Despite recent rainfall, exceptional drought conditions continue to be observed across the Southeast region. According to the May 7 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, exceptional drought remains prevalent in North Florida and South Georgia. In the Florida Panhandle, exceptional drought starts in Bay and Washington counties and expands eastward to Nassau, Baker, Bradford, Alachua and Levy counties. Exceptional drought …
Drought Monitor Update: Conditions Worsening Across Southeast
By Clint Thompson The April 30 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor paints a grim view of the drought conditions being experienced across the Southeast. Almost all of Georgia is observing either extreme drought or exceptional drought. Nearly all of South Alabama is seeing extreme drought conditions, while the northern and southwestern parts of Florida are observing either extreme drought …
Extreme Drought Conditions Challenging Southeast Alabama
By Clint Thompson Scattered rains last weekend in Southeast Alabama were a welcomed sight for producers. But considering the drought’s impact in the region, growers need those rains to continue. “Right along the Houston-Geneva County, the southern parts of the county along the state line, it’s mighty dry,” said Neil Kelly, Alabama regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama. Almost all …
Simple Economics: Grafted Watermelon Plants’ Growth in North Florida Likely Minimal
By Clint Thompson The emergence of fusarium wilt disease in North Florida watermelons this year is a reminder about how effective grafted plants are in overcoming the disease. Unfortunately, their growth in the Suwanee Valley region may be limited by simple economics, explains Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in …
Increased Costs for Watermelon Growers As Limited Volume Expected Out of Florida
By Clint Thompson Production costs are up for Southeast watermelon growers. That’s created concern for producers with harvest season just around the corner for much of the region. “I think what’s on the forefront of everybody’s minds is the challenges with costs we’re seeing already,” said George Szczepanski, executive director of the National Watermelon Association. “As a result from the …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Florida Citrus Show a Day of Education, Enjoyment
By AgNet Media Staff The Florida Citrus Show marked another successful event in March in Fort Pierce. The show provided attendees with a fun, informative day to learn about citrus and specialty crops while engaging with exhibitors during the tailgate-style trade show. CRAFT Update Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) programs have been very popular with growers and have incentivized …
Fusarium Wilt Observed In North Florida Watermelons
By Clint Thompson North Florida and South Georgia watermelon producers must be aware that fusarium wilt disease is showing up across North Florida. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, said in his weekly email that the disease has also been observed in UF/IFAS research trials. Symptoms …
Drought Monitor Update: Worsening Conditions Across Southeast Region
Drought continues to wreak havoc in the Southeast region. In the April 16 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, conditions are worsening across North Florida, South Georgia and Southeast Alabama. Florida Exceptional drought is being observed over a large portion of the North Florida area, starting in Gulf, Calhoun and Jackson counties, spreading eastward to Alachua, Union and Baker counties. …
Lab Diagnosis Needed to Identify Phytophthora in Southeast Strawberries
By Clint Thompson Neopestalotiopsis (Neo) disease in strawberries has garnered much of the headlines in recent years for Southeast producers. But other diseases can still leave a mark on production if growers are not careful. One, in particular, is a huge concern, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “Phytophthora is still a problem. Not …
Crop Consultant: Florida Drought Worst in 20 Years
By Clint Thompson Current drought conditions in Florida are not surprising. After all, the driest part of the season is typically during the months of April and May. But conditions are dire even for this time of year, explains Gene McAvoy, a crop consultant in South Florida. It has been some time since he has experienced drought conditions of this …



















