Florida Mango Production, Marketing Much Different in 2023

Web AdminFlorida, Mangos

By Clint Thompson Mango production in Florida looks much different than it did many years ago. Producers are growing varieties not grown in other countries. They are also marketing their crop much differently than in previous years. Jonathan Crane, associate center director and tropical fruit specialist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Tropical Research and …

Southeast Production: Rindworm Management in Watermelons

Web AdminWatermelon

By Clint Thompson Watermelon producers in the Southeast should be wary of the presence of rindworms in this year’s crop. Insecticide sprays are available for growers who need to control populations of the various worm species like corn earworm, fall armyworm and beet armyworm. Intrepid and Coragen insecticides are ideal choices for farmers to utilize, according to Bob Hochmuth, University …

Out of Business: Gloomy Future for Florida Blueberry Farmers

Web AdminFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s recent lack of success in profiting from its blueberry crop has prompted some farmers to leave the business altogether. “I already know of three farms for sale. I think you’re going to see a couple of people go out of business,” said Ryan Atwood, who lives in Mount Dora, Florida and farms 56 acres of blueberries, …

Gas Prices Decreasing Across Southeast

Web AdminAgri-business

Gas prices are decreasing across the U.S., especially in the Southeast, according to AAA. Prices have dropped significantly over the past month and more than $1 per gallon over the previous year. As of Monday, a regular gallon of gasoline in Florida costs an average of $3.40, compared to $3.47 a week ago, $3.71 a month ago and $4.48 a …

Still Dry: Lack of Rain in Areas Across Southeast

Web AdminWeather

Rainfall continues to impact parts of the Southeast, though much of the region is still observing dry conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, much of the west coast of Florida is either extremely dry or severely dry. These include Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, Desoto and Charlotte counties. Most of the central part …

Cucurbit Downy Mildew Found in South Carolina

Web AdminSouth Carolina

First it was Florida. Then Georgia. Now South Carolina. Downy mildew disease has moved its way up the Southeast region. According to the South Carolina Grower, cucurbit downy mildew was identified in South Carolina on May 12. The identification came from butternut squash grown in a sentinel plot at the Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Vegetable …

Passion Fruit’s Potential in Florida

Web AdminFruits, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

By Maegan Beatty Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is an evergreen perennial vine that produces a tropical fruit. The most cultivated type of passion fruit in the United States is the purple passion fruit. The fruit thrives in tropical climates and grows exceptionally well in central and southern Florida. In April, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural …

How Dry is it? Drought Monitor Shows Lack of Rainfall in Parts of Southeast

Web AdminWeather

Florida’s dry conditions continue to persist throughout most of the state, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. An extreme drought remains along the west coast of the state, starting as far north as Levy County and stretching as far south as Hillsborough and Manatee counties. A severe drought persists along the west coast as well, starting in …