By Clint Thompson As if finding an adequate labor force wasn’t hard enough for specialty crop producers in Florida, it will likely become even more challenging starting July 1. When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1718, it marked a significant crackdown on illegal immigration in the state. But it could also devastate many of the state’s farming operations in …
Pepper Weevil Update Throughout South Florida
One insect that is being reported in high numbers right now across South Florida is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts are reporting high pepper weevil pressure in some areas across Southwest Florida. Weevils are also being observed on eggplant foliage at low levels. The same is being seen in fields along the …
Pepper Weevil Update in South Florida Vegetable Crops
One insect that is being reported in high numbers right now across South Florida is the pepper weevil. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts are reporting high pepper weevil pressure in some areas across Southwest Florida. Weevils are also being observed on eggplant foliage at low levels. The same is being seen in fields along the …
Thrips Levels High in Parts of South Florida
South Florida vegetable producers should be wary that thrips levels are high in certain parts of the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Population levels vary in Southwest Florida. Melon thrips populations are problematic in certain fields. Levels were medium to high in beans, though most of the crop have been harvested. Most of the beans have …
Thrips Update: What’s Happening Across South Florida?
South Florida vegetable producers should be wary that thrips levels are high in certain parts of the region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Population levels vary in Southwest Florida. Melon thrips populations are problematic in certain fields. Levels were medium to high in beans, though most of the crop have been harvested. Most of the beans …
Whitefly Pressure High Across South Florida
Whitefly pressure remains high across South Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. High populations are reported on all crops in southwest Florida, though recent rainfall in some parts might help reduced levels. Jawad Qureshi, entomologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, also reports high …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Aphid Populations Low
Aphid populations remain low across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Pressure is low to moderate across Southwest Florida in various crops. With the ongoing dry weather, populations should continue to increase. Aphid pressure is moderate overall on beans in the Everglades Agricultural Area and will continue to increase amid the current dry spell. Aphids …
South Florida Facing Higher Populations of Pepper Weevils
Pepper weevils are reaching high populations across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Weevils are present at moderate to high populations in Southwest Florida. Infestations are reported to be very high in some locations. Populations have increased dramatically across Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River counties along the east coast, reach high levels …
High Populations: Pepper Weevils Wreaking Havoc in South Florida
Pepper weevils are reaching high populations across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Weevils are present at moderate to high populations in Southwest Florida. Infestations are reported to be very high in some locations. Populations have increased dramatically across Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River counties along the east coast, reach high levels …
South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Caterpillar Pressure Increasing
Caterpillar populations are increasing in southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Southern armyworms are observed anywhere between moderate and high levels in some tomato fields in central Florida. Worm pressure has increased to moderate levels in some locations across Southwest Florida. Southern and beet armyworms are most numerous, with some fruit damage reported in tomato. …