By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …
Leaf Rust Disease a Concern Now More Than Ever for Florida Blueberry Growers
By Clint Thompson Leaf rust disease has always been a problem for Florida blueberry growers. But that concern has only magnified with producers transferring to an evergreen production system. Phil Harmon, professor and Extension plant pathologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discusses the issue growers are facing with this familiar problem. “Here recently, …
Florida Strawberry Update: Hillsborough County Land Running Low for Farmers
By Clint Thompson Hillsborough County, Florida’s winter strawberry capital of the United States, could soon be in danger. Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Florida, believes the influx of people moving into the area means there is less and less land to use for agriculture. That will slowly impact the county’s production of strawberries over time. …
Florida Farmer Testimonial: Adaptation Key to Survival
By Clint Thompson The secret to Chuck Obern’s agricultural success is adapting to the changing economical landscape. How he farmers now looks much different than when produced crops 10 years ago. Obern, with C&B Farms, located south of Clewiston, Florida, has kept his head above water the past two decades though the rising tides of increased input costs, unfair trade …
Tomato Suspension Agreement Not Florida vs. Mexico
On June 16, the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) filed a request with the Department of Commerce to terminate the Tomato Suspension Agreement. This request was based on established facts and U.S. antidumping law. Days later, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), a trade group that represents importers of Mexican produce, issued a press release attacking the FTE and wildly mischaracterizing …
Set the Record Straight: Tomato Suspension Agreement Not Florida vs. Mexico
MAITLAND, FL – June 27, 2023: On June 16, the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) filed a request with the Department of Commerce to terminate the Tomato Suspension Agreement. This request was based on established facts and U.S. antidumping law. Days later, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), a trade group that represents importers of Mexican produce, issued a press release …
Abnormally Dry Conditions Still Prevalent in Areas Across Southeast Region
The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows abnormally dry conditions in North Alabama and North Georgia and along the west coast of Florida. Florida’s driest conditions start as far north as Dixie, Gilchrist and Alachua counties and stretch southward to Lee and Collier counties. Georgia’s dry conditions are concentrated mostly to the northwest part of the state. …
Monthly Blueberry Updates Help ‘Remind’ Florida Growers
By Clint Thompson The monthly blueberry updates administered by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) serves as a reminder for Florida growers of what needs to be done from a management standpoint. Even following the recent harvest, producers have important tasks to complete if they want to have another productive season the following year. Doug Phillips, …
Bret’s Impact on Southeast Could Mean Additional Rain
By Clint Thompson What potentially could have been the development of a rare June hurricane is no longer in the forecast with Tropical Storm Bret. But it could still impact the Southeast by bringing added rain to a region already saturated by storms the past two weeks. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, discusses the impact specialty crop …
A New Ilarvirus in Florida Tomatoes
By Ozgur Batuman and Salih Yilmaz Ilarviruses can infect both herbaceous and woody plants and are known to be transmitted by pollen and seed with varying efficiency. Thrips have been associated as vectors of ilarviruses since they create wounds during feeding that can serve as entry points for virus particles carried in or on infected pollen. Tobacco streak virus (TSV) …