peek: January VSCNews Magazine

Web AdminSneak peek, Top Posts

Biotechnology may change the agricultural world as we know it today. In fact, it has already changed the industry in many ways. The January issue of VSCNews magazine will explore biotechnology and the opportunities it holds. Kevin Folta, University of Florida (UF) professor, discusses what gene editing really means and the need for public support. He gives an overview of …

The Soccer of Fruits

Web AdminBusiness, Mangos, Top Posts

By Breanna Kendrick Most people don’t know that some of the best mangos in the world come from Florida. Jeremy Smollar with Florida’s Finest Farm in Miami is trying to get the word out on what Florida mangos are all about. “I call it the soccer of fruit. Most people don’t know it’s the most loved fruit around the world, …

Idea Exchange Benefits Growers

Web AdminTop Posts, Vegetables

Several growers traveled to LaBelle, Florida, on Tuesday to view research plots by Seminis, a Bayer company. The Seminis plots test new and existing varieties of produce, such as cucumber, squash, tomato, watermelon, pepper, lettuce and green bean. Emily Standley, brand communications manager for Bayer CropScience, says events like this are great for growers to exchange ideas and hear what …

Storm Preparation and Recovery for Avocado Trees

Web AdminAvocado, Top Posts, Weather

By Breanna Kendrick Prior to a storm, it is recommended that avocado growers have a tree-size management program in place. The purpose is to ensure trees are not getting too tall or too wide. Trees that have been maintained at the proper size are easier to pick, easier to spray and are much more efficient economically and physically to harvest. …

Sneak Peek: December VSCNews Magazine

Web AdminSneak peek, Top Posts

The Southeast has an incredibly diverse agricultural industry, and it continues to expand. The December issue of VSCNews magazine will explore up-and-coming crops in the Southeast, as well as some international crops that could be a good fit for this region. Hop production has been a popular topic in Florida, especially at the University of Florida’s (UF) Gulf Coast Research …

Grower Reminder: Be on the Lookout for Blueberry Gall Midge

Web AdminBerries, Industry News Release, Top Posts

The Florida Blueberry Growers Association sent out the following release: Time to Monitor for Blueberry Gall Midge Just a reminder to blueberry growers that it is time to monitor for the presence of adult blueberry gall midge on your farms. Adults are typically active beginning in November, with a peak in January and February in Central and South Central Florida, …

Fumigation for Fusarium Wilt in Watermelon

Web AdminResearch, Top Posts, Watermelon

By Breanna Kendrick Fusarium wilt is not a new problem, but it’s a more prevalent problem now than it previously was. Once fusarium becomes established in the soil, it’s very long lived. Fusarium wilt has been a main area of research for the past 10 years for the National Watermelon Association. Josh Freeman, associate professor of horticultural sciences at the …

SmartIrrigation Technology Improves Tomato Production

Web AdminResearch, Top Posts, VSCNews magazine, Water

By Ibukun T. Ayankojo and Kelly T. Morgan Fresh tomato production in the United States is dominated by the states of California and Florida. Florida harvests about 28,000 acres of tomatoes with a production value of $382 million. This accounts for approximately 40 percent of the total production value in the United States. IRRIGATION ACCURACY IS CRITICAL Vegetable production requires …

Watch Out for Sweet Potato Weevil

Web AdminPests, Sweet Potatoes, Top Posts

By Breanna Kendrick What’s small, black, has six legs and causes a lot of damage to sweet potato crops? The sweet potato weevil. Once this pest is present and fields become highly infested, it’s very difficult to control. The weevil causes unsightly effects to the outside and inside of the sweet potato, making it hard to move the product through …